Anonymous
01/22/2026 07:55
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The more this conversation goes on, the more I still feel like just a handful of people even get this. So here's a few relevant pieces of info:
1. The idea here is for kids to play with their school grade. Every US Club/US Soccer communication says this. 7/31 is the earliest cutoff meaning as long as your kid started school on time, they are allowed to play with their school grade. This was the goal.
2. The term they use for kids playing a grade below because of school cutoff and birthday after Aug 1 is "force down" not play down, because playing down isn't allowed, but playing up is. So a "force down" is when a club forces a player to play with a lower grade. This was not the intent of the change.
3. One of the specified goals was to help facilitate college recruiting because college scouts are usually recruiting a specific graduation year. They are not often looking at multiple age groups at once and they will be going where the majority of the players they need are playing. If you aren't playing with your graduation year, you are at a significant disadvantage and this was acknowledged so the change is truly meant to align this.
On point 1, for as much as that is true, they also said like 100 times that kids will be misaligned no matter what they do because there's no universal start date for school. There also was an emphasis that the grade focus was to keep classmates together to increase participation.
On point 2, I've seen more references for "forcing up" and to be very careful about it.
On point 3, yes, they wanted to make it easier for recruiting, but like point 1, explaining it won't be perfect. This is why many clubs are approaching things on a case-by-case basis.
So, across the spectrum, we're going to see a bit of everything, especially at first. As a parent, this means ask a lot of questions, especially of coaches and those who currently are involved in college recruiting (if that's the goal). Be wary of doom and gloom/I've got all the answers people.
Where does this keep classmates together fantasy come from
Is this for recreation teams coached by the elementary school crossing guard?
How can clubs belong to a league but create their own age bracket system?
If playing your school grade is a priority for you, college recruiting will not be a problem, because you're definitely not on that trajectory level
Anonymous
01/22/2026 07:50
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Unwarranted speculation.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Figured you would realize that you were boxed in and put up a childish meme but alas, I was wrong you went with a generic put down as your quitting moment and not even a little put down again.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't believe you couldn't find something better to back up your misinformation campaign.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:A conversation saying playing up is case by case. Ok.Anonymous wrote:And another oh oh....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25586005637693862/
Looked to be 10-15 commenting and all said Aug players should play up on their correct grade in school team.
So how do you play up to a correct grade team if school grade teams don't exist?
A different thread with the same result. Aug birthdays should play with their grade.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25498432029784557/
By far most likes is first listed "Has nothing to do with what grade they are in, it's still a 12 month grouping of players based on birthdates."
Sigh...
You seem determined to to stupid.
Sigh...
You seem determined to be stupid.
If you are actually in Eugene or the greater Philly area, you can go rec/ entry level travel and be correct. Congrats on the well fought win.
So now because USYS clubs are grouping Aug birthdays by grade you call it a win? Whatever, the rest are coming. Some will announce it externally others just wont roster Aug birthdays down while saying "but you can play on the correct grade in school team".
https://www.kopsc.org/age-group-formation-for-2026-2027-season
This change will not impact the Spring 2026 season and our current travel teams will remain as they were in Fall 2025. This change will begin for the Fall 2026 season such that this year's Competitive Academy tryouts will run by August 1 + grade year.
Example 1 - August 15, 2015 birthday and going into 6th grade - plays with 6th grade team (U12).
Example 2 - August 15, 2015 birthday and going into 5th grade (held back in terms of grade year) - plays with 5th grade team (U11).
This is a significant shift that will impact every Competitive Academy team. The Board has worked tirelessly to determine best handling and will continue to work with our staff, volunteer coaches, and families to make this transition as smooth as possible
It's a big country. We can find lots of examples. Local top ECNL Club (and most DMV clubs, really) -- case-by-case:
https://arlingtonsoccer.com/programs/travel/age-group-transition#FAQ
Q: Can a player born between August 1 and September 30 play up if they are in the higher school grade?
A: School grade may be considered as part of the evaluation, but the decision to allow a player to play up is ultimately based on technical criteria including the player’s skill, maturity, and readiness for the older age group. Grade alone does not guarantee that a player will play up.
I think it is purposely vague for Arlington as they have told some ECNL boys teams that they will likely not be changing to School Year.
Anonymous
01/22/2026 07:47
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The more this conversation goes on, the more I still feel like just a handful of people even get this. So here's a few relevant pieces of info:
1. The idea here is for kids to play with their school grade. Every US Club/US Soccer communication says this. 7/31 is the earliest cutoff meaning as long as your kid started school on time, they are allowed to play with their school grade. This was the goal.
2. The term they use for kids playing a grade below because of school cutoff and birthday after Aug 1 is "force down" not play down, because playing down isn't allowed, but playing up is. So a "force down" is when a club forces a player to play with a lower grade. This was not the intent of the change.
3. One of the specified goals was to help facilitate college recruiting because college scouts are usually recruiting a specific graduation year. They are not often looking at multiple age groups at once and they will be going where the majority of the players they need are playing. If you aren't playing with your graduation year, you are at a significant disadvantage and this was acknowledged so the change is truly meant to align this.
On point 1, for as much as that is true, they also said like 100 times that kids will be misaligned no matter what they do because there's no universal start date for school. There also was an emphasis that the grade focus was to keep classmates together to increase participation.
On point 2, I've seen more references for "forcing up" and to be very careful about it.
On point 3, yes, they wanted to make it easier for recruiting, but like point 1, explaining it won't be perfect. This is why many clubs are approaching things on a case-by-case basis.
So, across the spectrum, we're going to see a bit of everything, especially at first. As a parent, this means ask a lot of questions, especially of coaches and those who currently are involved in college recruiting (if that's the goal). Be wary of doom and gloom/I've got all the answers people.
So which leagues will have Grade instead of Age groups?
Since you can't have both
Or are we looking forward to going to a tournament in October with brackets that say
U12 6th Grade
U12 5th Grade
Thought US youth soccer couldn't get any worse
Anonymous
01/21/2026 23:58
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:The more this conversation goes on, the more I still feel like just a handful of people even get this. So here's a few relevant pieces of info:
1. The idea here is for kids to play with their school grade. Every US Club/US Soccer communication says this. 7/31 is the earliest cutoff meaning as long as your kid started school on time, they are allowed to play with their school grade. This was the goal.
2. The term they use for kids playing a grade below because of school cutoff and birthday after Aug 1 is "force down" not play down, because playing down isn't allowed, but playing up is. So a "force down" is when a club forces a player to play with a lower grade. This was not the intent of the change.
3. One of the specified goals was to help facilitate college recruiting because college scouts are usually recruiting a specific graduation year. They are not often looking at multiple age groups at once and they will be going where the majority of the players they need are playing. If you aren't playing with your graduation year, you are at a significant disadvantage and this was acknowledged so the change is truly meant to align this.
On point 1, for as much as that is true, they also said like 100 times that kids will be misaligned no matter what they do because there's no universal start date for school. There also was an emphasis that the grade focus was to keep classmates together to increase participation.
On point 2, I've seen more references for "forcing up" and to be very careful about it.
On point 3, yes, they wanted to make it easier for recruiting, but like point 1, explaining it won't be perfect. This is why many clubs are approaching things on a case-by-case basis.
So, across the spectrum, we're going to see a bit of everything, especially at first. As a parent, this means ask a lot of questions, especially of coaches and those who currently are involved in college recruiting (if that's the goal). Be wary of doom and gloom/I've got all the answers people.
Anonymous
01/21/2026 23:45
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Unwarranted speculation.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Figured you would realize that you were boxed in and put up a childish meme but alas, I was wrong you went with a generic put down as your quitting moment and not even a little put down again.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't believe you couldn't find something better to back up your misinformation campaign.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:A conversation saying playing up is case by case. Ok.Anonymous wrote:And another oh oh....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25586005637693862/
Looked to be 10-15 commenting and all said Aug players should play up on their correct grade in school team.
So how do you play up to a correct grade team if school grade teams don't exist?
A different thread with the same result. Aug birthdays should play with their grade.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25498432029784557/
By far most likes is first listed "Has nothing to do with what grade they are in, it's still a 12 month grouping of players based on birthdates."
Sigh...
You seem determined to to stupid.
Sigh...
You seem determined to be stupid.
If you are actually in Eugene or the greater Philly area, you can go rec/ entry level travel and be correct. Congrats on the well fought win.
So now because USYS clubs are grouping Aug birthdays by grade you call it a win? Whatever, the rest are coming. Some will announce it externally others just wont roster Aug birthdays down while saying "but you can play on the correct grade in school team".
https://www.kopsc.org/age-group-formation-for-2026-2027-season
This change will not impact the Spring 2026 season and our current travel teams will remain as they were in Fall 2025. This change will begin for the Fall 2026 season such that this year's Competitive Academy tryouts will run by August 1 + grade year.
Example 1 - August 15, 2015 birthday and going into 6th grade - plays with 6th grade team (U12).
Example 2 - August 15, 2015 birthday and going into 5th grade (held back in terms of grade year) - plays with 5th grade team (U11).
This is a significant shift that will impact every Competitive Academy team. The Board has worked tirelessly to determine best handling and will continue to work with our staff, volunteer coaches, and families to make this transition as smooth as possible
Some will agree with this. Others will call it a loophole.
Anonymous
01/21/2026 23:44
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Unwarranted speculation.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Figured you would realize that you were boxed in and put up a childish meme but alas, I was wrong you went with a generic put down as your quitting moment and not even a little put down again.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't believe you couldn't find something better to back up your misinformation campaign.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:A conversation saying playing up is case by case. Ok.Anonymous wrote:And another oh oh....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25586005637693862/
Looked to be 10-15 commenting and all said Aug players should play up on their correct grade in school team.
So how do you play up to a correct grade team if school grade teams don't exist?
A different thread with the same result. Aug birthdays should play with their grade.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25498432029784557/
By far most likes is first listed "Has nothing to do with what grade they are in, it's still a 12 month grouping of players based on birthdates."
Sigh...
You seem determined to to stupid.
Sigh...
You seem determined to be stupid.
If you are actually in Eugene or the greater Philly area, you can go rec/ entry level travel and be correct. Congrats on the well fought win.
So now because USYS clubs are grouping Aug birthdays by grade you call it a win? Whatever, the rest are coming. Some will announce it externally others just wont roster Aug birthdays down while saying "but you can play on the correct grade in school team".
https://www.kopsc.org/age-group-formation-for-2026-2027-season
This change will not impact the Spring 2026 season and our current travel teams will remain as they were in Fall 2025. This change will begin for the Fall 2026 season such that this year's Competitive Academy tryouts will run by August 1 + grade year.
Example 1 - August 15, 2015 birthday and going into 6th grade - plays with 6th grade team (U12).
Example 2 - August 15, 2015 birthday and going into 5th grade (held back in terms of grade year) - plays with 5th grade team (U11).
This is a significant shift that will impact every Competitive Academy team. The Board has worked tirelessly to determine best handling and will continue to work with our staff, volunteer coaches, and families to make this transition as smooth as possible
It's a big country. We can find lots of examples. Local top ECNL Club (and most DMV clubs, really) -- case-by-case:
https://arlingtonsoccer.com/programs/travel/age-group-transition#FAQ
Q: Can a player born between August 1 and September 30 play up if they are in the higher school grade?
A: School grade may be considered as part of the evaluation, but the decision to allow a player to play up is ultimately based on technical criteria including the player’s skill, maturity, and readiness for the older age group. Grade alone does not guarantee that a player will play up.
Anonymous
01/21/2026 23:04
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Unwarranted speculation.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Figured you would realize that you were boxed in and put up a childish meme but alas, I was wrong you went with a generic put down as your quitting moment and not even a little put down again.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't believe you couldn't find something better to back up your misinformation campaign.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:A conversation saying playing up is case by case. Ok.Anonymous wrote:And another oh oh....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25586005637693862/
Looked to be 10-15 commenting and all said Aug players should play up on their correct grade in school team.
So how do you play up to a correct grade team if school grade teams don't exist?
A different thread with the same result. Aug birthdays should play with their grade.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25498432029784557/
By far most likes is first listed "Has nothing to do with what grade they are in, it's still a 12 month grouping of players based on birthdates."
Sigh...
You seem determined to to stupid.
Sigh...
You seem determined to be stupid.
If you are actually in Eugene or the greater Philly area, you can go rec/ entry level travel and be correct. Congrats on the well fought win.
So now because USYS clubs are grouping Aug birthdays by grade you call it a win? Whatever, the rest are coming. Some will announce it externally others just wont roster Aug birthdays down while saying "but you can play on the correct grade in school team".
https://www.kopsc.org/age-group-formation-for-2026-2027-season
This change will not impact the Spring 2026 season and our current travel teams will remain as they were in Fall 2025. This change will begin for the Fall 2026 season such that this year's Competitive Academy tryouts will run by August 1 + grade year.
Example 1 - August 15, 2015 birthday and going into 6th grade - plays with 6th grade team (U12).
Example 2 - August 15, 2015 birthday and going into 5th grade (held back in terms of grade year) - plays with 5th grade team (U11).
This is a significant shift that will impact every Competitive Academy team. The Board has worked tirelessly to determine best handling and will continue to work with our staff, volunteer coaches, and families to make this transition as smooth as possible
Anonymous
01/21/2026 22:48
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't believe you couldn't find something better to back up your misinformation campaign.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:A conversation saying playing up is case by case. Ok.Anonymous wrote:And another oh oh....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25586005637693862/
Looked to be 10-15 commenting and all said Aug players should play up on their correct grade in school team.
So how do you play up to a correct grade team if school grade teams don't exist?
A different thread with the same result. Aug birthdays should play with their grade.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25498432029784557/
By far most likes is first listed "Has nothing to do with what grade they are in, it's still a 12 month grouping of players based on birthdates."
Sigh...
You seem determined to to stupid.
Provide a link to a league schedule or any tournament that groups flights by school grade
Anonymous
01/21/2026 22:18
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Unwarranted speculation.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Figured you would realize that you were boxed in and put up a childish meme but alas, I was wrong you went with a generic put down as your quitting moment and not even a little put down again.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't believe you couldn't find something better to back up your misinformation campaign.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:A conversation saying playing up is case by case. Ok.Anonymous wrote:And another oh oh....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25586005637693862/
Looked to be 10-15 commenting and all said Aug players should play up on their correct grade in school team.
So how do you play up to a correct grade team if school grade teams don't exist?
A different thread with the same result. Aug birthdays should play with their grade.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25498432029784557/
By far most likes is first listed "Has nothing to do with what grade they are in, it's still a 12 month grouping of players based on birthdates."
Sigh...
You seem determined to to stupid.
Sigh...
You seem determined to be stupid.
If you are actually in Eugene or the greater Philly area, you can go rec/ entry level travel and be correct. Congrats on the well fought win.
So now because USYS clubs are grouping Aug birthdays by grade you call it a win? Whatever, the rest are coming. Some will announce it externally others just wont roster Aug birthdays down while saying "but you can play on the correct grade in school team".
Anonymous
01/21/2026 22:07
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Figured you would realize that you were boxed in and put up a childish meme but alas, I was wrong you went with a generic put down as your quitting moment and not even a little put down again.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't believe you couldn't find something better to back up your misinformation campaign.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:A conversation saying playing up is case by case. Ok.Anonymous wrote:And another oh oh....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25586005637693862/
Looked to be 10-15 commenting and all said Aug players should play up on their correct grade in school team.
So how do you play up to a correct grade team if school grade teams don't exist?
A different thread with the same result. Aug birthdays should play with their grade.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25498432029784557/
By far most likes is first listed "Has nothing to do with what grade they are in, it's still a 12 month grouping of players based on birthdates."
Sigh...
You seem determined to to stupid.
Sigh...
You seem determined to be stupid.
If you are actually in Eugene or the greater Philly area, you can go rec/ entry level travel and be correct. Congrats on the well fought win.
So now because USYS clubs are grouping Aug birthdays by grade you call it a win? Whatever, the rest are coming. Some will announce it externally others just wont roster Aug birthdays down while saying "but you can play on the correct grade in school team".
Anonymous
01/21/2026 22:04
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Figured you would realize that you were boxed in and put up a childish meme but alas, I was wrong you went with a generic put down as your quitting moment and not even a little put down again.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't believe you couldn't find something better to back up your misinformation campaign.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:A conversation saying playing up is case by case. Ok.Anonymous wrote:And another oh oh....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25586005637693862/
Looked to be 10-15 commenting and all said Aug players should play up on their correct grade in school team.
So how do you play up to a correct grade team if school grade teams don't exist?
A different thread with the same result. Aug birthdays should play with their grade.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25498432029784557/
By far most likes is first listed "Has nothing to do with what grade they are in, it's still a 12 month grouping of players based on birthdates."
Sigh...
You seem determined to to stupid.
Sigh...
You seem determined to be stupid.
If you are actually in Eugene or the greater Philly area, you can go rec/ entry level travel and be correct. Congrats on the well fought win.
I assure there is no "boxed in meme" just people laughing at you and thinking that you're stupid.
Anonymous
01/21/2026 22:00
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Figured you would realize that you were boxed in and put up a childish meme but alas, I was wrong you went with a generic put down as your quitting moment and not even a little put down again.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't believe you couldn't find something better to back up your misinformation campaign.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:A conversation saying playing up is case by case. Ok.Anonymous wrote:And another oh oh....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25586005637693862/
Looked to be 10-15 commenting and all said Aug players should play up on their correct grade in school team.
So how do you play up to a correct grade team if school grade teams don't exist?
A different thread with the same result. Aug birthdays should play with their grade.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25498432029784557/
By far most likes is first listed "Has nothing to do with what grade they are in, it's still a 12 month grouping of players based on birthdates."
Sigh...
You seem determined to to stupid.
Sigh...
You seem determined to be stupid.
If you are actually in Eugene or the greater Philly area, you can go rec/ entry level travel and be correct. Congrats on the well fought win.
Anonymous
01/21/2026 21:48
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I can't believe you couldn't find something better to back up your misinformation campaign.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:A conversation saying playing up is case by case. Ok.Anonymous wrote:And another oh oh....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25586005637693862/
Looked to be 10-15 commenting and all said Aug players should play up on their correct grade in school team.
So how do you play up to a correct grade team if school grade teams don't exist?
A different thread with the same result. Aug birthdays should play with their grade.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25498432029784557/
By far most likes is first listed "Has nothing to do with what grade they are in, it's still a 12 month grouping of players based on birthdates."
Sigh...
You seem determined to to stupid.
Sigh...
You seem determined to be stupid.
Anonymous
01/21/2026 21:47
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:I can't believe you couldn't find something better to back up your misinformation campaign.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:A conversation saying playing up is case by case. Ok.Anonymous wrote:And another oh oh....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25586005637693862/
Looked to be 10-15 commenting and all said Aug players should play up on their correct grade in school team.
So how do you play up to a correct grade team if school grade teams don't exist?
A different thread with the same result. Aug birthdays should play with their grade.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25498432029784557/
By far most likes is first listed "Has nothing to do with what grade they are in, it's still a 12 month grouping of players based on birthdates."
Sigh...
You seem determined to to stupid.
Anonymous
01/21/2026 21:34
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
I can't believe you couldn't find something better to back up your misinformation campaign.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:A conversation saying playing up is case by case. Ok.Anonymous wrote:And another oh oh....
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25586005637693862/
Looked to be 10-15 commenting and all said Aug players should play up on their correct grade in school team.
So how do you play up to a correct grade team if school grade teams don't exist?
A different thread with the same result. Aug birthdays should play with their grade.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/scholarshipsforsocceracademy/posts/25498432029784557/
By far most likes is first listed "Has nothing to do with what grade they are in, it's still a 12 month grouping of players based on birthdates."