Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

The major driver for younger Aug/Sept birthdays playing with their grade is college recruitment. What this means is that A teams will likely be grouped by grade because these are the players most likely to get recruited.

Other teams will do what they want. Although over time I bet they group by grade simply because its easier than addressing edge cases all the time.

The top teams are picking age instead of grade because of the edge cases.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

Which travel club has teams made up of mostly school classmates and friends?

I believe it also applies to rec but this is what was written, "Second, an Aug. 1 age group cut-off best aligns soccer age groups with school year ages, maximizing the number of players who participate in soccer programs with their school-year friends."

You do know that a line from a marketing statement isn't evidence, right?

None of us know a travel team where all the kids are walking past each other in the hallways on Monday morning

That's just verbiage to snag the play-date parents

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

The major driver for younger Aug/Sept birthdays playing with their grade is college recruitment. What this means is that A teams will likely be grouped by grade because these are the players most likely to get recruited.

Other teams will do what they want. Although over time I bet they group by grade simply because its easier than addressing edge cases all the time.

The top teams are picking age instead of grade because of the edge cases.

So clubs are choosing to screw over young Aug/Sept players when it comes to college recruiting by playing them on a grade down team for short term "wins"?

I dont see it happening.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

Which travel club has teams made up of mostly school classmates and friends?

I believe it also applies to rec but this is what was written, "Second, an Aug. 1 age group cut-off best aligns soccer age groups with school year ages, maximizing the number of players who participate in soccer programs with their school-year friends."

Keep posting + join the party.

Theres a very angry troll that is trying to hide from players playing with their grade. Eventually they'll give up with a giant L.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

The major driver for younger Aug/Sept birthdays playing with their grade is college recruitment. What this means is that A teams will likely be grouped by grade because these are the players most likely to get recruited.

Other teams will do what they want. Although over time I bet they group by grade simply because its easier than addressing edge cases all the time.

The top teams are picking age instead of grade because of the edge cases.

So clubs are choosing to screw over young Aug/Sept players when it comes to college recruiting by playing them on a grade down team for short term "wins"?

I dont see it happening.

If the SY cutoff is 8/1, wouldn't the August and September players be the new BY January and February older players in the age group?

What's the soccer performance disadvantage in that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

Which travel club has teams made up of mostly school classmates and friends?

I believe it also applies to rec but this is what was written, "Second, an Aug. 1 age group cut-off best aligns soccer age groups with school year ages, maximizing the number of players who participate in soccer programs with their school-year friends."

Keep posting + join the party.

Theres a very angry troll that is trying to hide from players playing with their grade. Eventually they'll give up with a giant L.

Ok Crazy August Guy. Sure.

Here are a bunch more for you to peruse. All regarding the age change. Please post your links please! I am sure you have some right?

https://www.nvasoccer.com/age-group-change-faqs
Can my player play up an age group to remain with her current team?

Approval for play ups are a coach and technical staff decision based on what is best for the individual player. Skill level, maturity, and overall development needs are the main factors considered. Generally, play ups will be approved only in exceptional circumstances

https://www.pwsi.org/copy-of-2026-2027-age-group-changes

Q: Can players play up an age group?

A: Playing up is a coaching and technical decision based primarily on the player’s skill level, soccer maturity, and overall development needs. While Prince William Courage allows flexibility in certain cases, playing up is the exception rather than the rule. Each situation is carefully evaluated by the technical staff to ensure it is in the best interest of both the individual player and the team.

https://www.ncfcyouth.com/birth-year-changes

CNL/ECNL-RL Program
2026-27 Age Group Structure

As of the 2026–27 season, the new standard will shift to a seasonal model, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.

https://rushsoccer.com/age-group-change-resources/
Will my player be allowed to ``move up`` with their friends/teammates if they fall into the lower age group?

We generally encourage players to participate within their designated age group to ensure appropriate development, competition balance and alignment with the new age group cutoff dates.

VA Revolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1voFxisvjkZG4FD3lBlZF2JA3T0w4nvErzwQaF1g5Z5M/edit?tab=t.0

What if my child was held-back or “red-shirted”?
Placement of the player is ultimately based on age eligibility, not their grade in school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

Which travel club has teams made up of mostly school classmates and friends?

I believe it also applies to rec but this is what was written, "Second, an Aug. 1 age group cut-off best aligns soccer age groups with school year ages, maximizing the number of players who participate in soccer programs with their school-year friends."

Keep posting + join the party.

Theres a very angry troll that is trying to hide from players playing with their grade. Eventually they'll give up with a giant L.

Ok Crazy August Guy. Sure.

Here are a bunch more for you to peruse. All regarding the age change. Please post your links please! I am sure you have some right?

https://www.nvasoccer.com/age-group-change-faqs
Can my player play up an age group to remain with her current team?

Approval for play ups are a coach and technical staff decision based on what is best for the individual player. Skill level, maturity, and overall development needs are the main factors considered. Generally, play ups will be approved only in exceptional circumstances

https://www.pwsi.org/copy-of-2026-2027-age-group-changes

Q: Can players play up an age group?

A: Playing up is a coaching and technical decision based primarily on the player’s skill level, soccer maturity, and overall development needs. While Prince William Courage allows flexibility in certain cases, playing up is the exception rather than the rule. Each situation is carefully evaluated by the technical staff to ensure it is in the best interest of both the individual player and the team.

https://www.ncfcyouth.com/birth-year-changes

CNL/ECNL-RL Program
2026-27 Age Group Structure

As of the 2026–27 season, the new standard will shift to a seasonal model, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.

https://rushsoccer.com/age-group-change-resources/
Will my player be allowed to ``move up`` with their friends/teammates if they fall into the lower age group?

We generally encourage players to participate within their designated age group to ensure appropriate development, competition balance and alignment with the new age group cutoff dates.

VA Revolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1voFxisvjkZG4FD3lBlZF2JA3T0w4nvErzwQaF1g5Z5M/edit?tab=t.0

What if my child was held-back or “red-shirted”?
Placement of the player is ultimately based on age eligibility, not their grade in school.

Not crazy August guy, but here is a link showing similar langague to "play your grade" if you are an August birthday.

https://www.northshoreunited.org/girlsacademy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

Which travel club has teams made up of mostly school classmates and friends?

I believe it also applies to rec but this is what was written, "Second, an Aug. 1 age group cut-off best aligns soccer age groups with school year ages, maximizing the number of players who participate in soccer programs with their school-year friends."

Keep posting + join the party.

Theres a very angry troll that is trying to hide from players playing with their grade. Eventually they'll give up with a giant L.

Ok Crazy August Guy. Sure.

Here are a bunch more for you to peruse. All regarding the age change. Please post your links please! I am sure you have some right?

https://www.nvasoccer.com/age-group-change-faqs
Can my player play up an age group to remain with her current team?

Approval for play ups are a coach and technical staff decision based on what is best for the individual player. Skill level, maturity, and overall development needs are the main factors considered. Generally, play ups will be approved only in exceptional circumstances

https://www.pwsi.org/copy-of-2026-2027-age-group-changes

Q: Can players play up an age group?

A: Playing up is a coaching and technical decision based primarily on the player’s skill level, soccer maturity, and overall development needs. While Prince William Courage allows flexibility in certain cases, playing up is the exception rather than the rule. Each situation is carefully evaluated by the technical staff to ensure it is in the best interest of both the individual player and the team.

https://www.ncfcyouth.com/birth-year-changes

CNL/ECNL-RL Program
2026-27 Age Group Structure

As of the 2026–27 season, the new standard will shift to a seasonal model, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.

https://rushsoccer.com/age-group-change-resources/
Will my player be allowed to ``move up`` with their friends/teammates if they fall into the lower age group?

We generally encourage players to participate within their designated age group to ensure appropriate development, competition balance and alignment with the new age group cutoff dates.

VA Revolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1voFxisvjkZG4FD3lBlZF2JA3T0w4nvErzwQaF1g5Z5M/edit?tab=t.0

What if my child was held-back or “red-shirted”?
Placement of the player is ultimately based on age eligibility, not their grade in school.

Not crazy August guy, but here is a link showing similar langague to "play your grade" if you are an August birthday.

https://www.northshoreunited.org/girlsacademy

Good find! It flips the exception but certainly still allows it. Seems like a good fit for August Guy. He can move out to Wisconsin sign up!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

Which travel club has teams made up of mostly school classmates and friends?

I believe it also applies to rec but this is what was written, "Second, an Aug. 1 age group cut-off best aligns soccer age groups with school year ages, maximizing the number of players who participate in soccer programs with their school-year friends."

Keep posting + join the party.

Theres a very angry troll that is trying to hide from players playing with their grade. Eventually they'll give up with a giant L.

Ok Crazy August Guy. Sure.

Here are a bunch more for you to peruse. All regarding the age change. Please post your links please! I am sure you have some right?

https://www.nvasoccer.com/age-group-change-faqs
Can my player play up an age group to remain with her current team?

Approval for play ups are a coach and technical staff decision based on what is best for the individual player. Skill level, maturity, and overall development needs are the main factors considered. Generally, play ups will be approved only in exceptional circumstances

https://www.pwsi.org/copy-of-2026-2027-age-group-changes

Q: Can players play up an age group?

A: Playing up is a coaching and technical decision based primarily on the player’s skill level, soccer maturity, and overall development needs. While Prince William Courage allows flexibility in certain cases, playing up is the exception rather than the rule. Each situation is carefully evaluated by the technical staff to ensure it is in the best interest of both the individual player and the team.

https://www.ncfcyouth.com/birth-year-changes

CNL/ECNL-RL Program
2026-27 Age Group Structure

As of the 2026–27 season, the new standard will shift to a seasonal model, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.

https://rushsoccer.com/age-group-change-resources/
Will my player be allowed to ``move up`` with their friends/teammates if they fall into the lower age group?

We generally encourage players to participate within their designated age group to ensure appropriate development, competition balance and alignment with the new age group cutoff dates.

VA Revolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1voFxisvjkZG4FD3lBlZF2JA3T0w4nvErzwQaF1g5Z5M/edit?tab=t.0

What if my child was held-back or “red-shirted”?
Placement of the player is ultimately based on age eligibility, not their grade in school.

Not crazy August guy, but here is a link showing similar langague to "play your grade" if you are an August birthday.

https://www.northshoreunited.org/girlsacademy

[Anonymous]

Hahahaha reality is comming in hot

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

The major driver for younger Aug/Sept birthdays playing with their grade is college recruitment. What this means is that A teams will likely be grouped by grade because these are the players most likely to get recruited.

Other teams will do what they want. Although over time I bet they group by grade simply because its easier than addressing edge cases all the time.

The top teams are picking age instead of grade because of the edge cases.

So clubs are choosing to screw over young Aug/Sept players when it comes to college recruiting by playing them on a grade down team for short term "wins"?

I dont see it happening.

August is fine. July and June have the toughest road being the youngest. Yes, competitive teams want wins. It's why you keep score.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

Which travel club has teams made up of mostly school classmates and friends?

I believe it also applies to rec but this is what was written, "Second, an Aug. 1 age group cut-off best aligns soccer age groups with school year ages, maximizing the number of players who participate in soccer programs with their school-year friends."

Keep posting + join the party.

Theres a very angry troll that is trying to hide from players playing with their grade. Eventually they'll give up with a giant L.

I wrote it. Note they picked 8/1 - 7/31 as an age group. They didn't pick grade at all. For very little kids at rec for house leagues, you could probably get GY.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

Which travel club has teams made up of mostly school classmates and friends?

I believe it also applies to rec but this is what was written, "Second, an Aug. 1 age group cut-off best aligns soccer age groups with school year ages, maximizing the number of players who participate in soccer programs with their school-year friends."

Keep posting + join the party.

Theres a very angry troll that is trying to hide from players playing with their grade. Eventually they'll give up with a giant L.

Ok Crazy August Guy. Sure.

Here are a bunch more for you to peruse. All regarding the age change. Please post your links please! I am sure you have some right?

https://www.nvasoccer.com/age-group-change-faqs
Can my player play up an age group to remain with her current team?

Approval for play ups are a coach and technical staff decision based on what is best for the individual player. Skill level, maturity, and overall development needs are the main factors considered. Generally, play ups will be approved only in exceptional circumstances

https://www.pwsi.org/copy-of-2026-2027-age-group-changes

Q: Can players play up an age group?

A: Playing up is a coaching and technical decision based primarily on the player’s skill level, soccer maturity, and overall development needs. While Prince William Courage allows flexibility in certain cases, playing up is the exception rather than the rule. Each situation is carefully evaluated by the technical staff to ensure it is in the best interest of both the individual player and the team.

https://www.ncfcyouth.com/birth-year-changes

CNL/ECNL-RL Program
2026-27 Age Group Structure

As of the 2026–27 season, the new standard will shift to a seasonal model, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.

https://rushsoccer.com/age-group-change-resources/
Will my player be allowed to ``move up`` with their friends/teammates if they fall into the lower age group?

We generally encourage players to participate within their designated age group to ensure appropriate development, competition balance and alignment with the new age group cutoff dates.

VA Revolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1voFxisvjkZG4FD3lBlZF2JA3T0w4nvErzwQaF1g5Z5M/edit?tab=t.0

What if my child was held-back or “red-shirted”?
Placement of the player is ultimately based on age eligibility, not their grade in school.

Not crazy August guy, but here is a link showing similar langague to "play your grade" if you are an August birthday.

https://www.northshoreunited.org/girlsacademy

Seems they are municipal org with entry level travel as an outgrowth of their rec focus. Makes sense for the ones that focus on the younger ages to try to create GY for travel when their rec is GY. This what I would expect from true entry level grassroots soccer. And I'm not putting them down at all. Most people would be happier staying entry level grassroots soccer but it is getting minimized as so much of upper level youth soccer perpetuates the myth of going pro or actually getting college scholarships.

[Anonymous]

So, it's 8-1 now -- with wiggle room for all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This post from US Club Soccer back in June implies that they anticipate clubs will do "force-ups" where Aug-Sep players will automatically be asked to play up an age group to be with their school age group. https://usclubsoccer.org/age-group-cut-off-update-for-2026-27-season/

Our child's team of 18 has 5 Aug-Dec players. Three of them will likely be "force-ups" since they are in the older grade with the rest of the team, and the other two will presumably move to the younger age group. Not yet confirmed by the club, but this would lend itself to a consistent approach and could be replicated across dozens of teams.

Players would be forced to play up if they want to play with school grade friends. And 3 teams so far said only exceptional get to play up an age group so players wanting to play up with their school grade friends seem blocked from doing so.

Which travel club has teams made up of mostly school classmates and friends?

I believe it also applies to rec but this is what was written, "Second, an Aug. 1 age group cut-off best aligns soccer age groups with school year ages, maximizing the number of players who participate in soccer programs with their school-year friends."

Keep posting + join the party.

Theres a very angry troll that is trying to hide from players playing with their grade. Eventually they'll give up with a giant L.

Ok Crazy August Guy. Sure.

Here are a bunch more for you to peruse. All regarding the age change. Please post your links please! I am sure you have some right?

https://www.nvasoccer.com/age-group-change-faqs
Can my player play up an age group to remain with her current team?

Approval for play ups are a coach and technical staff decision based on what is best for the individual player. Skill level, maturity, and overall development needs are the main factors considered. Generally, play ups will be approved only in exceptional circumstances

https://www.pwsi.org/copy-of-2026-2027-age-group-changes

Q: Can players play up an age group?

A: Playing up is a coaching and technical decision based primarily on the player’s skill level, soccer maturity, and overall development needs. While Prince William Courage allows flexibility in certain cases, playing up is the exception rather than the rule. Each situation is carefully evaluated by the technical staff to ensure it is in the best interest of both the individual player and the team.

https://www.ncfcyouth.com/birth-year-changes

CNL/ECNL-RL Program
2026-27 Age Group Structure

As of the 2026–27 season, the new standard will shift to a seasonal model, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.

https://rushsoccer.com/age-group-change-resources/
Will my player be allowed to ``move up`` with their friends/teammates if they fall into the lower age group?

We generally encourage players to participate within their designated age group to ensure appropriate development, competition balance and alignment with the new age group cutoff dates.

VA Revolution: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1voFxisvjkZG4FD3lBlZF2JA3T0w4nvErzwQaF1g5Z5M/edit?tab=t.0

What if my child was held-back or “red-shirted”?
Placement of the player is ultimately based on age eligibility, not their grade in school.

Hold backs better hit the summer school if they want to play college ball. Just sayin…