Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:47     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:So….will mls next 2 announce they are going SY? GA did….


I think the suspicion now is both MLSN 1 and 2 will announce SY soon but still close to a coin toss chance if I had to guess


If that screenshot is real (it is real by the way), there is no way they come back in a few weeks and say "Sorry for the long wait and massive confusion for our member clubs, but we're not changing anything even though that will be hugely problematic for you as a partner club".

They are obviously debating what and how much to change. So there will 100% be a change in their current BY system. No doubt about that now, but to what extent is the question. Possible scenarios:

1- Total change to SY across the board (still seems unlikely to me but maybe not)
2- Partial SY change (just the P2P clubs at MLSN1 and MLSN2).
3- Just MLSN2 changes to SY
4- Enhanced biobanding allowing Q4 SY players to play 'down'.
5- ? Something else ?


6. All mlsn platforms go 8/1 for the 27/28 season and announce end of summer 26. I don’t see the advantage of changing a year later, but I’ve heard this from multiple people over the past 2 months.


Interesting. That is not power move at all. If true, it means they were unprepared for this, had to change course/strategy and are now going to lame duck an entire year while everyone else acclimates.

"announce end of summer 26". They just posted that they are reviewing this now and how important it is for their member clubs in the 26/27 season. I know they are slow but waiting well over a year (from the messaging they just put out) to make an announcement seems far fetched even for them. There is no way they let their member clubs hang without a decision in the next two months. And once the member clubs know, it will get out so they might as well announce...

Its almost like they dont plan to change from BY.

What messaging are you referring to? The likely fake screenshot posted to reddit?


Yes, that screenshot. It is definitely not fake.

If they don't plan on changing from BY (which is completely fine) then they need to just come out and tell their own damn member clubs who have no clue what is going on or what is going to happen. You don't see how that might be a problem?

There was a parent created screenshot just like the reddit one for both SOCAL and GA last year. Both ended uo being fakes. The track record is not good.

The last one “MLS Next” announcement from Reddit is no brainer to fake:
1. Send the message to yourself in PlayMetrics
2. Hide “From” and “To”
3. Pretend it’s from your club officials and share everywhere

No skills needed and 5 minutes of time.


Not saying you are wrong but I can't seem to get the App to allow me (a parent) to send myself a message. So at a minimum, I'd need an accomplice. I could send my kid a fake message, then take their phone and screenshot it. Seems like a pretty deranged thing to do though.

You can do it if you have any role in the club / team other than parent e.g. Team Manager


Nice, we are getting closer to the suspect. CSICUM is in effect. I'll be honest, I did have AI check the language and how some things were used "Dear MLS NEXT Member Clubs" "MLS NEXT HQ" etc. and it all checked out. So whoever faked it (if it is a fake) was careful and followed other communications. So there are no obvious 'tells' that it is fake.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:42     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why would someone come here and make things up that are clearly false?


I think people are quick to make assumptions and then don't back down. I've done it before. It is easier to press on rather than admit a wrong.

Also some people post things others posted elsewhere, so there is a layer of plausible deniability. Take the latest MLSN screenshot-gate thing for example. None of us really know if it is real or not. I mean, it is a real screenshot but it could be completely made up text.


Your July kid in MLSN will be fine either way, just relax.


Hey man, I have a September MLSN kid. Get it right.


My kid turned down an offer from Stanford when she was 13. Currently playing 3 years up and is deciding whether to play for US or Spain NT in the future.


I really don't get this. Even if this is made up "Hey man, I have a September MLSN kid. Get it right." it isn't some huge accomplishment worth bragging about. It is a simple statement of fact. For which you go on some weird trippy fantasy. But you do you I guess.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:38     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:So….will mls next 2 announce they are going SY? GA did….


I think the suspicion now is both MLSN 1 and 2 will announce SY soon but still close to a coin toss chance if I had to guess


If that screenshot is real (it is real by the way), there is no way they come back in a few weeks and say "Sorry for the long wait and massive confusion for our member clubs, but we're not changing anything even though that will be hugely problematic for you as a partner club".

They are obviously debating what and how much to change. So there will 100% be a change in their current BY system. No doubt about that now, but to what extent is the question. Possible scenarios:

1- Total change to SY across the board (still seems unlikely to me but maybe not)
2- Partial SY change (just the P2P clubs at MLSN1 and MLSN2).
3- Just MLSN2 changes to SY
4- Enhanced biobanding allowing Q4 SY players to play 'down'.
5- ? Something else ?


6. All mlsn platforms go 8/1 for the 27/28 season and announce end of summer 26. I don’t see the advantage of changing a year later, but I’ve heard this from multiple people over the past 2 months.


Interesting. That is not power move at all. If true, it means they were unprepared for this, had to change course/strategy and are now going to lame duck an entire year while everyone else acclimates.

"announce end of summer 26". They just posted that they are reviewing this now and how important it is for their member clubs in the 26/27 season. I know they are slow but waiting well over a year (from the messaging they just put out) to make an announcement seems far fetched even for them. There is no way they let their member clubs hang without a decision in the next two months. And once the member clubs know, it will get out so they might as well announce...

Its almost like they dont plan to change from BY.

What messaging are you referring to? The likely fake screenshot posted to reddit?


Yes, that screenshot. It is definitely not fake.

If they don't plan on changing from BY (which is completely fine) then they need to just come out and tell their own damn member clubs who have no clue what is going on or what is going to happen. You don't see how that might be a problem?

There was a parent created screenshot just like the reddit one for both SOCAL and GA last year. Both ended uo being fakes. The track record is not good.

The last one “MLS Next” announcement from Reddit is no brainer to fake:
1. Send the message to yourself in PlayMetrics
2. Hide “From” and “To”
3. Pretend it’s from your club officials and share everywhere

No skills needed and 5 minutes of time.


Not saying you are wrong but I can't seem to get the App to allow me (a parent) to send myself a message. So at a minimum, I'd need an accomplice. I could send my kid a fake message, then take their phone and screenshot it. Seems like a pretty deranged thing to do though.

You can do it if you have any role in the club / team other than parent e.g. Team Manager
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:38     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:So….will mls next 2 announce they are going SY? GA did….


I think the suspicion now is both MLSN 1 and 2 will announce SY soon but still close to a coin toss chance if I had to guess


If that screenshot is real (it is real by the way), there is no way they come back in a few weeks and say "Sorry for the long wait and massive confusion for our member clubs, but we're not changing anything even though that will be hugely problematic for you as a partner club".

They are obviously debating what and how much to change. So there will 100% be a change in their current BY system. No doubt about that now, but to what extent is the question. Possible scenarios:

1- Total change to SY across the board (still seems unlikely to me but maybe not)
2- Partial SY change (just the P2P clubs at MLSN1 and MLSN2).
3- Just MLSN2 changes to SY
4- Enhanced biobanding allowing Q4 SY players to play 'down'.
5- ? Something else ?


6. All mlsn platforms go 8/1 for the 27/28 season and announce end of summer 26. I don’t see the advantage of changing a year later, but I’ve heard this from multiple people over the past 2 months.


Interesting. That is not power move at all. If true, it means they were unprepared for this, had to change course/strategy and are now going to lame duck an entire year while everyone else acclimates.

"announce end of summer 26". They just posted that they are reviewing this now and how important it is for their member clubs in the 26/27 season. I know they are slow but waiting well over a year (from the messaging they just put out) to make an announcement seems far fetched even for them. There is no way they let their member clubs hang without a decision in the next two months. And once the member clubs know, it will get out so they might as well announce...

Its almost like they dont plan to change from BY.

What messaging are you referring to? The likely fake screenshot posted to reddit?


Yes, that screenshot. It is definitely not fake.

If they don't plan on changing from BY (which is completely fine) then they need to just come out and tell their own damn member clubs who have no clue what is going on or what is going to happen. You don't see how that might be a problem?

I dont see the problem. Eventually MLS Next will need to release its 2026/27 season rules. When they do this everything will be clear. Until then or if they release a statement, BY.


Ok, that will certainly make their member clubs feel good. All of whom are telling parents all kinds of different things because they don't know what is going to happen! The 26/27 rules won't come out until August... Great way to run an organization.

Doesnt this tell you that they intend to stay BY?


If they intend to stay BY why not just come out and say it? Then no guessing is needed. Their own clubs don't know. Should they all just base their tryout season plans on guesses and tea-leaves?

Not saying anything clearly means something is up. It would take 10 seconds to put out an official message that they are staying BY. Then their clubs all know and can plan accordingly.

I'm good friends with the director and an MLSN2 club. The rest of the club is USYS and going to SY. His main competitors in the small-city market are ECRL and NPL. He is pulling his hair out because he has to field questions about this from parents constantly and has heard absolutely nothing from MLSN. How is he going to recruit players over from his competitors if he doesn't even know what the age brackets will be? It is a shit show. But that is cool, I'll just tell him he needs to read between the lines and figure it out for himself.


Likely MLSN is just slow to announce and just waits for prompts from clubs to pile up and/or they were thinking BY all along until complaints from clubs started piling up.


This.

I’m hoping we don’t get announcement that there is no change for 26/27 but they will continue to monitor and make a decision about 27/28 later.


I’m hoping they don’t overthink this change, should be a no brainer to simplify what’s in the best combined interest for them and their clubs.

I hope they stay BY to maintain international Academy relevance and integrity.


Right! that way US can have even more integrity than England and Germany, who do not use Jan 1. And when MLSN plays all those international matches and sells all those players…

Germany uses a Jan 1 cutoff aka BY

So the only league who's youth Academys use Aug 31 is EPL England and they buy talent from everywhere else (which are usually Jan 1 cutoff aka BY)
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:35     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:So….will mls next 2 announce they are going SY? GA did….


I think the suspicion now is both MLSN 1 and 2 will announce SY soon but still close to a coin toss chance if I had to guess


If that screenshot is real (it is real by the way), there is no way they come back in a few weeks and say "Sorry for the long wait and massive confusion for our member clubs, but we're not changing anything even though that will be hugely problematic for you as a partner club".

They are obviously debating what and how much to change. So there will 100% be a change in their current BY system. No doubt about that now, but to what extent is the question. Possible scenarios:

1- Total change to SY across the board (still seems unlikely to me but maybe not)
2- Partial SY change (just the P2P clubs at MLSN1 and MLSN2).
3- Just MLSN2 changes to SY
4- Enhanced biobanding allowing Q4 SY players to play 'down'.
5- ? Something else ?


6. All mlsn platforms go 8/1 for the 27/28 season and announce end of summer 26. I don’t see the advantage of changing a year later, but I’ve heard this from multiple people over the past 2 months.


Interesting. That is not power move at all. If true, it means they were unprepared for this, had to change course/strategy and are now going to lame duck an entire year while everyone else acclimates.

"announce end of summer 26". They just posted that they are reviewing this now and how important it is for their member clubs in the 26/27 season. I know they are slow but waiting well over a year (from the messaging they just put out) to make an announcement seems far fetched even for them. There is no way they let their member clubs hang without a decision in the next two months. And once the member clubs know, it will get out so they might as well announce...

Its almost like they dont plan to change from BY.

What messaging are you referring to? The likely fake screenshot posted to reddit?


Yes, that screenshot. It is definitely not fake.

If they don't plan on changing from BY (which is completely fine) then they need to just come out and tell their own damn member clubs who have no clue what is going on or what is going to happen. You don't see how that might be a problem?

I dont see the problem. Eventually MLS Next will need to release its 2026/27 season rules. When they do this everything will be clear. Until then or if they release a statement, BY.


Ok, that will certainly make their member clubs feel good. All of whom are telling parents all kinds of different things because they don't know what is going to happen! The 26/27 rules won't come out until August... Great way to run an organization.

Doesnt this tell you that they intend to stay BY?


If they intend to stay BY why not just come out and say it? Then no guessing is needed. Their own clubs don't know. Should they all just base their tryout season plans on guesses and tea-leaves?

Not saying anything clearly means something is up. It would take 10 seconds to put out an official message that they are staying BY. Then their clubs all know and can plan accordingly.

I'm good friends with the director and an MLSN2 club. The rest of the club is USYS and going to SY. His main competitors in the small-city market are ECRL and NPL. He is pulling his hair out because he has to field questions about this from parents constantly and has heard absolutely nothing from MLSN. How is he going to recruit players over from his competitors if he doesn't even know what the age brackets will be? It is a shit show. But that is cool, I'll just tell him he needs to read between the lines and figure it out for himself.


Likely MLSN is just slow to announce and just waits for prompts from clubs to pile up and/or they were thinking BY all along until complaints from clubs started piling up.


This.

I’m hoping we don’t get announcement that there is no change for 26/27 but they will continue to monitor and make a decision about 27/28 later.


I’m hoping they don’t overthink this change, should be a no brainer to simplify what’s in the best combined interest for them and their clubs.

I hope they stay BY to maintain international Academy relevance and integrity.


Right! that way US can have even more integrity than England and Germany, who do not use Jan 1. And when MLSN plays all those international matches and sells all those players…

Germany uses a Jan 1 cutoff aka BY
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:34     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why would someone come here and make things up that are clearly false?


I think people are quick to make assumptions and then don't back down. I've done it before. It is easier to press on rather than admit a wrong.

Also some people post things others posted elsewhere, so there is a layer of plausible deniability. Take the latest MLSN screenshot-gate thing for example. None of us really know if it is real or not. I mean, it is a real screenshot but it could be completely made up text.


Your July kid in MLSN will be fine either way, just relax.


Hey man, I have a September MLSN kid. Get it right.


My kid turned down an offer from Stanford when she was 13. Currently playing 3 years up and is deciding whether to play for US or Spain NT in the future.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:24     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why would someone come here and make things up that are clearly false?


I think people are quick to make assumptions and then don't back down. I've done it before. It is easier to press on rather than admit a wrong.

Also some people post things others posted elsewhere, so there is a layer of plausible deniability. Take the latest MLSN screenshot-gate thing for example. None of us really know if it is real or not. I mean, it is a real screenshot but it could be completely made up text.

Its made up and fake.

The same guy thats argueing and accusing you of having a July birthday kid 99% chance wrote it. Sounds crazy but its probably true. The guy has issues.


Sure, says the guy who clearly responds to his own posts.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:23     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:So….will mls next 2 announce they are going SY? GA did….


I think the suspicion now is both MLSN 1 and 2 will announce SY soon but still close to a coin toss chance if I had to guess


If that screenshot is real (it is real by the way), there is no way they come back in a few weeks and say "Sorry for the long wait and massive confusion for our member clubs, but we're not changing anything even though that will be hugely problematic for you as a partner club".

They are obviously debating what and how much to change. So there will 100% be a change in their current BY system. No doubt about that now, but to what extent is the question. Possible scenarios:

1- Total change to SY across the board (still seems unlikely to me but maybe not)
2- Partial SY change (just the P2P clubs at MLSN1 and MLSN2).
3- Just MLSN2 changes to SY
4- Enhanced biobanding allowing Q4 SY players to play 'down'.
5- ? Something else ?


6. All mlsn platforms go 8/1 for the 27/28 season and announce end of summer 26. I don’t see the advantage of changing a year later, but I’ve heard this from multiple people over the past 2 months.


Interesting. That is not power move at all. If true, it means they were unprepared for this, had to change course/strategy and are now going to lame duck an entire year while everyone else acclimates.

"announce end of summer 26". They just posted that they are reviewing this now and how important it is for their member clubs in the 26/27 season. I know they are slow but waiting well over a year (from the messaging they just put out) to make an announcement seems far fetched even for them. There is no way they let their member clubs hang without a decision in the next two months. And once the member clubs know, it will get out so they might as well announce...

Its almost like they dont plan to change from BY.

What messaging are you referring to? The likely fake screenshot posted to reddit?


Yes, that screenshot. It is definitely not fake.

If they don't plan on changing from BY (which is completely fine) then they need to just come out and tell their own damn member clubs who have no clue what is going on or what is going to happen. You don't see how that might be a problem?

There was a parent created screenshot just like the reddit one for both SOCAL and GA last year. Both ended uo being fakes. The track record is not good.

The last one “MLS Next” announcement from Reddit is no brainer to fake:
1. Send the message to yourself in PlayMetrics
2. Hide “From” and “To”
3. Pretend it’s from your club officials and share everywhere

No skills needed and 5 minutes of time.


Not saying you are wrong but I can't seem to get the App to allow me (a parent) to send myself a message. So at a minimum, I'd need an accomplice. I could send my kid a fake message, then take their phone and screenshot it. Seems like a pretty deranged thing to do though.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:20     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Well known PREM Academies use Sep1.


Then how in the world do they play international games with a 9/1 cutoff? MLSN plays loads of international matches and they will not be able to do it unless they stay BY, impossible.


They move kids around to form up teams all the time. Easy day.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:16     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why would someone come here and make things up that are clearly false?


I think people are quick to make assumptions and then don't back down. I've done it before. It is easier to press on rather than admit a wrong.

Also some people post things others posted elsewhere, so there is a layer of plausible deniability. Take the latest MLSN screenshot-gate thing for example. None of us really know if it is real or not. I mean, it is a real screenshot but it could be completely made up text.

Its made up and fake.

The same guy thats argueing and accusing you of having a July birthday kid 99% chance wrote it. Sounds crazy but its probably true. The guy has issues.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:16     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why would someone come here and make things up that are clearly false?


I think people are quick to make assumptions and then don't back down. I've done it before. It is easier to press on rather than admit a wrong.

Also some people post things others posted elsewhere, so there is a layer of plausible deniability. Take the latest MLSN screenshot-gate thing for example. None of us really know if it is real or not. I mean, it is a real screenshot but it could be completely made up text.


Your July kid in MLSN will be fine either way, just relax.


Hey man, I have a September MLSN kid. Get it right.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:15     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Well known PREM Academies use Sep1.


Then how in the world do they play international games with a 9/1 cutoff? MLSN plays loads of international matches and they will not be able to do it unless they stay BY, impossible.


Hmmmm. It is almost like international tournaments all allow numerous exceptions and clubs can re-form rosters for events. I know, I know, that seems impossible
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:14     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So….will mls next 2 announce they are going SY? GA did….


I think the suspicion now is both MLSN 1 and 2 will announce SY soon but still close to a coin toss chance if I had to guess


If that screenshot is real (it is real by the way), there is no way they come back in a few weeks and say "Sorry for the long wait and massive confusion for our member clubs, but we're not changing anything even though that will be hugely problematic for you as a partner club".

They are obviously debating what and how much to change. So there will 100% be a change in their current BY system. No doubt about that now, but to what extent is the question. Possible scenarios:

1- Total change to SY across the board (still seems unlikely to me but maybe not)
2- Partial SY change (just the P2P clubs at MLSN1 and MLSN2).
3- Just MLSN2 changes to SY
4- Enhanced biobanding allowing Q4 SY players to play 'down'.
5- ? Something else ?


6. All mlsn platforms go 8/1 for the 27/28 season and announce end of summer 26. I don’t see the advantage of changing a year later, but I’ve heard this from multiple people over the past 2 months.


Interesting. That is not power move at all. If true, it means they were unprepared for this, had to change course/strategy and are now going to lame duck an entire year while everyone else acclimates.

"announce end of summer 26". They just posted that they are reviewing this now and how important it is for their member clubs in the 26/27 season. I know they are slow but waiting well over a year (from the messaging they just put out) to make an announcement seems far fetched even for them. There is no way they let their member clubs hang without a decision in the next two months. And once the member clubs know, it will get out so they might as well announce...

Its almost like they dont plan to change from BY.

What messaging are you referring to? The likely fake screenshot posted to reddit?


Yes, that screenshot. It is definitely not fake.

If they don't plan on changing from BY (which is completely fine) then they need to just come out and tell their own damn member clubs who have no clue what is going on or what is going to happen. You don't see how that might be a problem?

There was a parent created screenshot just like the reddit one for both SOCAL and GA last year. Both ended uo being fakes. The track record is not good.

The last one “MLS Next” announcement from Reddit is no brainer to fake:
1. Send the message to yourself in PlayMetrics
2. Hide “From” and “To”
3. Pretend it’s from your club officials and share everywhere

No skills needed and 5 minutes of time.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:11     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why would someone come here and make things up that are clearly false?


I think people are quick to make assumptions and then don't back down. I've done it before. It is easier to press on rather than admit a wrong.

Also some people post things others posted elsewhere, so there is a layer of plausible deniability. Take the latest MLSN screenshot-gate thing for example. None of us really know if it is real or not. I mean, it is a real screenshot but it could be completely made up text.


Your July kid in MLSN will be fine either way, just relax.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:11     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:Why would someone come here and make things up that are clearly false?

Because on International clubs sites Youth Academy teams are listed as u18 u17 u16. England appears to use Aug 31st as a cutoff which makes things confusing.

German Acadamies also use u18 u17 u16 but I dont see an aug 31 group cutoff which means its likely 1/1.