From almost a year ago written from feedback from CincySC. (Who said they play to group by grade in SY) When they were debating switching from Sept 1st to Aug 1st. (Which ended up happening)

https://www.soccerparenting.com/blog/upcoming-age-group-changes-youth-soccer-csc

An earlier cutoff = more players eligible to participate with their classmates. We support a July 1 or August 1 soccer cutoff, with the assumption that clubs & leagues will allow players to play up and that most players will choose to play with their grade, even those eligible to play with the grade below.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter’s club in California (ECNL-Girls MLSN-Boys) just had our age group change meeting lat night.

For the girls this is strictly Aug-July change, if a player wants to stay and play up that is decided by each individual coach/player, a players who is Aug-Dec wants to play with the age group closer aligned with their school grade will be allowed but again it’s up to each coach and families to decide based on playing time and other factors. No Aug-Dec player will be forced up.

Boys is still BY and nothing changes. However players who are Aug-Dec ca get additional playing time on the MLS2 team that switches to SY. Also a player who is Aug-Dec 2011 will be 2011/12 U15 next year for MLS2 they can bioband down to play in the U14 2012/2013 age groups.

Are club will also allow girls 2011 to bioband down and play 2012/2013 boys to get extra playing time and development opportunities.

A better way to put this is Aug birthdays can choose to try out on the correct grade A team or the A team a grade down. However coaches (and clubs) decide who makes the team. Clubs dont want Aug birthdays playing down on A teams and will offer players that choose to play down the option of playing on the correct grade in school B team or the grade down B team. Parents will choose the correct grade in school B team because playing on a grade down B team would hurt their ego too much and either way their kid doesnt want to be on a team with kids a grade below them.

Too many logic flaws again.

Makes no sense to say clubs won't want players on an A team if they are eligible and make the cut. Clubs are competitive and try to win not replicate school teams. On age is the default, they don't even know the kids grades unless they petition to play up.

Is your DD a goalie? Because it seems that as a Sept girl should should get on the field even if an August girl takes her position other than goalie.

Reasons clubs dont want Aug birthdays playing down on grade down A teams. Or any grade down team really.

1. Aug birthdays would be out of alignment with level played in club and grade in school.

2. 8th grade teams dont want 9th grade players leaving for half the season to play high school soccer

3. Correct grade in school players and parents dont want grade older losers playing down on their team

4. College coaches recruit players by graduating year / grade in school. Aug birthday players that choose to play on a grade down team will be ignored

5. Playing down is embarrassing for players and gets more and more pathetic the older they are.

You make good points if your kid is currently an 8th grader, but a couple of your arguments fall apart for current 9th graders being asked to “play down” next year. This is terrible for recruiting, less showcases, and less recruiters showing up to watch their games during an important recruiting year. Very bad for them unless coaches play them up a year at showcases and let the team play in the same amount of showcases the kids that didn’t have to “play down” play in. Doubtful. So this age change will be bad for them. Never mind they are being moved to a team that is devoid of their friends and teammates for the last decade. All to play down and show out against younger kids? This means less competition in practice and games all year, and then they need to then play up for showcases when they have been playing down all year. No kids at this age want that. None. No one is happy to “play down.” This is being forced on them, and it will not be good for them. Plus, they will be taking opportunities for the kids playing on grade, which is bad for them. Bad all around. Everyone on here makes it seem like it is a choice. It is not. Take a look at the top teams and their ID rules. There is no choice for the players.

Time to put down the bottle and get sone sleep. You're not making sense.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter’s club in California (ECNL-Girls MLSN-Boys) just had our age group change meeting lat night.

For the girls this is strictly Aug-July change, if a player wants to stay and play up that is decided by each individual coach/player, a players who is Aug-Dec wants to play with the age group closer aligned with their school grade will be allowed but again it’s up to each coach and families to decide based on playing time and other factors. No Aug-Dec player will be forced up.

Boys is still BY and nothing changes. However players who are Aug-Dec ca get additional playing time on the MLS2 team that switches to SY. Also a player who is Aug-Dec 2011 will be 2011/12 U15 next year for MLS2 they can bioband down to play in the U14 2012/2013 age groups.

Are club will also allow girls 2011 to bioband down and play 2012/2013 boys to get extra playing time and development opportunities.

A better way to put this is Aug birthdays can choose to try out on the correct grade A team or the A team a grade down. However coaches (and clubs) decide who makes the team. Clubs dont want Aug birthdays playing down on A teams and will offer players that choose to play down the option of playing on the correct grade in school B team or the grade down B team. Parents will choose the correct grade in school B team because playing on a grade down B team would hurt their ego too much and either way their kid doesnt want to be on a team with kids a grade below them.

Too many logic flaws again.

Makes no sense to say clubs won't want players on an A team if they are eligible and make the cut. Clubs are competitive and try to win not replicate school teams. On age is the default, they don't even know the kids grades unless they petition to play up.

Is your DD a goalie? Because it seems that as a Sept girl should should get on the field even if an August girl takes her position other than goalie.

Reasons clubs dont want Aug birthdays playing down on grade down A teams. Or any grade down team really.

1. Aug birthdays would be out of alignment with level played in club and grade in school.

2. 8th grade teams dont want 9th grade players leaving for half the season to play high school soccer

3. Correct grade in school players and parents dont want grade older losers playing down on their team

4. College coaches recruit players by graduating year / grade in school. Aug birthday players that choose to play on a grade down team will be ignored

5. Playing down is embarrassing for players and gets more and more pathetic the older they are.

You make good points if your kid is currently an 8th grader, but a couple of your arguments fall apart for current 9th graders being asked to “play down” next year. This is terrible for recruiting, less showcases, and less recruiters showing up to watch their games during an important recruiting year. Very bad for them unless coaches play them up a year at showcases and let the team play in the same amount of showcases the kids that didn’t have to “play down” play in. Doubtful. So this age change will be bad for them. Never mind they are being moved to a team that is devoid of their friends and teammates for the last decade. All to play down and show out against younger kids? This means less competition in practice and games all year, and then they need to then play up for showcases when they have been playing down all year. No kids at this age want that. None. No one is happy to “play down.” This is being forced on them, and it will not be good for them. Plus, they will be taking opportunities for the kids playing on grade, which is bad for them. Bad all around. Everyone on here makes it seem like it is a choice. It is not. Take a look at the top teams and their ID rules. There is no choice for the players.

Even Google ai has figured it out and is relaying.

For the 2026-2027 season, ECNL and major leagues are switching to a school-year calendar (Aug 1 – July 31), replacing birth-year (Jan 1 – Dec 31). August-September birthdays generally align with their school grade, allowing "play up" options if they are on the younger side of a grade, ensuring they play with classmates.

Key Details & FAQ
The Shift: Age groups are now based on school year (Aug 1 - July 31).
August/September Birthdays: These students will generally be placed with their school grade, preventing them from being "trapped" (playing a year up from their classmates).
"Play Up" Option: If a player has an August/September birthday and is young for their grade, they can choose to play up with the older, current grade level to align with their school peers.
Tryouts (2026-27): With the shift, August-December birthdays might be targeted by clubs for physical advantages, affecting squad makeup. Tryouts will require online registration and usually involve attending multiple sessions.
Impact on "Trapped" Players: This change eliminates the "trapped" player issue, where kids were forced to play up in 8th grade to be with their classmates, according to U.S. Club Soccer.
Recommendation: Talk to coaches before tryouts to evaluate if playing up is best for development and to understand the club's needs, suggest

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter’s club in California (ECNL-Girls MLSN-Boys) just had our age group change meeting lat night.

For the girls this is strictly Aug-July change, if a player wants to stay and play up that is decided by each individual coach/player, a players who is Aug-Dec wants to play with the age group closer aligned with their school grade will be allowed but again it’s up to each coach and families to decide based on playing time and other factors. No Aug-Dec player will be forced up.

Boys is still BY and nothing changes. However players who are Aug-Dec ca get additional playing time on the MLS2 team that switches to SY. Also a player who is Aug-Dec 2011 will be 2011/12 U15 next year for MLS2 they can bioband down to play in the U14 2012/2013 age groups.

Are club will also allow girls 2011 to bioband down and play 2012/2013 boys to get extra playing time and development opportunities.

A better way to put this is Aug birthdays can choose to try out on the correct grade A team or the A team a grade down. However coaches (and clubs) decide who makes the team. Clubs dont want Aug birthdays playing down on A teams and will offer players that choose to play down the option of playing on the correct grade in school B team or the grade down B team. Parents will choose the correct grade in school B team because playing on a grade down B team would hurt their ego too much and either way their kid doesnt want to be on a team with kids a grade below them.

Too many logic flaws again.

Makes no sense to say clubs won't want players on an A team if they are eligible and make the cut. Clubs are competitive and try to win not replicate school teams. On age is the default, they don't even know the kids grades unless they petition to play up.

Is your DD a goalie? Because it seems that as a Sept girl should should get on the field even if an August girl takes her position other than goalie.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter’s club in California (ECNL-Girls MLSN-Boys) just had our age group change meeting lat night.

For the girls this is strictly Aug-July change, if a player wants to stay and play up that is decided by each individual coach/player, a players who is Aug-Dec wants to play with the age group closer aligned with their school grade will be allowed but again it’s up to each coach and families to decide based on playing time and other factors. No Aug-Dec player will be forced up.

Boys is still BY and nothing changes. However players who are Aug-Dec ca get additional playing time on the MLS2 team that switches to SY. Also a player who is Aug-Dec 2011 will be 2011/12 U15 next year for MLS2 they can bioband down to play in the U14 2012/2013 age groups.

Are club will also allow girls 2011 to bioband down and play 2012/2013 boys to get extra playing time and development opportunities.

A better way to put this is Aug birthdays can choose to try out on the correct grade A team or the A team a grade down. However coaches (and clubs) decide who makes the team. Clubs dont want Aug birthdays playing down on A teams and will offer players that choose to play down the option of playing on the correct grade in school B team or the grade down B team. Parents will choose the correct grade in school B team because playing on a grade down B team would hurt their ego too much and either way their kid doesnt want to be on a team with kids a grade below them.

They said no players will be forced up.

Please explain in the previous example where the club forced anyone to play up. This didnt happen. Parents ego and the kids unwillingness to play on a grade down team were the reasons playing on the correct grade in school B team occurred.

You think you hold all the cards and can do whatever you want. You dont and you cant. Clubs deal with parents like you daily.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter’s club in California (ECNL-Girls MLSN-Boys) just had our age group change meeting lat night.

For the girls this is strictly Aug-July change, if a player wants to stay and play up that is decided by each individual coach/player, a players who is Aug-Dec wants to play with the age group closer aligned with their school grade will be allowed but again it’s up to each coach and families to decide based on playing time and other factors. No Aug-Dec player will be forced up.

Boys is still BY and nothing changes. However players who are Aug-Dec ca get additional playing time on the MLS2 team that switches to SY. Also a player who is Aug-Dec 2011 will be 2011/12 U15 next year for MLS2 they can bioband down to play in the U14 2012/2013 age groups.

Are club will also allow girls 2011 to bioband down and play 2012/2013 boys to get extra playing time and development opportunities.

A better way to put this is Aug birthdays can choose to try out on the correct grade A team or the A team a grade down. However coaches (and clubs) decide who makes the team. Clubs dont want Aug birthdays playing down on A teams and will offer players that choose to play down the option of playing on the correct grade in school B team or the grade down B team. Parents will choose the correct grade in school B team because playing on a grade down B team would hurt their ego too much and either way their kid doesnt want to be on a team with kids a grade below them.

They said no players will be forced up.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My daughter’s club in California (ECNL-Girls MLSN-Boys) just had our age group change meeting lat night.

For the girls this is strictly Aug-July change, if a player wants to stay and play up that is decided by each individual coach/player, a players who is Aug-Dec wants to play with the age group closer aligned with their school grade will be allowed but again it’s up to each coach and families to decide based on playing time and other factors. No Aug-Dec player will be forced up.

Boys is still BY and nothing changes. However players who are Aug-Dec ca get additional playing time on the MLS2 team that switches to SY. Also a player who is Aug-Dec 2011 will be 2011/12 U15 next year for MLS2 they can bioband down to play in the U14 2012/2013 age groups.

Are club will also allow girls 2011 to bioband down and play 2012/2013 boys to get extra playing time and development opportunities.

PDA got in trouble last year for having girls play on the boys team.

PDA also used guest players rostered with other non ECNL clubs.

Anonymous wrote:My daughter’s club in California (ECNL-Girls MLSN-Boys) just had our age group change meeting lat night.

For the girls this is strictly Aug-July change, if a player wants to stay and play up that is decided by each individual coach/player, a players who is Aug-Dec wants to play with the age group closer aligned with their school grade will be allowed but again it’s up to each coach and families to decide based on playing time and other factors. No Aug-Dec player will be forced up.

Boys is still BY and nothing changes. However players who are Aug-Dec ca get additional playing time on the MLS2 team that switches to SY. Also a player who is Aug-Dec 2011 will be 2011/12 U15 next year for MLS2 they can bioband down to play in the U14 2012/2013 age groups.

Are club will also allow girls 2011 to bioband down and play 2012/2013 boys to get extra playing time and development opportunities.

A better way to put this is Aug birthdays can choose to try out on the correct grade A team or the A team a grade down. However coaches (and clubs) decide who makes the team. Clubs dont want Aug birthdays playing down on A teams and will offer players that choose to play down the option of playing on the correct grade in school B team or the grade down B team. Parents will choose the correct grade in school B team because playing on a grade down B team would hurt their ego too much and either way their kid doesnt want to be on a team with kids a grade below them.

I reached out to our MLSN director about the AD program and the age switch. They stated that it was entirely dependent on whether it'd be good for the kid to play "up" on their old team or reclass down.

My kids older so it wasn't clear if kids just coming up or into the club would have that choice.

A friend who kid is looking at switching to a boys RL team who was told they are trying to not reclass. Again, not sure if that's just for the olders or not.

Anonymous wrote:My daughter’s club in California (ECNL-Girls MLSN-Boys) just had our age group change meeting lat night.

For the girls this is strictly Aug-July change, if a player wants to stay and play up that is decided by each individual coach/player, a players who is Aug-Dec wants to play with the age group closer aligned with their school grade will be allowed but again it’s up to each coach and families to decide based on playing time and other factors. No Aug-Dec player will be forced up.

Boys is still BY and nothing changes. However players who are Aug-Dec ca get additional playing time on the MLS2 team that switches to SY. Also a player who is Aug-Dec 2011 will be 2011/12 U15 next year for MLS2 they can bioband down to play in the U14 2012/2013 age groups.

Are club will also allow girls 2011 to bioband down and play 2012/2013 boys to get extra playing time and development opportunities.

PDA got in trouble last year for having girls play on the boys team.

My daughter’s club in California (ECNL-Girls MLSN-Boys) just had our age group change meeting lat night.

For the girls this is strictly Aug-July change, if a player wants to stay and play up that is decided by each individual coach/player, a players who is Aug-Dec wants to play with the age group closer aligned with their school grade will be allowed but again it’s up to each coach and families to decide based on playing time and other factors. No Aug-Dec player will be forced up.

Boys is still BY and nothing changes. However players who are Aug-Dec ca get additional playing time on the MLS2 team that switches to SY. Also a player who is Aug-Dec 2011 will be 2011/12 U15 next year for MLS2 they can bioband down to play in the U14 2012/2013 age groups.

Are club will also allow girls 2011 to bioband down and play 2012/2013 boys to get extra playing time and development opportunities.

Anonymous wrote:So say you have an August 2012 who is a solid 2nd or 3rd team player and small, but has no aspirations beyond playing soccer for fun. Do you move him down for confidence and more playing time, or keep him with his same grade people? We are moving so current teammate relationships are not a factor.

Its very unusual for an August boy to be sent to school on time TBH. Especially a kid who is small already. You aren't moving him "down" you are playing him in the correct age grouping.

So say you have an August 2012 who is a solid 2nd or 3rd team player and small, but has no aspirations beyond playing soccer for fun. Do you move him down for confidence and more playing time, or keep him with his same grade people? We are moving so current teammate relationships are not a factor.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You think you can sneak by all the rules and do your own thing. This might work when kids are young but there are repercussions and eventually you'll be forced to align into a standard. Assuming that you want your kid to participate in things like High School or College.

The gist of the original post is that ECNL is moving to school year, 8/1, limited playing up for best, latitude to play up on secondary teams to play with friends as stated in league and club announcements.

College coaches told clubs they don't care about your age group, they take the best players from transfers to International to kids on good youth teams and bad youth teams and have to evaluate them all, like they do now.

No repercussions for playing on age in fact it's beneficial. Oldest have best shot of becoming best and youngest best shot of quitting based on the relative age effects. Cumulative benefits of being the best adding up over the year (the Matthew Effect) gives players the best chance to be their best and least chance to quit when older and the physical differences among the kids in age groups decreases to a minimal amount.

The fact that you are trying to convince others to make uniformed decisions based on your opinion shows how much you need that August girl of your DD's team and don't have the best interest of August kids.

It's a week or so from March, top teams have been created, it's over.

Ask any college coach on planet earth and they will say players are recruited according to their graduating year aka grade in school.

Imagine being so proudly ignorant and shortsighted, but loud

Players are recruited by their skills, potential and family
Graduation year is for administrative purposes

What color is the sky in your world?