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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

So now GA clubs are "municipal" and "entry level"?

What are you going to do when some club you like relays SY groupings by grade?

[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.

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

Or, just get bio-banded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

So now GA clubs are "municipal" and "entry level"?

What are you going to do when some club you like relays SY groupings by grade?

I think it's good to see a wide world with different clubs doing things differently, so parents can find what's best for their kids.

[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.

You haven’t been involved in youth soccer very long, have you?

1. Playing up and on grade will probably be more common in the beginning with the high school age players because that’s been the group they’ve been with for their entire career

2. If a player can’t make the top team playing up/on grade, no way are they forced to the B team. Maybe it’s an option, but no one is ever going to be forced to play up an age group. That’s silliness.

3. Ulittle ages will be formed based on age almost exclusively with exceptions only for kids whose play truly warrants it, just like now.

[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.

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.

You haven’t been involved in youth soccer very long, have you?

1. Playing up and on grade will probably be more common in the beginning with the high school age players because that’s been the group they’ve been with for their entire career

2. If a player can’t make the top team playing up/on grade, no way are they forced to the B team. Maybe it’s an option, but no one is ever going to be forced to play up an age group. That’s silliness.

3. Ulittle ages will be formed based on age almost exclusively with exceptions only for kids whose play truly warrants it, just like now.

So what you're saying is that your kid doesn't play on a highly competitive team. Gotcha.

When things get more competitive players wont be allowed to play down.

[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.

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.

You haven’t been involved in youth soccer very long, have you?

1. Playing up and on grade will probably be more common in the beginning with the high school age players because that’s been the group they’ve been with for their entire career

2. If a player can’t make the top team playing up/on grade, no way are they forced to the B team. Maybe it’s an option, but no one is ever going to be forced to play up an age group. That’s silliness.

3. Ulittle ages will be formed based on age almost exclusively with exceptions only for kids whose play truly warrants it, just like now.

So what you're saying is that your kid doesn't play on a highly competitive team. Gotcha.

When things get more competitive players wont be allowed to play down.

LOL. You do you buddy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

You haven’t been involved in youth soccer very long, have you?

1. Playing up and on grade will probably be more common in the beginning with the high school age players because that’s been the group they’ve been with for their entire career

2. If a player can’t make the top team playing up/on grade, no way are they forced to the B team. Maybe it’s an option, but no one is ever going to be forced to play up an age group. That’s silliness.

3. Ulittle ages will be formed based on age almost exclusively with exceptions only for kids whose play truly warrants it, just like now.

So what you're saying is that your kid doesn't play on a highly competitive team. Gotcha.

When things get more competitive players wont be allowed to play down.

LOL. You do you buddy

Theres no shame in the B team.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure it will vary by club if kids are forced to play up on the B team. Parent connections and donations matter. This is the pay to play system in america.

That said I find it very hard to believe anyone will be getting a college ride who isnt playing at 12 grade or U18/19 or whever the age group is when its time to graduate. Its like saying college coaches will scout JV for players.

Summer school needs to happen for holdbacks who want to play in college.... Doesnt matter if you repeated kindergarden or your lerning disabled or just poorly behaved. It will be the price to pay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure it will vary by club if kids are forced to play up on the B team. Parent connections and donations matter. This is the pay to play system in america.

That said I find it very hard to believe anyone will be getting a college ride who isnt playing at 12 grade or U18/19 or whever the age group is when its time to graduate. Its like saying college coaches will scout JV for players.

Summer school needs to happen for holdbacks who want to play in college.... Doesnt matter if you repeated kindergarden or your lerning disabled or just poorly behaved. It will be the price to pay.

Shhh.. Too much reality.

Theres a parent that likes to comment on this thread that college college coaches are lined up to recruit JV players.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure it will vary by club if kids are forced to play up on the B team. Parent connections and donations matter. This is the pay to play system in america.

That said I find it very hard to believe anyone will be getting a college ride who isnt playing at 12 grade or U18/19 or whever the age group is when its time to graduate. Its like saying college coaches will scout JV for players.

Summer school needs to happen for holdbacks who want to play in college.... Doesnt matter if you repeated kindergarden or your lerning disabled or just poorly behaved. It will be the price to pay.

That's where you are even more wrong than usual. Those being forced up to play -- in your scenario -- would be the kids who are going to school on-time. The ones you are OK with are the ones who waited an extra year. So, the price -- under your scenario -- would be to ask kids who are most interested in soccer to repeat a grade if they want to align (and be the oldest in the group).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure it will vary by club if kids are forced to play up on the B team. Parent connections and donations matter. This is the pay to play system in america.

That said I find it very hard to believe anyone will be getting a college ride who isnt playing at 12 grade or U18/19 or whever the age group is when its time to graduate. Its like saying college coaches will scout JV for players.

Summer school needs to happen for holdbacks who want to play in college.... Doesnt matter if you repeated kindergarden or your lerning disabled or just poorly behaved. It will be the price to pay.

Shhh.. Too much reality.

Theres a parent that likes to comment on this thread that college college coaches are lined up to recruit JV players.

What you don't realize how the landscape of youth soccer isn't uniform and you'll have exceptions where there'll be misaligned kids on a top ECNL/GA/MLSN teams. Hardly JV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure it will vary by club if kids are forced to play up on the B team. Parent connections and donations matter. This is the pay to play system in america.

That said I find it very hard to believe anyone will be getting a college ride who isnt playing at 12 grade or U18/19 or whever the age group is when its time to graduate. Its like saying college coaches will scout JV for players.

Summer school needs to happen for holdbacks who want to play in college.... Doesnt matter if you repeated kindergarden or your lerning disabled or just poorly behaved. It will be the price to pay.

Shhh.. Too much reality.

Theres a parent that likes to comment on this thread that college college coaches are lined up to recruit JV players.

Irrelevant again. Almost everybody is playing U18/19 senior year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure it will vary by club if kids are forced to play up on the B team. Parent connections and donations matter. This is the pay to play system in america.

That said I find it very hard to believe anyone will be getting a college ride who isnt playing at 12 grade or U18/19 or whever the age group is when its time to graduate. Its like saying college coaches will scout JV for players.

Summer school needs to happen for holdbacks who want to play in college.... Doesnt matter if you repeated kindergarden or your lerning disabled or just poorly behaved. It will be the price to pay.

Shhh.. Too much reality.

Theres a parent that likes to comment on this thread that college college coaches are lined up to recruit JV players.

Irrelevant again. Almost everybody is playing U18/19 senior year.

Yea but recruitment occurred between freshman and sophmore year sooo... 🤷‍♂️

[Anonymous]

ESPN should find Crazy August guy, I'MYOUTHSOCCER twitter guy and ENCL hat dad and put them on a show ... and just let them go at it

Then ever few weeks had GA hoodie guy, USYS isn't that bad guy and what about NAL guy as guests just to throw a curve ball as I'MYOUTHSOCCER guy and ECNL hat will likely team up

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ESPN should find Crazy August guy, I'MYOUTHSOCCER twitter guy and ENCL hat dad and put them on a show ... and just let them go at it

Then ever few weeks had GA hoodie guy, USYS isn't that bad guy and what about NAL guy as guests just to throw a curve ball as I'MYOUTHSOCCER guy and ECNL hat will likely team up

Don't forget SY+30 guy.