Anonymous
10/12/2025 22:01
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Haven't checked-in in a couple weeks. Anything new? Looked back a few pages and arguing with the crazy August guy (and his multiple personas) seems to be the only action.
MLSN still being silent on the issue (even after their partner GA announced SY) is baffling to me. I know their communications have always been slow (case in point, they didn't announce the actual name of MLSN2 until what, August), but I don't see what benefit it can be at this point to stay mum. Unless they just enjoy watching ECNL sweat. I talked to a few directors (one MLSN1 and two MLSN2) in the last month and they were all over the place on what they thought was going to happen and all had heard absolutely nothing official.
I don’t think mlsnext has a plan. I think they were full steam ahead BY not realizing the difficulty that would cause their clubs. Do they care now? Who knows.
MLS Next doesn't own or run clubs
It's a league
A league that doesn't concern with what all the lower leagues are doing
Lower leagues are their pipeline. If either or both MLSN leagues stay BY, they will lose a year's worth of 9v9 experience. They also lose out on cumulative RAE effect for the majority of better players to that point that were on SY registration, pushing those players to find an alternative SY league. MLSN is a business first. You know that, but you are just trying to start an argument.
Their top tier is losing money left and right. The league is dependent on money from p2p mlsn 1 and 2 clubs. The league has to think through issues to staying BY to ensure they are still financially viable.
1. How to expand mlsn1 in the future when all outside clubs are 8/1
2. What to do about mlsn2 and how to make a second tier league attractive. They wouldn’t have created mlsn2 if they didn’t need the money.
3. How to keep aug-dec in the mlsn pathway when teams switch from 8/1 to 1/1. A certain number can play down?
If the league has a plan for these issues that allows them to stay BY good for them. The attitude that “mlsn is the best and can do whatever it wants” is not going to lead anywhere good.
Man, talk about just making stuff up for argument sake lol
I think you have no idea how MLSNext works.
MLS academies are a minority of MLSNext.
P2P clubs’ interest is MLS Next moving to SY, otherwise they won’t be able to self organize.
So P2P clubs are more important than the Major League Soccer pipeline and USYNT?
Yes, they are.
P2P are the core for the MLSNext 1/2 business model started last year with the recent creation of the MLS Next Academy Division (pure business Pay To Play soccer).
MLS Next 1 P2P clubs, plus the whole MLS Next 2 (all P2P) have nothing to do with MLS pipeline and USYNT.
I think you haven’t realized that last year MLS Next changed in a direction very different that when it was founded.
This new MLSNext 1/2 is incompatible (to be successful) with a BY system, due to the fact that the whole rest of US soccer has moved to SY.
You should know that MLS Next 2 is not administered by MLS Next
It falls under NAL and all the organizations that handled the MLS Next clubs 2nd teams
MLS Next will obviously not follow the whims of masses
You are a complete ignorant about MLS Next. What a waste of time …
For sure, this guy is a day drinking troll who probably has zero friends.
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:52
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Haven't checked-in in a couple weeks. Anything new? Looked back a few pages and arguing with the crazy August guy (and his multiple personas) seems to be the only action.
MLSN still being silent on the issue (even after their partner GA announced SY) is baffling to me. I know their communications have always been slow (case in point, they didn't announce the actual name of MLSN2 until what, August), but I don't see what benefit it can be at this point to stay mum. Unless they just enjoy watching ECNL sweat. I talked to a few directors (one MLSN1 and two MLSN2) in the last month and they were all over the place on what they thought was going to happen and all had heard absolutely nothing official.
I don’t think mlsnext has a plan. I think they were full steam ahead BY not realizing the difficulty that would cause their clubs. Do they care now? Who knows.
MLS Next doesn't own or run clubs
It's a league
A league that doesn't concern with what all the lower leagues are doing
Lower leagues are their pipeline. If either or both MLSN leagues stay BY, they will lose a year's worth of 9v9 experience. They also lose out on cumulative RAE effect for the majority of better players to that point that were on SY registration, pushing those players to find an alternative SY league. MLSN is a business first. You know that, but you are just trying to start an argument.
Their top tier is losing money left and right. The league is dependent on money from p2p mlsn 1 and 2 clubs. The league has to think through issues to staying BY to ensure they are still financially viable.
1. How to expand mlsn1 in the future when all outside clubs are 8/1
2. What to do about mlsn2 and how to make a second tier league attractive. They wouldn’t have created mlsn2 if they didn’t need the money.
3. How to keep aug-dec in the mlsn pathway when teams switch from 8/1 to 1/1. A certain number can play down?
If the league has a plan for these issues that allows them to stay BY good for them. The attitude that “mlsn is the best and can do whatever it wants” is not going to lead anywhere good.
Man, talk about just making stuff up for argument sake lol
I think you have no idea how MLSNext works.
MLS academies are a minority of MLSNext.
P2P clubs’ interest is MLS Next moving to SY, otherwise they won’t be able to self organize.
So P2P clubs are more important than the Major League Soccer pipeline and USYNT?
Yes, they are.
P2P are the core for the MLSNext 1/2 business model started last year with the recent creation of the MLS Next Academy Division (pure business Pay To Play soccer).
MLS Next 1 P2P clubs, plus the whole MLS Next 2 (all P2P) have nothing to do with MLS pipeline and USYNT.
I think you haven’t realized that last year MLS Next changed in a direction very different that when it was founded.
This new MLSNext 1/2 is incompatible (to be successful) with a BY system, due to the fact that the whole rest of US soccer has moved to SY.
You should know that MLS Next 2 is not administered by MLS Next
It falls under NAL and all the organizations that handled the MLS Next clubs 2nd teams
MLS Next will obviously not follow the whims of masses
You are a complete ignorant about MLS Next. What a waste of time …
Says the person who didn't know MLSN2 isn't administered by MLS Next
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:48
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Haven't checked-in in a couple weeks. Anything new? Looked back a few pages and arguing with the crazy August guy (and his multiple personas) seems to be the only action.
MLSN still being silent on the issue (even after their partner GA announced SY) is baffling to me. I know their communications have always been slow (case in point, they didn't announce the actual name of MLSN2 until what, August), but I don't see what benefit it can be at this point to stay mum. Unless they just enjoy watching ECNL sweat. I talked to a few directors (one MLSN1 and two MLSN2) in the last month and they were all over the place on what they thought was going to happen and all had heard absolutely nothing official.
I don’t think mlsnext has a plan. I think they were full steam ahead BY not realizing the difficulty that would cause their clubs. Do they care now? Who knows.
MLS Next doesn't own or run clubs
It's a league
A league that doesn't concern with what all the lower leagues are doing
Lower leagues are their pipeline. If either or both MLSN leagues stay BY, they will lose a year's worth of 9v9 experience. They also lose out on cumulative RAE effect for the majority of better players to that point that were on SY registration, pushing those players to find an alternative SY league. MLSN is a business first. You know that, but you are just trying to start an argument.
Their top tier is losing money left and right. The league is dependent on money from p2p mlsn 1 and 2 clubs. The league has to think through issues to staying BY to ensure they are still financially viable.
1. How to expand mlsn1 in the future when all outside clubs are 8/1
2. What to do about mlsn2 and how to make a second tier league attractive. They wouldn’t have created mlsn2 if they didn’t need the money.
3. How to keep aug-dec in the mlsn pathway when teams switch from 8/1 to 1/1. A certain number can play down?
If the league has a plan for these issues that allows them to stay BY good for them. The attitude that “mlsn is the best and can do whatever it wants” is not going to lead anywhere good.
Man, talk about just making stuff up for argument sake lol
I think you have no idea how MLSNext works.
MLS academies are a minority of MLSNext.
P2P clubs’ interest is MLS Next moving to SY, otherwise they won’t be able to self organize.
So P2P clubs are more important than the Major League Soccer pipeline and USYNT?
Yes, they are.
P2P are the core for the MLSNext 1/2 business model started last year with the recent creation of the MLS Next Academy Division (pure business Pay To Play soccer).
MLS Next 1 P2P clubs, plus the whole MLS Next 2 (all P2P) have nothing to do with MLS pipeline and USYNT.
I think you haven’t realized that last year MLS Next changed in a direction very different that when it was founded.
This new MLSNext 1/2 is incompatible (to be successful) with a BY system, due to the fact that the whole rest of US soccer has moved to SY.
You should know that MLS Next 2 is not administered by MLS Next
It falls under NAL and all the organizations that handled the MLS Next clubs 2nd teams
MLS Next will obviously not follow the whims of masses
You are a complete ignorant about MLS Next. What a waste of time …
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:45
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So talking with a friend of mine at the ECNL showcase this weekend. Also I’ll say he told me last summer at surf cup about the age change that was coming and has some very reliable people that he knows. Here is the info I got. It sounds like the Aug hater might get their way and kids will play within their grade within the new 12 month window.
Well sort of…
According to him ECNL is most likely breaking into 3 different groups. Youngers U10-12 and U13-15 and older recruiting ages U16,17,19.
U10-15 will no longer play showcases but will have various cups throughout the year with divisions and tournament champions. Strong RL teams will be invited to these as well.
U10-15 will be based only off the Aug to July 12 month window. However U16/17 will be based off players grades between that 12 month window. So some kids will be pushed up for showcases so they will play against kids within their same grade. League play is still tbd. He didn’t know for sure.
U19 will be for any player who is a senior in high school, age will not matter as long as they are under 19 at the start their club season.
He also has more questions than answers at this point but this is what’s being discussed by ECNL/US Club admin team.
This is already happening? The ECNL showcase this weekend is up to U15 which are the non recruited age groups.
I like the idea of getting away from showcases and adding cups with strong RL teams is smart because that will attract more players to RL.
This won’t be a big change and aligning kids within their same grade U16 and up for showcases to me isn’t a big deal as showcases are meant for recruiting.
I don’t think clubs should or will force players up for league play as they want to be competitive and show how strong their teams are. Kids can always play up if they are capable and willing.
As long as results from showcases don’t matter I completely agree.
They do in ECNL not sure about GA
They do this year. It should be obvious but that would have to change if they were going to use GY for showcases sophomore year and up next year.
Nothing would change for league play, it would still be 8/1-7/31.
I find it hard to believe people would care a ton about exhibition showcases but my kids are aligned so I don't care much either way.
I highly doubt this would work.
Currently theres 3 levels at showcases. Mixing everyone together on the same teams would be 1/3 the amount of games. Assuming they stuck with the one game per day rule.
On top of that Sophmores would get screwed out of their recruitment opportunity when they're the players colleges coaches want to see the most.
I’m not understanding this.. please explain how sophomores are losing out.
I really don’t understand so break it down for me. Please and thank you.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
That’s who you are competing with for college spots.
League games are for competition first with some recruiting. Showcases are for recruiting only. They are not the same.
Parents when people tell you who they are listen to them.
The people that dont want a SY 8/1-7/31 rule that younger players play on a team with their grade. Don't want this because they know it will kill GY and players playing 1-2 years down on ECNL teams. They want club soccer to be like HS Soccer.
How is a 2010 player playing 2011 or 2012 in ECNL today?
They want ECNL to adopt the MLS biobanding bullshit, so they can play down to cheat.
Do some reading on Relative Age Effect and biobanding in how it's been used for many years in Europe effectively
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:45
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So talking with a friend of mine at the ECNL showcase this weekend. Also I’ll say he told me last summer at surf cup about the age change that was coming and has some very reliable people that he knows. Here is the info I got. It sounds like the Aug hater might get their way and kids will play within their grade within the new 12 month window.
Well sort of…
According to him ECNL is most likely breaking into 3 different groups. Youngers U10-12 and U13-15 and older recruiting ages U16,17,19.
U10-15 will no longer play showcases but will have various cups throughout the year with divisions and tournament champions. Strong RL teams will be invited to these as well.
U10-15 will be based only off the Aug to July 12 month window. However U16/17 will be based off players grades between that 12 month window. So some kids will be pushed up for showcases so they will play against kids within their same grade. League play is still tbd. He didn’t know for sure.
U19 will be for any player who is a senior in high school, age will not matter as long as they are under 19 at the start their club season.
He also has more questions than answers at this point but this is what’s being discussed by ECNL/US Club admin team.
This is already happening? The ECNL showcase this weekend is up to U15 which are the non recruited age groups.
I like the idea of getting away from showcases and adding cups with strong RL teams is smart because that will attract more players to RL.
This won’t be a big change and aligning kids within their same grade U16 and up for showcases to me isn’t a big deal as showcases are meant for recruiting.
I don’t think clubs should or will force players up for league play as they want to be competitive and show how strong their teams are. Kids can always play up if they are capable and willing.
As long as results from showcases don’t matter I completely agree.
They do in ECNL not sure about GA
They do this year. It should be obvious but that would have to change if they were going to use GY for showcases sophomore year and up next year.
Nothing would change for league play, it would still be 8/1-7/31.
I find it hard to believe people would care a ton about exhibition showcases but my kids are aligned so I don't care much either way.
I highly doubt this would work.
Currently theres 3 levels at showcases. Mixing everyone together on the same teams would be 1/3 the amount of games. Assuming they stuck with the one game per day rule.
On top of that Sophmores would get screwed out of their recruitment opportunity when they're the players colleges coaches want to see the most.
I’m not understanding this.. please explain how sophomores are losing out.
I really don’t understand so break it down for me. Please and thank you.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
That’s who you are competing with for college spots.
League games are for competition first with some recruiting. Showcases are for recruiting only. They are not the same.
Parents when people tell you who they are listen to them.
The people that dont want a SY 8/1-7/31 rule that younger players play on a team with their grade. Don't want this because they know it will kill GY and players playing 1-2 years down on ECNL teams. They want club soccer to be like HS Soccer.
How is a 2010 player playing 2011 or 2012 in ECNL today?
You see them pushing for GY at showcases.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
FFS, there are no girls soccer players being held back two years to compete. Get a grip.
Have you read this thread?
Theres parents that are overjoyed that their Aug birthday can can play on a grade down team.
If the rules holding back cheaters aee removed parents will cheat.
Dude an Aug kid is age eligible! You’re literally the most frustrating person and I’m hoping you’re trolling about not understanding this. It’s not playing down! Because it’s not based on grade!!!!
If you do not want grad year which places kids based on grade then that’s a good argument. If you want to say an Aug 2010 who’s held back should not be able to play 2011/2012s I can agree with that.
Maybe we would see some hold back on the boys side. Girls will not want to be held back for any reason.Id be willing bet a large amount of money that girls who are younger for their grade compared to older and held back. More girls start early than late.
Sounds like you're finally starting to get it.
As much as you want to say SY isnt intertwined with grade in school it doesnt make it true. Parents, coaches, recruiters, other players, opponents, etc, etc, etc all know which players are playing on a team thats a grade down from their grade in school. From a parent perspective nobody wants a shortimer on their kids team that will eventually need to play on a team with their grade if they want to be recruited. From a youth coach perspective nobody wants the drama a player playing down a grade will create. From a club perspective it makes more sense to not allow players to play down because it just makes things difficult and it would make more sense to have players play up with their grade.
Can players play down? Or up?
Players are not allowed to register for a team younger than their age in the Seasonal Year matrix. Players are allowed to register for a team in an older age group. There may be a few reasons for a player to register in an older age group, but player safety and long-term player development should always be considered before doing so.
What if my child were held back a year at school? How will this affect his team?
School grades do not play a part in this, They would still play at the same level determined by the Age Matrix regardless of their school grade.
HAHAHAHA keep trying GY.
If your kid was held back they play on a team with players their age.
If your kid was young your kid plays on the B team with players their grade.
Why is this so hard to comprehend?
Are you mentally ill? What about that has anything to do with grad year? It literally says school grades do not play a part in this?
But yet grade in school matters.
So grad year? It’s either grade in school matters or it doesn’t.
It says on the frequently asked questions that grade doesn’t matter I’ll believe the soccer governing bodies over a crazy person.
For the billionth time SY 8/1-7/31 with a rule that younger players must play with their grade in school.
Are you not able to read?
Or do you love GY so much that it's all you see?
That’s not a rule! You’re arguing for your own rules which is fine. Anyone can argue for anything they think is beneficial. But can you just admit as of now that’s not the rule.
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:42
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Haven't checked-in in a couple weeks. Anything new? Looked back a few pages and arguing with the crazy August guy (and his multiple personas) seems to be the only action.
MLSN still being silent on the issue (even after their partner GA announced SY) is baffling to me. I know their communications have always been slow (case in point, they didn't announce the actual name of MLSN2 until what, August), but I don't see what benefit it can be at this point to stay mum. Unless they just enjoy watching ECNL sweat. I talked to a few directors (one MLSN1 and two MLSN2) in the last month and they were all over the place on what they thought was going to happen and all had heard absolutely nothing official.
I don’t think mlsnext has a plan. I think they were full steam ahead BY not realizing the difficulty that would cause their clubs. Do they care now? Who knows.
MLS Next doesn't own or run clubs
It's a league
A league that doesn't concern with what all the lower leagues are doing
Lower leagues are their pipeline. If either or both MLSN leagues stay BY, they will lose a year's worth of 9v9 experience. They also lose out on cumulative RAE effect for the majority of better players to that point that were on SY registration, pushing those players to find an alternative SY league. MLSN is a business first. You know that, but you are just trying to start an argument.
Their top tier is losing money left and right. The league is dependent on money from p2p mlsn 1 and 2 clubs. The league has to think through issues to staying BY to ensure they are still financially viable.
1. How to expand mlsn1 in the future when all outside clubs are 8/1
2. What to do about mlsn2 and how to make a second tier league attractive. They wouldn’t have created mlsn2 if they didn’t need the money.
3. How to keep aug-dec in the mlsn pathway when teams switch from 8/1 to 1/1. A certain number can play down?
If the league has a plan for these issues that allows them to stay BY good for them. The attitude that “mlsn is the best and can do whatever it wants” is not going to lead anywhere good.
Man, talk about just making stuff up for argument sake lol
I think you have no idea how MLSNext works.
MLS academies are a minority of MLSNext.
P2P clubs’ interest is MLS Next moving to SY, otherwise they won’t be able to self organize.
So P2P clubs are more important than the Major League Soccer pipeline and USYNT?
Yes, they are.
P2P are the core for the MLSNext 1/2 business model started last year with the recent creation of the MLS Next Academy Division (pure business Pay To Play soccer).
MLS Next 1 P2P clubs, plus the whole MLS Next 2 (all P2P) have nothing to do with MLS pipeline and USYNT.
I think you haven’t realized that last year MLS Next changed in a direction very different that when it was founded.
This new MLSNext 1/2 is incompatible (to be successful) with a BY system, due to the fact that the whole rest of US soccer has moved to SY.
You should know that MLS Next 2 is not administered by MLS Next
It falls under NAL and all the organizations that handled the MLS Next clubs 2nd teams
MLS Next will obviously not follow the whims of masses
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:39
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Haven't checked-in in a couple weeks. Anything new? Looked back a few pages and arguing with the crazy August guy (and his multiple personas) seems to be the only action.
MLSN still being silent on the issue (even after their partner GA announced SY) is baffling to me. I know their communications have always been slow (case in point, they didn't announce the actual name of MLSN2 until what, August), but I don't see what benefit it can be at this point to stay mum. Unless they just enjoy watching ECNL sweat. I talked to a few directors (one MLSN1 and two MLSN2) in the last month and they were all over the place on what they thought was going to happen and all had heard absolutely nothing official.
I don’t think mlsnext has a plan. I think they were full steam ahead BY not realizing the difficulty that would cause their clubs. Do they care now? Who knows.
MLS Next doesn't own or run clubs
It's a league
A league that doesn't concern with what all the lower leagues are doing
Lower leagues are their pipeline. If either or both MLSN leagues stay BY, they will lose a year's worth of 9v9 experience. They also lose out on cumulative RAE effect for the majority of better players to that point that were on SY registration, pushing those players to find an alternative SY league. MLSN is a business first. You know that, but you are just trying to start an argument.
Their top tier is losing money left and right. The league is dependent on money from p2p mlsn 1 and 2 clubs. The league has to think through issues to staying BY to ensure they are still financially viable.
1. How to expand mlsn1 in the future when all outside clubs are 8/1
2. What to do about mlsn2 and how to make a second tier league attractive. They wouldn’t have created mlsn2 if they didn’t need the money.
3. How to keep aug-dec in the mlsn pathway when teams switch from 8/1 to 1/1. A certain number can play down?
If the league has a plan for these issues that allows them to stay BY good for them. The attitude that “mlsn is the best and can do whatever it wants” is not going to lead anywhere good.
Man, talk about just making stuff up for argument sake lol
I think you have no idea how MLSNext works.
MLS academies are a minority of MLSNext.
P2P clubs’ interest is MLS Next moving to SY, otherwise they won’t be able to self organize.
So P2P clubs are more important than the Major League Soccer pipeline and USYNT?
Yes, they are.
P2P are the core for the MLSNext 1/2 business model started last year with the recent creation of the MLS Next Academy Division (pure business Pay To Play soccer).
MLS Next 1 P2P clubs, plus the whole MLS Next 2 (all P2P) have nothing to do with MLS pipeline and USYNT.
I think you haven’t realized that last year MLS Next changed in a direction very different that when it was founded.
This new MLSNext 1/2 is incompatible (to be successful) with a BY system, due to the fact that the whole rest of US soccer has moved to SY.
100% P2P MLS1 has no real connection to the actual MLS Next (aka MLS Academy) — other than one token game a year to play down against a younger MLS Academy team. Any attempt to link it to a professional pathway is just marketing scam and a joke.
There is no “actual” MLS Next different than Homegrown and Academy divisions, where in both divisions P2P clubs OUTNUMBER by a lot to MLS academies.
MLS Next decided to separate of a pure professional pathway when they decided to incorporate dozens of P2P clubs to the 2 leagues.
MLS Next big money comes from P2P clubs parents, not from MLS academies.
By the way my son is a 2011 U15 (starter and max scorer) at a MLS academy, playing at U16 because this year MLS academies are playing 1 year up, and being beaten badly many times by U16 P2P clubs.
Believe me, coaches and staff are infuriated with MLS Next forcing academies to play 1 year up.
What do you think mlsn does next year regarding the age cutoff?
I believe the best solution for everybody would be:
1) MLS Next Homegrown/Academy divisions moving to SY, so that P2P clubs can organize all their age categories in an orderly manner, and not breaking the U12 pipeline to U13. From business point of view MLS Next could grow and face ECNL.
2) MLS academies playing MLS Next Homegrown (SY) but assembling their teams with a BY age cutoff. In that way they would play 5 months up, what would add an extra challenging effort, and also would be aligned with international, professional and USYNs interests.
It makes sense, however I don’t trust mlsn people.
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:19
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
That's not a rule, the FAQ says grades don't matter.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So talking with a friend of mine at the ECNL showcase this weekend. Also I’ll say he told me last summer at surf cup about the age change that was coming and has some very reliable people that he knows. Here is the info I got. It sounds like the Aug hater might get their way and kids will play within their grade within the new 12 month window.
Well sort of…
According to him ECNL is most likely breaking into 3 different groups. Youngers U10-12 and U13-15 and older recruiting ages U16,17,19.
U10-15 will no longer play showcases but will have various cups throughout the year with divisions and tournament champions. Strong RL teams will be invited to these as well.
U10-15 will be based only off the Aug to July 12 month window. However U16/17 will be based off players grades between that 12 month window. So some kids will be pushed up for showcases so they will play against kids within their same grade. League play is still tbd. He didn’t know for sure.
U19 will be for any player who is a senior in high school, age will not matter as long as they are under 19 at the start their club season.
He also has more questions than answers at this point but this is what’s being discussed by ECNL/US Club admin team.
This is already happening? The ECNL showcase this weekend is up to U15 which are the non recruited age groups.
I like the idea of getting away from showcases and adding cups with strong RL teams is smart because that will attract more players to RL.
This won’t be a big change and aligning kids within their same grade U16 and up for showcases to me isn’t a big deal as showcases are meant for recruiting.
I don’t think clubs should or will force players up for league play as they want to be competitive and show how strong their teams are. Kids can always play up if they are capable and willing.
As long as results from showcases don’t matter I completely agree.
They do in ECNL not sure about GA
They do this year. It should be obvious but that would have to change if they were going to use GY for showcases sophomore year and up next year.
Nothing would change for league play, it would still be 8/1-7/31.
I find it hard to believe people would care a ton about exhibition showcases but my kids are aligned so I don't care much either way.
I highly doubt this would work.
Currently theres 3 levels at showcases. Mixing everyone together on the same teams would be 1/3 the amount of games. Assuming they stuck with the one game per day rule.
On top of that Sophmores would get screwed out of their recruitment opportunity when they're the players colleges coaches want to see the most.
I’m not understanding this.. please explain how sophomores are losing out.
I really don’t understand so break it down for me. Please and thank you.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
That’s who you are competing with for college spots.
League games are for competition first with some recruiting. Showcases are for recruiting only. They are not the same.
Parents when people tell you who they are listen to them.
The people that dont want a SY 8/1-7/31 rule that younger players play on a team with their grade. Don't want this because they know it will kill GY and players playing 1-2 years down on ECNL teams. They want club soccer to be like HS Soccer.
How is a 2010 player playing 2011 or 2012 in ECNL today?
You see them pushing for GY at showcases.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
FFS, there are no girls soccer players being held back two years to compete. Get a grip.
Have you read this thread?
Theres parents that are overjoyed that their Aug birthday can can play on a grade down team.
If the rules holding back cheaters aee removed parents will cheat.
Dude an Aug kid is age eligible! You’re literally the most frustrating person and I’m hoping you’re trolling about not understanding this. It’s not playing down! Because it’s not based on grade!!!!
If you do not want grad year which places kids based on grade then that’s a good argument. If you want to say an Aug 2010 who’s held back should not be able to play 2011/2012s I can agree with that.
Maybe we would see some hold back on the boys side. Girls will not want to be held back for any reason.Id be willing bet a large amount of money that girls who are younger for their grade compared to older and held back. More girls start early than late.
Sounds like you're finally starting to get it.
As much as you want to say SY isnt intertwined with grade in school it doesnt make it true. Parents, coaches, recruiters, other players, opponents, etc, etc, etc all know which players are playing on a team thats a grade down from their grade in school. From a parent perspective nobody wants a shortimer on their kids team that will eventually need to play on a team with their grade if they want to be recruited. From a youth coach perspective nobody wants the drama a player playing down a grade will create. From a club perspective it makes more sense to not allow players to play down because it just makes things difficult and it would make more sense to have players play up with their grade.
Can players play down? Or up?
Players are not allowed to register for a team younger than their age in the Seasonal Year matrix. Players are allowed to register for a team in an older age group. There may be a few reasons for a player to register in an older age group, but player safety and long-term player development should always be considered before doing so.
What if my child were held back a year at school? How will this affect his team?
School grades do not play a part in this, They would still play at the same level determined by the Age Matrix regardless of their school grade.
HAHAHAHA keep trying GY.
If your kid was held back they play on a team with players their age.
If your kid was young your kid plays on the B team with players their grade.
Why is this so hard to comprehend?
Are you mentally ill? What about that has anything to do with grad year? It literally says school grades do not play a part in this?
But yet grade in school matters.
So grad year? It’s either grade in school matters or it doesn’t.
It says on the frequently asked questions that grade doesn’t matter I’ll believe the soccer governing bodies over a crazy person.
For the billionth time SY 8/1-7/31 with a rule that younger players must play with their grade in school.
Are you not able to read?
Or do you love GY so much that it's all you see?
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:12
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So talking with a friend of mine at the ECNL showcase this weekend. Also I’ll say he told me last summer at surf cup about the age change that was coming and has some very reliable people that he knows. Here is the info I got. It sounds like the Aug hater might get their way and kids will play within their grade within the new 12 month window.
Well sort of…
According to him ECNL is most likely breaking into 3 different groups. Youngers U10-12 and U13-15 and older recruiting ages U16,17,19.
U10-15 will no longer play showcases but will have various cups throughout the year with divisions and tournament champions. Strong RL teams will be invited to these as well.
U10-15 will be based only off the Aug to July 12 month window. However U16/17 will be based off players grades between that 12 month window. So some kids will be pushed up for showcases so they will play against kids within their same grade. League play is still tbd. He didn’t know for sure.
U19 will be for any player who is a senior in high school, age will not matter as long as they are under 19 at the start their club season.
He also has more questions than answers at this point but this is what’s being discussed by ECNL/US Club admin team.
This is already happening? The ECNL showcase this weekend is up to U15 which are the non recruited age groups.
I like the idea of getting away from showcases and adding cups with strong RL teams is smart because that will attract more players to RL.
This won’t be a big change and aligning kids within their same grade U16 and up for showcases to me isn’t a big deal as showcases are meant for recruiting.
I don’t think clubs should or will force players up for league play as they want to be competitive and show how strong their teams are. Kids can always play up if they are capable and willing.
As long as results from showcases don’t matter I completely agree.
They do in ECNL not sure about GA
They do this year. It should be obvious but that would have to change if they were going to use GY for showcases sophomore year and up next year.
Nothing would change for league play, it would still be 8/1-7/31.
I find it hard to believe people would care a ton about exhibition showcases but my kids are aligned so I don't care much either way.
I highly doubt this would work.
Currently theres 3 levels at showcases. Mixing everyone together on the same teams would be 1/3 the amount of games. Assuming they stuck with the one game per day rule.
On top of that Sophmores would get screwed out of their recruitment opportunity when they're the players colleges coaches want to see the most.
I’m not understanding this.. please explain how sophomores are losing out.
I really don’t understand so break it down for me. Please and thank you.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
That’s who you are competing with for college spots.
League games are for competition first with some recruiting. Showcases are for recruiting only. They are not the same.
Parents when people tell you who they are listen to them.
The people that dont want a SY 8/1-7/31 rule that younger players play on a team with their grade. Don't want this because they know it will kill GY and players playing 1-2 years down on ECNL teams. They want club soccer to be like HS Soccer.
How is a 2010 player playing 2011 or 2012 in ECNL today?
You see them pushing for GY at showcases.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
FFS, there are no girls soccer players being held back two years to compete. Get a grip.
Have you read this thread?
Theres parents that are overjoyed that their Aug birthday can can play on a grade down team.
If the rules holding back cheaters aee removed parents will cheat.
Dude an Aug kid is age eligible! You’re literally the most frustrating person and I’m hoping you’re trolling about not understanding this. It’s not playing down! Because it’s not based on grade!!!!
If you do not want grad year which places kids based on grade then that’s a good argument. If you want to say an Aug 2010 who’s held back should not be able to play 2011/2012s I can agree with that.
Maybe we would see some hold back on the boys side. Girls will not want to be held back for any reason.Id be willing bet a large amount of money that girls who are younger for their grade compared to older and held back. More girls start early than late.
Sounds like you're finally starting to get it.
As much as you want to say SY isnt intertwined with grade in school it doesnt make it true. Parents, coaches, recruiters, other players, opponents, etc, etc, etc all know which players are playing on a team thats a grade down from their grade in school. From a parent perspective nobody wants a shortimer on their kids team that will eventually need to play on a team with their grade if they want to be recruited. From a youth coach perspective nobody wants the drama a player playing down a grade will create. From a club perspective it makes more sense to not allow players to play down because it just makes things difficult and it would make more sense to have players play up with their grade.
Can players play down? Or up?
Players are not allowed to register for a team younger than their age in the Seasonal Year matrix. Players are allowed to register for a team in an older age group. There may be a few reasons for a player to register in an older age group, but player safety and long-term player development should always be considered before doing so.
What if my child were held back a year at school? How will this affect his team?
School grades do not play a part in this, They would still play at the same level determined by the Age Matrix regardless of their school grade.
HAHAHAHA keep trying GY.
If your kid was held back they play on a team with players their age.
If your kid was young your kid plays on the B team with players their grade.
Why is this so hard to comprehend?
Are you mentally ill? What about that has anything to do with grad year? It literally says school grades do not play a part in this?
But yet grade in school matters.
It does. BUT forcing it will only cause a host of problems and take away opportunities for kids in the CORRECT age group by adding younger players whether they are deserving or not (and that's not good for those younger players).
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:11
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So talking with a friend of mine at the ECNL showcase this weekend. Also I’ll say he told me last summer at surf cup about the age change that was coming and has some very reliable people that he knows. Here is the info I got. It sounds like the Aug hater might get their way and kids will play within their grade within the new 12 month window.
Well sort of…
According to him ECNL is most likely breaking into 3 different groups. Youngers U10-12 and U13-15 and older recruiting ages U16,17,19.
U10-15 will no longer play showcases but will have various cups throughout the year with divisions and tournament champions. Strong RL teams will be invited to these as well.
U10-15 will be based only off the Aug to July 12 month window. However U16/17 will be based off players grades between that 12 month window. So some kids will be pushed up for showcases so they will play against kids within their same grade. League play is still tbd. He didn’t know for sure.
U19 will be for any player who is a senior in high school, age will not matter as long as they are under 19 at the start their club season.
He also has more questions than answers at this point but this is what’s being discussed by ECNL/US Club admin team.
This is already happening? The ECNL showcase this weekend is up to U15 which are the non recruited age groups.
I like the idea of getting away from showcases and adding cups with strong RL teams is smart because that will attract more players to RL.
This won’t be a big change and aligning kids within their same grade U16 and up for showcases to me isn’t a big deal as showcases are meant for recruiting.
I don’t think clubs should or will force players up for league play as they want to be competitive and show how strong their teams are. Kids can always play up if they are capable and willing.
As long as results from showcases don’t matter I completely agree.
They do in ECNL not sure about GA
They do this year. It should be obvious but that would have to change if they were going to use GY for showcases sophomore year and up next year.
Nothing would change for league play, it would still be 8/1-7/31.
I find it hard to believe people would care a ton about exhibition showcases but my kids are aligned so I don't care much either way.
I highly doubt this would work.
Currently theres 3 levels at showcases. Mixing everyone together on the same teams would be 1/3 the amount of games. Assuming they stuck with the one game per day rule.
On top of that Sophmores would get screwed out of their recruitment opportunity when they're the players colleges coaches want to see the most.
I’m not understanding this.. please explain how sophomores are losing out.
I really don’t understand so break it down for me. Please and thank you.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
That’s who you are competing with for college spots.
League games are for competition first with some recruiting. Showcases are for recruiting only. They are not the same.
Parents when people tell you who they are listen to them.
The people that dont want a SY 8/1-7/31 rule that younger players play on a team with their grade. Don't want this because they know it will kill GY and players playing 1-2 years down on ECNL teams. They want club soccer to be like HS Soccer.
How is a 2010 player playing 2011 or 2012 in ECNL today?
You see them pushing for GY at showcases.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
FFS, there are no girls soccer players being held back two years to compete. Get a grip.
Have you read this thread?
Theres parents that are overjoyed that their Aug birthday can can play on a grade down team.
If the rules holding back cheaters aee removed parents will cheat.
Dude an Aug kid is age eligible! You’re literally the most frustrating person and I’m hoping you’re trolling about not understanding this. It’s not playing down! Because it’s not based on grade!!!!
If you do not want grad year which places kids based on grade then that’s a good argument. If you want to say an Aug 2010 who’s held back should not be able to play 2011/2012s I can agree with that.
Maybe we would see some hold back on the boys side. Girls will not want to be held back for any reason.Id be willing bet a large amount of money that girls who are younger for their grade compared to older and held back. More girls start early than late.
Sounds like you're finally starting to get it.
As much as you want to say SY isnt intertwined with grade in school it doesnt make it true. Parents, coaches, recruiters, other players, opponents, etc, etc, etc all know which players are playing on a team thats a grade down from their grade in school. From a parent perspective nobody wants a shortimer on their kids team that will eventually need to play on a team with their grade if they want to be recruited. From a youth coach perspective nobody wants the drama a player playing down a grade will create. From a club perspective it makes more sense to not allow players to play down because it just makes things difficult and it would make more sense to have players play up with their grade.
Can players play down? Or up?
Players are not allowed to register for a team younger than their age in the Seasonal Year matrix. Players are allowed to register for a team in an older age group. There may be a few reasons for a player to register in an older age group, but player safety and long-term player development should always be considered before doing so.
What if my child were held back a year at school? How will this affect his team?
School grades do not play a part in this, They would still play at the same level determined by the Age Matrix regardless of their school grade.
HAHAHAHA keep trying GY.
If your kid was held back they play on a team with players their age.
If your kid was young your kid plays on the B team with players their grade.
Why is this so hard to comprehend?
Are you mentally ill? What about that has anything to do with grad year? It literally says school grades do not play a part in this?
But yet grade in school matters.
So grad year? It’s either grade in school matters or it doesn’t.
It says on the frequently asked questions that grade doesn’t matter I’ll believe the soccer governing bodies over a crazy person.
For the billionth time SY 8/1-7/31 with a rule that younger players must play with their grade in school.
Are you not able to read?
Or do you love GY so much that it's all you see?
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:08
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So talking with a friend of mine at the ECNL showcase this weekend. Also I’ll say he told me last summer at surf cup about the age change that was coming and has some very reliable people that he knows. Here is the info I got. It sounds like the Aug hater might get their way and kids will play within their grade within the new 12 month window.
Well sort of…
According to him ECNL is most likely breaking into 3 different groups. Youngers U10-12 and U13-15 and older recruiting ages U16,17,19.
U10-15 will no longer play showcases but will have various cups throughout the year with divisions and tournament champions. Strong RL teams will be invited to these as well.
U10-15 will be based only off the Aug to July 12 month window. However U16/17 will be based off players grades between that 12 month window. So some kids will be pushed up for showcases so they will play against kids within their same grade. League play is still tbd. He didn’t know for sure.
U19 will be for any player who is a senior in high school, age will not matter as long as they are under 19 at the start their club season.
He also has more questions than answers at this point but this is what’s being discussed by ECNL/US Club admin team.
This is already happening? The ECNL showcase this weekend is up to U15 which are the non recruited age groups.
I like the idea of getting away from showcases and adding cups with strong RL teams is smart because that will attract more players to RL.
This won’t be a big change and aligning kids within their same grade U16 and up for showcases to me isn’t a big deal as showcases are meant for recruiting.
I don’t think clubs should or will force players up for league play as they want to be competitive and show how strong their teams are. Kids can always play up if they are capable and willing.
As long as results from showcases don’t matter I completely agree.
They do in ECNL not sure about GA
They do this year. It should be obvious but that would have to change if they were going to use GY for showcases sophomore year and up next year.
Nothing would change for league play, it would still be 8/1-7/31.
I find it hard to believe people would care a ton about exhibition showcases but my kids are aligned so I don't care much either way.
I highly doubt this would work.
Currently theres 3 levels at showcases. Mixing everyone together on the same teams would be 1/3 the amount of games. Assuming they stuck with the one game per day rule.
On top of that Sophmores would get screwed out of their recruitment opportunity when they're the players colleges coaches want to see the most.
I’m not understanding this.. please explain how sophomores are losing out.
I really don’t understand so break it down for me. Please and thank you.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
That’s who you are competing with for college spots.
League games are for competition first with some recruiting. Showcases are for recruiting only. They are not the same.
Parents when people tell you who they are listen to them.
The people that dont want a SY 8/1-7/31 rule that younger players play on a team with their grade. Don't want this because they know it will kill GY and players playing 1-2 years down on ECNL teams. They want club soccer to be like HS Soccer.
How is a 2010 player playing 2011 or 2012 in ECNL today?
You see them pushing for GY at showcases.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
FFS, there are no girls soccer players being held back two years to compete. Get a grip.
Have you read this thread?
Theres parents that are overjoyed that their Aug birthday can can play on a grade down team.
If the rules holding back cheaters aee removed parents will cheat.
Dude an Aug kid is age eligible! You’re literally the most frustrating person and I’m hoping you’re trolling about not understanding this. It’s not playing down! Because it’s not based on grade!!!!
If you do not want grad year which places kids based on grade then that’s a good argument. If you want to say an Aug 2010 who’s held back should not be able to play 2011/2012s I can agree with that.
Maybe we would see some hold back on the boys side. Girls will not want to be held back for any reason.Id be willing bet a large amount of money that girls who are younger for their grade compared to older and held back. More girls start early than late.
Sounds like you're finally starting to get it.
As much as you want to say SY isnt intertwined with grade in school it doesnt make it true. Parents, coaches, recruiters, other players, opponents, etc, etc, etc all know which players are playing on a team thats a grade down from their grade in school. From a parent perspective nobody wants a shortimer on their kids team that will eventually need to play on a team with their grade if they want to be recruited. From a youth coach perspective nobody wants the drama a player playing down a grade will create. From a club perspective it makes more sense to not allow players to play down because it just makes things difficult and it would make more sense to have players play up with their grade.
Can players play down? Or up?
Players are not allowed to register for a team younger than their age in the Seasonal Year matrix. Players are allowed to register for a team in an older age group. There may be a few reasons for a player to register in an older age group, but player safety and long-term player development should always be considered before doing so.
What if my child were held back a year at school? How will this affect his team?
School grades do not play a part in this, They would still play at the same level determined by the Age Matrix regardless of their school grade.
HAHAHAHA keep trying GY.
If your kid was held back they play on a team with players their age.
If your kid was young your kid plays on the B team with players their grade.
Why is this so hard to comprehend?
Are you mentally ill? What about that has anything to do with grad year? It literally says school grades do not play a part in this?
But yet grade in school matters.
So grad year? It’s either grade in school matters or it doesn’t.
It says on the frequently asked questions that grade doesn’t matter I’ll believe the soccer governing bodies over a crazy person.
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:05
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I don't think you read what they wrote based on your comment.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So talking with a friend of mine at the ECNL showcase this weekend. Also I’ll say he told me last summer at surf cup about the age change that was coming and has some very reliable people that he knows. Here is the info I got. It sounds like the Aug hater might get their way and kids will play within their grade within the new 12 month window.
Well sort of…
According to him ECNL is most likely breaking into 3 different groups. Youngers U10-12 and U13-15 and older recruiting ages U16,17,19.
U10-15 will no longer play showcases but will have various cups throughout the year with divisions and tournament champions. Strong RL teams will be invited to these as well.
U10-15 will be based only off the Aug to July 12 month window. However U16/17 will be based off players grades between that 12 month window. So some kids will be pushed up for showcases so they will play against kids within their same grade. League play is still tbd. He didn’t know for sure.
U19 will be for any player who is a senior in high school, age will not matter as long as they are under 19 at the start their club season.
He also has more questions than answers at this point but this is what’s being discussed by ECNL/US Club admin team.
This is already happening? The ECNL showcase this weekend is up to U15 which are the non recruited age groups.
I like the idea of getting away from showcases and adding cups with strong RL teams is smart because that will attract more players to RL.
This won’t be a big change and aligning kids within their same grade U16 and up for showcases to me isn’t a big deal as showcases are meant for recruiting.
I don’t think clubs should or will force players up for league play as they want to be competitive and show how strong their teams are. Kids can always play up if they are capable and willing.
As long as results from showcases don’t matter I completely agree.
They do in ECNL not sure about GA
They do this year. It should be obvious but that would have to change if they were going to use GY for showcases sophomore year and up next year.
Nothing would change for league play, it would still be 8/1-7/31.
I find it hard to believe people would care a ton about exhibition showcases but my kids are aligned so I don't care much either way.
I highly doubt this would work.
Currently theres 3 levels at showcases. Mixing everyone together on the same teams would be 1/3 the amount of games. Assuming they stuck with the one game per day rule.
On top of that Sophmores would get screwed out of their recruitment opportunity when they're the players colleges coaches want to see the most.
I’m not understanding this.. please explain how sophomores are losing out.
I really don’t understand so break it down for me. Please and thank you.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
That’s who you are competing with for college spots.
League games are for competition first with some recruiting. Showcases are for recruiting only. They are not the same.
Parents when people tell you who they are listen to them.
The people that dont want a SY 8/1-7/31 rule that younger players play on a team with their grade. Don't want this because they know it will kill GY and players playing 1-2 years down on ECNL teams. They want club soccer to be like HS Soccer.
How is a 2010 player playing 2011 or 2012 in ECNL today?
You see them pushing for GY at showcases.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
FFS, there are no girls soccer players being held back two years to compete. Get a grip.
Have you read this thread?
Theres parents that are overjoyed that their Aug birthday can can play on a grade down team.
If the rules holding back cheaters aee removed parents will cheat.
Dude an Aug kid is age eligible! You’re literally the most frustrating person and I’m hoping you’re trolling about not understanding this. It’s not playing down! Because it’s not based on grade!!!!
If you do not want grad year which places kids based on grade then that’s a good argument. If you want to say an Aug 2010 who’s held back should not be able to play 2011/2012s I can agree with that.
Maybe we would see some hold back on the boys side. Girls will not want to be held back for any reason.Id be willing bet a large amount of money that girls who are younger for their grade compared to older and held back. More girls start early than late.
Sounds like you're finally starting to get it.
As much as you want to say SY isnt intertwined with grade in school it doesnt make it true. Parents, coaches, recruiters, other players, opponents, etc, etc, etc all know which players are playing on a team thats a grade down from their grade in school. From a parent perspective nobody wants a shortimer on their kids team that will eventually need to play on a team with their grade if they want to be recruited. From a youth coach perspective nobody wants the drama a player playing down a grade will create. From a club perspective it makes more sense to not allow players to play down because it just makes things difficult and it would make more sense to have players play up with their grade.
That’s because they can’t read very well or articulate good arguments other than me want you dumb.
Please remind me in a couple of years how your blind support of ECNL leaves your kid.
Keep lashing out. We see it’s a cry for help. Let us help you.
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:04
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So talking with a friend of mine at the ECNL showcase this weekend. Also I’ll say he told me last summer at surf cup about the age change that was coming and has some very reliable people that he knows. Here is the info I got. It sounds like the Aug hater might get their way and kids will play within their grade within the new 12 month window.
Well sort of…
According to him ECNL is most likely breaking into 3 different groups. Youngers U10-12 and U13-15 and older recruiting ages U16,17,19.
U10-15 will no longer play showcases but will have various cups throughout the year with divisions and tournament champions. Strong RL teams will be invited to these as well.
U10-15 will be based only off the Aug to July 12 month window. However U16/17 will be based off players grades between that 12 month window. So some kids will be pushed up for showcases so they will play against kids within their same grade. League play is still tbd. He didn’t know for sure.
U19 will be for any player who is a senior in high school, age will not matter as long as they are under 19 at the start their club season.
He also has more questions than answers at this point but this is what’s being discussed by ECNL/US Club admin team.
This is already happening? The ECNL showcase this weekend is up to U15 which are the non recruited age groups.
I like the idea of getting away from showcases and adding cups with strong RL teams is smart because that will attract more players to RL.
This won’t be a big change and aligning kids within their same grade U16 and up for showcases to me isn’t a big deal as showcases are meant for recruiting.
I don’t think clubs should or will force players up for league play as they want to be competitive and show how strong their teams are. Kids can always play up if they are capable and willing.
As long as results from showcases don’t matter I completely agree.
They do in ECNL not sure about GA
They do this year. It should be obvious but that would have to change if they were going to use GY for showcases sophomore year and up next year.
Nothing would change for league play, it would still be 8/1-7/31.
I find it hard to believe people would care a ton about exhibition showcases but my kids are aligned so I don't care much either way.
I highly doubt this would work.
Currently theres 3 levels at showcases. Mixing everyone together on the same teams would be 1/3 the amount of games. Assuming they stuck with the one game per day rule.
On top of that Sophmores would get screwed out of their recruitment opportunity when they're the players colleges coaches want to see the most.
I’m not understanding this.. please explain how sophomores are losing out.
I really don’t understand so break it down for me. Please and thank you.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
That’s who you are competing with for college spots.
League games are for competition first with some recruiting. Showcases are for recruiting only. They are not the same.
Parents when people tell you who they are listen to them.
The people that dont want a SY 8/1-7/31 rule that younger players play on a team with their grade. Don't want this because they know it will kill GY and players playing 1-2 years down on ECNL teams. They want club soccer to be like HS Soccer.
How is a 2010 player playing 2011 or 2012 in ECNL today?
You see them pushing for GY at showcases.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
FFS, there are no girls soccer players being held back two years to compete. Get a grip.
Have you read this thread?
Theres parents that are overjoyed that their Aug birthday can can play on a grade down team.
If the rules holding back cheaters aee removed parents will cheat.
Dude an Aug kid is age eligible! You’re literally the most frustrating person and I’m hoping you’re trolling about not understanding this. It’s not playing down! Because it’s not based on grade!!!!
If you do not want grad year which places kids based on grade then that’s a good argument. If you want to say an Aug 2010 who’s held back should not be able to play 2011/2012s I can agree with that.
Maybe we would see some hold back on the boys side. Girls will not want to be held back for any reason.Id be willing bet a large amount of money that girls who are younger for their grade compared to older and held back. More girls start early than late.
Sounds like you're finally starting to get it.
As much as you want to say SY isnt intertwined with grade in school it doesnt make it true. Parents, coaches, recruiters, other players, opponents, etc, etc, etc all know which players are playing on a team thats a grade down from their grade in school. From a parent perspective nobody wants a shortimer on their kids team that will eventually need to play on a team with their grade if they want to be recruited. From a youth coach perspective nobody wants the drama a player playing down a grade will create. From a club perspective it makes more sense to not allow players to play down because it just makes things difficult and it would make more sense to have players play up with their grade.
Can players play down? Or up?
Players are not allowed to register for a team younger than their age in the Seasonal Year matrix. Players are allowed to register for a team in an older age group. There may be a few reasons for a player to register in an older age group, but player safety and long-term player development should always be considered before doing so.
What if my child were held back a year at school? How will this affect his team?
School grades do not play a part in this, They would still play at the same level determined by the Age Matrix regardless of their school grade.
HAHAHAHA keep trying GY.
If your kid was held back they play on a team with players their age.
If your kid was young your kid plays on the B team with players their grade.
Why is this so hard to comprehend?
Are you mentally ill? What about that has anything to do with grad year? It literally says school grades do not play a part in this?
But yet grade in school matters.
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:03
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
How are they pushing GY? Your logic is random.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So talking with a friend of mine at the ECNL showcase this weekend. Also I’ll say he told me last summer at surf cup about the age change that was coming and has some very reliable people that he knows. Here is the info I got. It sounds like the Aug hater might get their way and kids will play within their grade within the new 12 month window.
Well sort of…
According to him ECNL is most likely breaking into 3 different groups. Youngers U10-12 and U13-15 and older recruiting ages U16,17,19.
U10-15 will no longer play showcases but will have various cups throughout the year with divisions and tournament champions. Strong RL teams will be invited to these as well.
U10-15 will be based only off the Aug to July 12 month window. However U16/17 will be based off players grades between that 12 month window. So some kids will be pushed up for showcases so they will play against kids within their same grade. League play is still tbd. He didn’t know for sure.
U19 will be for any player who is a senior in high school, age will not matter as long as they are under 19 at the start their club season.
He also has more questions than answers at this point but this is what’s being discussed by ECNL/US Club admin team.
This is already happening? The ECNL showcase this weekend is up to U15 which are the non recruited age groups.
I like the idea of getting away from showcases and adding cups with strong RL teams is smart because that will attract more players to RL.
This won’t be a big change and aligning kids within their same grade U16 and up for showcases to me isn’t a big deal as showcases are meant for recruiting.
I don’t think clubs should or will force players up for league play as they want to be competitive and show how strong their teams are. Kids can always play up if they are capable and willing.
As long as results from showcases don’t matter I completely agree.
They do in ECNL not sure about GA
They do this year. It should be obvious but that would have to change if they were going to use GY for showcases sophomore year and up next year.
Nothing would change for league play, it would still be 8/1-7/31.
I find it hard to believe people would care a ton about exhibition showcases but my kids are aligned so I don't care much either way.
I highly doubt this would work.
Currently theres 3 levels at showcases. Mixing everyone together on the same teams would be 1/3 the amount of games. Assuming they stuck with the one game per day rule.
On top of that Sophmores would get screwed out of their recruitment opportunity when they're the players colleges coaches want to see the most.
I’m not understanding this.. please explain how sophomores are losing out.
I really don’t understand so break it down for me. Please and thank you.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
That’s who you are competing with for college spots.
League games are for competition first with some recruiting. Showcases are for recruiting only. They are not the same.
Parents when people tell you who they are listen to them.
The people that dont want a SY 8/1-7/31 rule that younger players play on a team with their grade. Don't want this because they know it will kill GY and players playing 1-2 years down on ECNL teams. They want club soccer to be like HS Soccer.
How is a 2010 player playing 2011 or 2012 in ECNL today?
You see them pushing for GY at showcases.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
FFS, there are no girls soccer players being held back two years to compete. Get a grip.
Have you read this thread?
Theres parents that are overjoyed that their Aug birthday can can play on a grade down team.
If the rules holding back cheaters aee removed parents will cheat.
Dude an Aug kid is age eligible! You’re literally the most frustrating person and I’m hoping you’re trolling about not understanding this. It’s not playing down! Because it’s not based on grade!!!!
If you do not want grad year which places kids based on grade then that’s a good argument. If you want to say an Aug 2010 who’s held back should not be able to play 2011/2012s I can agree with that.
Maybe we would see some hold back on the boys side. Girls will not want to be held back for any reason.Id be willing bet a large amount of money that girls who are younger for their grade compared to older and held back. More girls start early than late.
Sounds like you're finally starting to get it.
As much as you want to say SY isnt intertwined with grade in school it doesnt make it true. Parents, coaches, recruiters, other players, opponents, etc, etc, etc all know which players are playing on a team thats a grade down from their grade in school. From a parent perspective nobody wants a shortimer on their kids team that will eventually need to play on a team with their grade if they want to be recruited. From a youth coach perspective nobody wants the drama a player playing down a grade will create. From a club perspective it makes more sense to not allow players to play down because it just makes things difficult and it would make more sense to have players play up with their grade.
Forcing players to play up will also create drama for either the A or B team.
100% no it wont.
Keep trying GY
Anonymous
10/12/2025 21:01
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Spend a handful of seconds reading what posters write before going down your own rabbit hole. OMGAnonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:So talking with a friend of mine at the ECNL showcase this weekend. Also I’ll say he told me last summer at surf cup about the age change that was coming and has some very reliable people that he knows. Here is the info I got. It sounds like the Aug hater might get their way and kids will play within their grade within the new 12 month window.
Well sort of…
According to him ECNL is most likely breaking into 3 different groups. Youngers U10-12 and U13-15 and older recruiting ages U16,17,19.
U10-15 will no longer play showcases but will have various cups throughout the year with divisions and tournament champions. Strong RL teams will be invited to these as well.
U10-15 will be based only off the Aug to July 12 month window. However U16/17 will be based off players grades between that 12 month window. So some kids will be pushed up for showcases so they will play against kids within their same grade. League play is still tbd. He didn’t know for sure.
U19 will be for any player who is a senior in high school, age will not matter as long as they are under 19 at the start their club season.
He also has more questions than answers at this point but this is what’s being discussed by ECNL/US Club admin team.
This is already happening? The ECNL showcase this weekend is up to U15 which are the non recruited age groups.
I like the idea of getting away from showcases and adding cups with strong RL teams is smart because that will attract more players to RL.
This won’t be a big change and aligning kids within their same grade U16 and up for showcases to me isn’t a big deal as showcases are meant for recruiting.
I don’t think clubs should or will force players up for league play as they want to be competitive and show how strong their teams are. Kids can always play up if they are capable and willing.
As long as results from showcases don’t matter I completely agree.
They do in ECNL not sure about GA
They do this year. It should be obvious but that would have to change if they were going to use GY for showcases sophomore year and up next year.
Nothing would change for league play, it would still be 8/1-7/31.
I find it hard to believe people would care a ton about exhibition showcases but my kids are aligned so I don't care much either way.
I highly doubt this would work.
Currently theres 3 levels at showcases. Mixing everyone together on the same teams would be 1/3 the amount of games. Assuming they stuck with the one game per day rule.
On top of that Sophmores would get screwed out of their recruitment opportunity when they're the players colleges coaches want to see the most.
I’m not understanding this.. please explain how sophomores are losing out.
I really don’t understand so break it down for me. Please and thank you.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
That’s who you are competing with for college spots.
League games are for competition first with some recruiting. Showcases are for recruiting only. They are not the same.
Parents when people tell you who they are listen to them.
The people that dont want a SY 8/1-7/31 rule that younger players play on a team with their grade. Don't want this because they know it will kill GY and players playing 1-2 years down on ECNL teams. They want club soccer to be like HS Soccer.
How is a 2010 player playing 2011 or 2012 in ECNL today?
You see them pushing for GY at showcases.
It all depends on how GY showcases are defined. If its purely by grade only what will happen is parents will hold their kid back in school usually up to 2x. This will make them an 18 year old Sophmore. In league games they'd need to play on the u18/u19 team but at showcases they could play on the Sophmore u16 and u17 team.
Do you want holdbacks that are 2 years older than your kid playing with /against them at showcases?
FFS, there are no girls soccer players being held back two years to compete. Get a grip.
Have you read this thread?
Theres parents that are overjoyed that their Aug birthday can can play on a grade down team.
If the rules holding back cheaters aee removed parents will cheat.
Dude an Aug kid is age eligible! You’re literally the most frustrating person and I’m hoping you’re trolling about not understanding this. It’s not playing down! Because it’s not based on grade!!!!
If you do not want grad year which places kids based on grade then that’s a good argument. If you want to say an Aug 2010 who’s held back should not be able to play 2011/2012s I can agree with that.
Maybe we would see some hold back on the boys side. Girls will not want to be held back for any reason.Id be willing bet a large amount of money that girls who are younger for their grade compared to older and held back. More girls start early than late.
Sounds like you're finally starting to get it.
As much as you want to say SY isnt intertwined with grade in school it doesnt make it true. Parents, coaches, recruiters, other players, opponents, etc, etc, etc all know which players are playing on a team thats a grade down from their grade in school. From a parent perspective nobody wants a shortimer on their kids team that will eventually need to play on a team with their grade if they want to be recruited. From a youth coach perspective nobody wants the drama a player playing down a grade will create. From a club perspective it makes more sense to not allow players to play down because it just makes things difficult and it would make more sense to have players play up with their grade.
Can players play down? Or up?
Players are not allowed to register for a team younger than their age in the Seasonal Year matrix. Players are allowed to register for a team in an older age group. There may be a few reasons for a player to register in an older age group, but player safety and long-term player development should always be considered before doing so.
What if my child were held back a year at school? How will this affect his team?
School grades do not play a part in this, They would still play at the same level determined by the Age Matrix regardless of their school grade.
HAHAHAHA keep trying GY.
If your kid was held back they play on a team with players their age.
If your kid was young your kid plays on the B team with players their grade.
Why is this so hard to comprehend?