Roster sizes do expand more at the HS level to allow for some flexibility that HS kids need: U16, U17, & U19 the roster spots open a bit but it comes with a trade off of not playing as much/ not even dressing for games.

I’ve seen a decent number of players “move up” at u15/u16/even u17. They typically are strong players at smaller clubs, but can play. As a pp said, the key is usually to get to a practice; It usually will be pretty clear if the player can compete at that level. Whether the coach gives them an offer depends, obviously, on what the coach feels the team needs and how much that player can contribute.

As far as I know you're allowed to switch teams every year if you want to, as long as the new team offers you a spot on the roster.

Anonymous wrote:Two related questions (boys):

1. After what age is it less likely to make it to the higher level national (ECNL/MLSNext HG) and regional (ECNL-RL and MLSNext AD) teams for boys? If a boy is not playing on one of them at U14, does it become much harder to break in at high school age? Many clubs seem to stack there rosters big from even the young ages!

2. Relatedly, how hard is it to move between those teams? I was trying to read the rules on player movement, at least for MLSNext AD, and got very confused - once on a team, it suggested a cap at 5 players moving per year in the offseason? Did I read that wrong?

It depends on positions, not necessarily age. Do your research and see what position is weak on that team and try out for those teams if you play that position. I wouldn't bother to try out for a team where the defensive line up is solid and you're a defender thinking you're going to knock out one of those players and and get playing time unless you're a versatile player and rocking it in multiple positions. I've seen many new players get disappointed and sitting on the bench and wonder why. Same w/movement between HD and AD. And don't solely rely on going to try out when they have open try outs. Ask to come to practice during winter break to be seen. The odds of being spotted among hundreds of players in open try out is very slim.

Two related questions (boys):

1. After what age is it less likely to make it to the higher level national (ECNL/MLSNext HG) and regional (ECNL-RL and MLSNext AD) teams for boys? If a boy is not playing on one of them at U14, does it become much harder to break in at high school age? Many clubs seem to stack there rosters big from even the young ages!

2. Relatedly, how hard is it to move between those teams? I was trying to read the rules on player movement, at least for MLSNext AD, and got very confused - once on a team, it suggested a cap at 5 players moving per year in the offseason? Did I read that wrong?