Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 18:32     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:Looks like age guy is working overtime to pimp playing down again.

Biobanding works with MLS because they are acadamies. Allowing play downs in p2p leagues will bankrupt multiple clubs. Nobody wants to play against a cheater 3 years older then they are.
Try again.
MLSN biobanding is at P2P clubs. And actual MLS academies make up a small share of the HG.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 18:22     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Looks like age guy is working overtime to pimp playing down again.

Biobanding works with MLS because they are acadamies. Allowing play downs in p2p leagues will bankrupt multiple clubs. Nobody wants to play against a cheater 3 years older then they are.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 18:07     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:Fall 2026

Age Group Birth Dates
U3 August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024
U4 August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
U5 August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022
U6 August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021
U7 August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
U8 August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
U9 August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10 August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U11 August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U12 August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U13 August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U14 August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U15 August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U16 August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U17 August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
U18 August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009
U19 August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008

Below is the same info. But I've removed July 31st because its not needed (leagues allow playing up) and added in grade and game type. This is the information that parents need. Its ironic that we're changing from BY to SY because of trapped players and grade in school. But US soccer wont include grade in school on its matrices.

11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger = Senior
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger = Junior
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger = Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger = Freshman
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger = 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger = 7th grade
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger = 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger = 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger = 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger = 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger = 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger = 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger = kindergarten
Grade doesn't equate perfectly (=) to birthdates. Always been the problem. Age based is not grade based. Kids go to school at different times, get held back, bounce grades and sometimes go to schools without grades. Birthdays are factual. More importantly, the rules are set by DOB.

The problem is college coaches recruit by graduating year aka grade in school. Which is why you want to play on the correct grade in school team.
College coaches told Eastside they don't care your age group. They will recruit from all HS age groups if eligible, transfers and foreign, and evaluate the player not their team

Bending the truth again.

College coaches dont care about age because they only care about graduating year or grade in school. This determines when they can communicate with players and when they can show up on campus.

This is why playing on the correct grade in school team (and not being misaligned) is so important.


Did someone say Grad Year?

Not GY because you cant play down and 8/1 is the oldest player can be for each level. (No holdbacks)


If it's not grade year, then what is it exactly? Serious question.

SY with players playing up on their correct grade in school team. End result is all players on. the team are the same grade in school and no holdbacks.
But then it isn't all players in the same grade because many June and July kids are held back. It's a half measure to grade year for some but not all. Doesn't make any sense with all the states having different cuttoffs.

There are very few schools that start in July. I dont know of any district in the entire US that starts in June.

Holdbacks are older by choice. Clubs do not need to accommodate cheaters.


Wait until you see the U16-19 rules for showcases next year not just ECNL but for all of USYS and US Club.

If correct.

Nothing like holdbacks to kill the bottom line at clubs.


I don’t think aligning kids for a showcase based on playing with kids in their same graduating class for 16 and up isn’t going to affect them at all.

Im sure the parents of the kids that actually paid for the showcase will love the play downs joining their team and taking the minutes they paid for.
The parents I know would take a collection to cover the costs for a star on their kids team so the team looks better. No, they won't mind trading out a weak link for an older kid.


100% I know of ECNL parents that fly players out for games and showcases. The majority of the team is not going to lose sleep over a few holdbacks playing with their grad year at showcases if they are better players.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 18:05     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:Fall 2026

Age Group Birth Dates
U3 August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024
U4 August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
U5 August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022
U6 August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021
U7 August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
U8 August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
U9 August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10 August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U11 August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U12 August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U13 August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U14 August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U15 August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U16 August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U17 August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
U18 August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009
U19 August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008

Below is the same info. But I've removed July 31st because its not needed (leagues allow playing up) and added in grade and game type. This is the information that parents need. Its ironic that we're changing from BY to SY because of trapped players and grade in school. But US soccer wont include grade in school on its matrices.

11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger = Senior
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger = Junior
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger = Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger = Freshman
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger = 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger = 7th grade
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger = 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger = 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger = 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger = 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger = 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger = 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger = kindergarten
Grade doesn't equate perfectly (=) to birthdates. Always been the problem. Age based is not grade based. Kids go to school at different times, get held back, bounce grades and sometimes go to schools without grades. Birthdays are factual. More importantly, the rules are set by DOB.

The problem is college coaches recruit by graduating year aka grade in school. Which is why you want to play on the correct grade in school team.
College coaches told Eastside they don't care your age group. They will recruit from all HS age groups if eligible, transfers and foreign, and evaluate the player not their team

Bending the truth again.

College coaches dont care about age because they only care about graduating year or grade in school. This determines when they can communicate with players and when they can show up on campus.

This is why playing on the correct grade in school team (and not being misaligned) is so important.


Did someone say Grad Year?

Not GY because you cant play down and 8/1 is the oldest player can be for each level. (No holdbacks)


If it's not grade year, then what is it exactly? Serious question.

SY with players playing up on their correct grade in school team. End result is all players on. the team are the same grade in school and no holdbacks.
But then it isn't all players in the same grade because many June and July kids are held back. It's a half measure to grade year for some but not all. Doesn't make any sense with all the states having different cuttoffs.

There are very few schools that start in July. I dont know of any district in the entire US that starts in June.

Holdbacks are older by choice. Clubs do not need to accommodate cheaters.


Wait until you see the U16-19 rules for showcases next year not just ECNL but for all of USYS and US Club.

If correct.

Nothing like holdbacks to kill the bottom line at clubs.


I don’t think aligning kids for a showcase based on playing with kids in their same graduating class for 16 and up isn’t going to affect them at all.

Im sure the parents of the kids that actually paid for the showcase will love the play downs joining their team and taking the minutes they paid for.


That’s club soccer the better players pay.
MLSN has the same thing with biobanding and they seem to be doing just fine. Also most clubs don’t bring players who commit to college to showcases and bring RL players.
Shouldn’t be an issue for older players.

I would assume they will not allow this for younger players.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 17:22     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:Fall 2026

Age Group Birth Dates
U3 August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024
U4 August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
U5 August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022
U6 August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021
U7 August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
U8 August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
U9 August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10 August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U11 August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U12 August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U13 August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U14 August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U15 August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U16 August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U17 August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
U18 August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009
U19 August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008

Below is the same info. But I've removed July 31st because its not needed (leagues allow playing up) and added in grade and game type. This is the information that parents need. Its ironic that we're changing from BY to SY because of trapped players and grade in school. But US soccer wont include grade in school on its matrices.

11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger = Senior
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger = Junior
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger = Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger = Freshman
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger = 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger = 7th grade
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger = 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger = 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger = 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger = 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger = 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger = 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger = kindergarten
Grade doesn't equate perfectly (=) to birthdates. Always been the problem. Age based is not grade based. Kids go to school at different times, get held back, bounce grades and sometimes go to schools without grades. Birthdays are factual. More importantly, the rules are set by DOB.

The problem is college coaches recruit by graduating year aka grade in school. Which is why you want to play on the correct grade in school team.
College coaches told Eastside they don't care your age group. They will recruit from all HS age groups if eligible, transfers and foreign, and evaluate the player not their team

Bending the truth again.

College coaches dont care about age because they only care about graduating year or grade in school. This determines when they can communicate with players and when they can show up on campus.

This is why playing on the correct grade in school team (and not being misaligned) is so important.


Did someone say Grad Year?

Not GY because you cant play down and 8/1 is the oldest player can be for each level. (No holdbacks)


If it's not grade year, then what is it exactly? Serious question.

SY with players playing up on their correct grade in school team. End result is all players on. the team are the same grade in school and no holdbacks.
But then it isn't all players in the same grade because many June and July kids are held back. It's a half measure to grade year for some but not all. Doesn't make any sense with all the states having different cuttoffs.

There are very few schools that start in July. I dont know of any district in the entire US that starts in June.

Holdbacks are older by choice. Clubs do not need to accommodate cheaters.


Wait until you see the U16-19 rules for showcases next year not just ECNL but for all of USYS and US Club.

If correct.

Nothing like holdbacks to kill the bottom line at clubs.

Why do you say this?

Because holdbacks take roster spots from correct grade in school players. This kicks off a "race to the bottom" about who can hold their kid back more and younger. In basketball you have 6'0" middle school students in 8th grade that were held back 2 years and can literally be 36 months older than the kids they're playing against.

For clubs what happens is the paying customers that follow the rules get pushed out by the parents of players that have no ethics and will do anything to win. Because these kind of people are aweful they'll find each other and create super teams compelely sidesteppjng anything leagues have setup for recruitment. On top of that all the holdbacks will be cheapskates going to whatever club lets them play for free.

The net is if holdbacks are allowed in leagues like ECNL clubs will lose money.


You are way overthinking this. It's youth soccer not the promotion you got passed over for.

Every single thing in life is not a zero sum game and everything someone else gets doesn't mean you would have gotten that same thing.

And I have another newsflash for ya. There really are 6' 8th graders. Anyone that's played middle school basketball ever knows that's true. Maybe you (and yours) just need to work harder. Smh
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 17:03     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:Fall 2026

Age Group Birth Dates
U3 August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024
U4 August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
U5 August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022
U6 August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021
U7 August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
U8 August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
U9 August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10 August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U11 August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U12 August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U13 August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U14 August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U15 August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U16 August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U17 August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
U18 August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009
U19 August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008

Below is the same info. But I've removed July 31st because its not needed (leagues allow playing up) and added in grade and game type. This is the information that parents need. Its ironic that we're changing from BY to SY because of trapped players and grade in school. But US soccer wont include grade in school on its matrices.

11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger = Senior
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger = Junior
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger = Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger = Freshman
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger = 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger = 7th grade
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger = 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger = 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger = 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger = 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger = 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger = 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger = kindergarten
Grade doesn't equate perfectly (=) to birthdates. Always been the problem. Age based is not grade based. Kids go to school at different times, get held back, bounce grades and sometimes go to schools without grades. Birthdays are factual. More importantly, the rules are set by DOB.

The problem is college coaches recruit by graduating year aka grade in school. Which is why you want to play on the correct grade in school team.
College coaches told Eastside they don't care your age group. They will recruit from all HS age groups if eligible, transfers and foreign, and evaluate the player not their team

Bending the truth again.

College coaches dont care about age because they only care about graduating year or grade in school. This determines when they can communicate with players and when they can show up on campus.

This is why playing on the correct grade in school team (and not being misaligned) is so important.


Did someone say Grad Year?

Not GY because you cant play down and 8/1 is the oldest player can be for each level. (No holdbacks)


If it's not grade year, then what is it exactly? Serious question.

SY with players playing up on their correct grade in school team. End result is all players on. the team are the same grade in school and no holdbacks.
But then it isn't all players in the same grade because many June and July kids are held back. It's a half measure to grade year for some but not all. Doesn't make any sense with all the states having different cuttoffs.

There are very few schools that start in July. I dont know of any district in the entire US that starts in June.

Holdbacks are older by choice. Clubs do not need to accommodate cheaters.


Wait until you see the U16-19 rules for showcases next year not just ECNL but for all of USYS and US Club.

If correct.

Nothing like holdbacks to kill the bottom line at clubs.


I don’t think aligning kids for a showcase based on playing with kids in their same graduating class for 16 and up isn’t going to affect them at all.

Im sure the parents of the kids that actually paid for the showcase will love the play downs joining their team and taking the minutes they paid for.
The parents I know would take a collection to cover the costs for a star on their kids team so the team looks better. No, they won't mind trading out a weak link for an older kid.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 16:36     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:Fall 2026

Age Group Birth Dates
U3 August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024
U4 August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
U5 August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022
U6 August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021
U7 August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
U8 August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
U9 August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10 August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U11 August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U12 August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U13 August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U14 August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U15 August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U16 August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U17 August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
U18 August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009
U19 August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008

Below is the same info. But I've removed July 31st because its not needed (leagues allow playing up) and added in grade and game type. This is the information that parents need. Its ironic that we're changing from BY to SY because of trapped players and grade in school. But US soccer wont include grade in school on its matrices.

11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger = Senior
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger = Junior
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger = Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger = Freshman
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger = 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger = 7th grade
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger = 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger = 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger = 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger = 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger = 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger = 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger = kindergarten
Grade doesn't equate perfectly (=) to birthdates. Always been the problem. Age based is not grade based. Kids go to school at different times, get held back, bounce grades and sometimes go to schools without grades. Birthdays are factual. More importantly, the rules are set by DOB.

The problem is college coaches recruit by graduating year aka grade in school. Which is why you want to play on the correct grade in school team.
College coaches told Eastside they don't care your age group. They will recruit from all HS age groups if eligible, transfers and foreign, and evaluate the player not their team

Bending the truth again.

College coaches dont care about age because they only care about graduating year or grade in school. This determines when they can communicate with players and when they can show up on campus.

This is why playing on the correct grade in school team (and not being misaligned) is so important.


Did someone say Grad Year?

Not GY because you cant play down and 8/1 is the oldest player can be for each level. (No holdbacks)


If it's not grade year, then what is it exactly? Serious question.

SY with players playing up on their correct grade in school team. End result is all players on. the team are the same grade in school and no holdbacks.
But then it isn't all players in the same grade because many June and July kids are held back. It's a half measure to grade year for some but not all. Doesn't make any sense with all the states having different cuttoffs.

There are very few schools that start in July. I dont know of any district in the entire US that starts in June.

Holdbacks are older by choice. Clubs do not need to accommodate cheaters.


Wait until you see the U16-19 rules for showcases next year not just ECNL but for all of USYS and US Club.

If correct.

Nothing like holdbacks to kill the bottom line at clubs.

Why do you say this?

Because holdbacks take roster spots from correct grade in school players. This kicks off a "race to the bottom" about who can hold their kid back more and younger. In basketball you have 6'0" middle school students in 8th grade that were held back 2 years and can literally be 36 months older than the kids they're playing against.

For clubs what happens is the paying customers that follow the rules get pushed out by the parents of players that have no ethics and will do anything to win. Because these kind of people are aweful they'll find each other and create super teams compelely sidesteppjng anything leagues have setup for recruitment. On top of that all the holdbacks will be cheapskates going to whatever club lets them play for free.

The net is if holdbacks are allowed in leagues like ECNL clubs will lose money.
Meh, biobanding hasn't hurt MLSN1. All clubs aren't even using them all. This dystopian holdback soccer is a fictional fear.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 16:27     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:Fall 2026

Age Group Birth Dates
U3 August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024
U4 August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
U5 August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022
U6 August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021
U7 August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
U8 August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
U9 August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10 August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U11 August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U12 August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U13 August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U14 August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U15 August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U16 August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U17 August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
U18 August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009
U19 August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008

Below is the same info. But I've removed July 31st because its not needed (leagues allow playing up) and added in grade and game type. This is the information that parents need. Its ironic that we're changing from BY to SY because of trapped players and grade in school. But US soccer wont include grade in school on its matrices.

11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger = Senior
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger = Junior
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger = Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger = Freshman
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger = 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger = 7th grade
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger = 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger = 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger = 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger = 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger = 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger = 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger = kindergarten
Grade doesn't equate perfectly (=) to birthdates. Always been the problem. Age based is not grade based. Kids go to school at different times, get held back, bounce grades and sometimes go to schools without grades. Birthdays are factual. More importantly, the rules are set by DOB.

The problem is college coaches recruit by graduating year aka grade in school. Which is why you want to play on the correct grade in school team.
College coaches told Eastside they don't care your age group. They will recruit from all HS age groups if eligible, transfers and foreign, and evaluate the player not their team

Bending the truth again.

College coaches dont care about age because they only care about graduating year or grade in school. This determines when they can communicate with players and when they can show up on campus.

This is why playing on the correct grade in school team (and not being misaligned) is so important.


Did someone say Grad Year?

Not GY because you cant play down and 8/1 is the oldest player can be for each level. (No holdbacks)


If it's not grade year, then what is it exactly? Serious question.

SY with players playing up on their correct grade in school team. End result is all players on. the team are the same grade in school and no holdbacks.
But then it isn't all players in the same grade because many June and July kids are held back. It's a half measure to grade year for some but not all. Doesn't make any sense with all the states having different cuttoffs.

There are very few schools that start in July. I dont know of any district in the entire US that starts in June.

Holdbacks are older by choice. Clubs do not need to accommodate cheaters.


Wait until you see the U16-19 rules for showcases next year not just ECNL but for all of USYS and US Club.

If correct.

Nothing like holdbacks to kill the bottom line at clubs.


I don’t think aligning kids for a showcase based on playing with kids in their same graduating class for 16 and up isn’t going to affect them at all.

Im sure the parents of the kids that actually paid for the showcase will love the play downs joining their team and taking the minutes they paid for.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 16:23     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:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Fall 2026

Age Group Birth Dates
U3 August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024
U4 August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
U5 August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022
U6 August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021
U7 August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
U8 August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
U9 August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10 August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U11 August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U12 August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U13 August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U14 August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U15 August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U16 August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U17 August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
U18 August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009
U19 August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008

Below is the same info. But I've removed July 31st because its not needed (leagues allow playing up) and added in grade and game type. This is the information that parents need. Its ironic that we're changing from BY to SY because of trapped players and grade in school. But US soccer wont include grade in school on its matrices.

11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger = Senior
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger = Junior
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger = Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger = Freshman
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger = 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger = 7th grade
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger = 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger = 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger = 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger = 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger = 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger = 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger = kindergarten
Grade doesn't equate perfectly (=) to birthdates. Always been the problem. Age based is not grade based. Kids go to school at different times, get held back, bounce grades and sometimes go to schools without grades. Birthdays are factual. More importantly, the rules are set by DOB.

The problem is college coaches recruit by graduating year aka grade in school. Which is why you want to play on the correct grade in school team.
College coaches told Eastside they don't care your age group. They will recruit from all HS age groups if eligible, transfers and foreign, and evaluate the player not their team

Bending the truth again.

College coaches dont care about age because they only care about graduating year or grade in school. This determines when they can communicate with players and when they can show up on campus.

This is why playing on the correct grade in school team (and not being misaligned) is so important.


Did someone say Grad Year?

Not GY because you cant play down and 8/1 is the oldest player can be for each level. (No holdbacks)


If it's not grade year, then what is it exactly? Serious question.

SY with players playing up on their correct grade in school team. End result is all players on. the team are the same grade in school and no holdbacks.
But then it isn't all players in the same grade because many June and July kids are held back. It's a half measure to grade year for some but not all. Doesn't make any sense with all the states having different cuttoffs.

There are very few schools that start in July. I dont know of any district in the entire US that starts in June.

Holdbacks are older by choice. Clubs do not need to accommodate cheaters.


Wait until you see the U16-19 rules for showcases next year not just ECNL but for all of USYS and US Club.

If correct.

Nothing like holdbacks to kill the bottom line at clubs.


I don’t think aligning kids for a showcase based on playing with kids in their same graduating class for 16 and up isn’t going to affect them at all.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 16:23     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:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Fall 2026

Age Group Birth Dates
U3 August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024
U4 August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
U5 August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022
U6 August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021
U7 August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
U8 August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
U9 August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10 August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U11 August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U12 August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U13 August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U14 August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U15 August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U16 August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U17 August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
U18 August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009
U19 August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008

Below is the same info. But I've removed July 31st because its not needed (leagues allow playing up) and added in grade and game type. This is the information that parents need. Its ironic that we're changing from BY to SY because of trapped players and grade in school. But US soccer wont include grade in school on its matrices.

11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger = Senior
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger = Junior
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger = Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger = Freshman
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger = 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger = 7th grade
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger = 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger = 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger = 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger = 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger = 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger = 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger = kindergarten
Grade doesn't equate perfectly (=) to birthdates. Always been the problem. Age based is not grade based. Kids go to school at different times, get held back, bounce grades and sometimes go to schools without grades. Birthdays are factual. More importantly, the rules are set by DOB.

The problem is college coaches recruit by graduating year aka grade in school. Which is why you want to play on the correct grade in school team.
College coaches told Eastside they don't care your age group. They will recruit from all HS age groups if eligible, transfers and foreign, and evaluate the player not their team

Bending the truth again.

College coaches dont care about age because they only care about graduating year or grade in school. This determines when they can communicate with players and when they can show up on campus.

This is why playing on the correct grade in school team (and not being misaligned) is so important.


Did someone say Grad Year?

Not GY because you cant play down and 8/1 is the oldest player can be for each level. (No holdbacks)


If it's not grade year, then what is it exactly? Serious question.

SY with players playing up on their correct grade in school team. End result is all players on. the team are the same grade in school and no holdbacks.
But then it isn't all players in the same grade because many June and July kids are held back. It's a half measure to grade year for some but not all. Doesn't make any sense with all the states having different cuttoffs.

There are very few schools that start in July. I dont know of any district in the entire US that starts in June.

Holdbacks are older by choice. Clubs do not need to accommodate cheaters.


Wait until you see the U16-19 rules for showcases next year not just ECNL but for all of USYS and US Club.

If correct.

Nothing like holdbacks to kill the bottom line at clubs.

Why do you say this?

Because holdbacks take roster spots from correct grade in school players. This kicks off a "race to the bottom" about who can hold their kid back more and younger. In basketball you have 6'0" middle school students in 8th grade that were held back 2 years and can literally be 36 months older than the kids they're playing against.

For clubs what happens is the paying customers that follow the rules get pushed out by the parents of players that have no ethics and will do anything to win. Because these kind of people are aweful they'll find each other and create super teams compelely sidesteppjng anything leagues have setup for recruitment. On top of that all the holdbacks will be cheapskates going to whatever club lets them play for free.

The net is if holdbacks are allowed in leagues like ECNL clubs will lose money.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 16:20     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:Fall 2026

Age Group Birth Dates
U3 August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024
U4 August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
U5 August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022
U6 August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021
U7 August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
U8 August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
U9 August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10 August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U11 August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U12 August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U13 August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U14 August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U15 August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U16 August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U17 August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
U18 August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009
U19 August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008

Below is the same info. But I've removed July 31st because its not needed (leagues allow playing up) and added in grade and game type. This is the information that parents need. Its ironic that we're changing from BY to SY because of trapped players and grade in school. But US soccer wont include grade in school on its matrices.

11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger = Senior
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger = Junior
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger = Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger = Freshman
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger = 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger = 7th grade
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger = 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger = 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger = 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger = 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger = 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger = 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger = kindergarten
Grade doesn't equate perfectly (=) to birthdates. Always been the problem. Age based is not grade based. Kids go to school at different times, get held back, bounce grades and sometimes go to schools without grades. Birthdays are factual. More importantly, the rules are set by DOB.

The problem is college coaches recruit by graduating year aka grade in school. Which is why you want to play on the correct grade in school team.
College coaches told Eastside they don't care your age group. They will recruit from all HS age groups if eligible, transfers and foreign, and evaluate the player not their team

Bending the truth again.

College coaches dont care about age because they only care about graduating year or grade in school. This determines when they can communicate with players and when they can show up on campus.

This is why playing on the correct grade in school team (and not being misaligned) is so important.


Did someone say Grad Year?

Not GY because you cant play down and 8/1 is the oldest player can be for each level. (No holdbacks)


If it's not grade year, then what is it exactly? Serious question.

SY with players playing up on their correct grade in school team. End result is all players on. the team are the same grade in school and no holdbacks.
But then it isn't all players in the same grade because many June and July kids are held back. It's a half measure to grade year for some but not all. Doesn't make any sense with all the states having different cuttoffs.

There are very few schools that start in July. I dont know of any district in the entire US that starts in June.

Holdbacks are older by choice. Clubs do not need to accommodate cheaters.


Wait until you see the U16-19 rules for showcases next year not just ECNL but for all of USYS and US Club.

If correct.

Nothing like holdbacks to kill the bottom line at clubs.


Maybe… 🤔
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 16:14     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Fall 2026

Age Group Birth Dates
U3 August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024
U4 August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
U5 August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022
U6 August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021
U7 August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
U8 August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
U9 August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10 August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U11 August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U12 August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U13 August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U14 August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U15 August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U16 August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U17 August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
U18 August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009
U19 August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008

Below is the same info. But I've removed July 31st because its not needed (leagues allow playing up) and added in grade and game type. This is the information that parents need. Its ironic that we're changing from BY to SY because of trapped players and grade in school. But US soccer wont include grade in school on its matrices.

11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger = Senior
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger = Junior
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger = Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger = Freshman
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger = 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger = 7th grade
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger = 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger = 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger = 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger = 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger = 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger = 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger = kindergarten
Grade doesn't equate perfectly (=) to birthdates. Always been the problem. Age based is not grade based. Kids go to school at different times, get held back, bounce grades and sometimes go to schools without grades. Birthdays are factual. More importantly, the rules are set by DOB.

The problem is college coaches recruit by graduating year aka grade in school. Which is why you want to play on the correct grade in school team.
College coaches told Eastside they don't care your age group. They will recruit from all HS age groups if eligible, transfers and foreign, and evaluate the player not their team

Bending the truth again.

College coaches dont care about age because they only care about graduating year or grade in school. This determines when they can communicate with players and when they can show up on campus.

This is why playing on the correct grade in school team (and not being misaligned) is so important.


Did someone say Grad Year?

Not GY because you cant play down and 8/1 is the oldest player can be for each level. (No holdbacks)


If it's not grade year, then what is it exactly? Serious question.

SY with players playing up on their correct grade in school team. End result is all players on. the team are the same grade in school and no holdbacks.
But then it isn't all players in the same grade because many June and July kids are held back. It's a half measure to grade year for some but not all. Doesn't make any sense with all the states having different cuttoffs.

There are very few schools that start in July. I dont know of any district in the entire US that starts in June.

Holdbacks are older by choice. Clubs do not need to accommodate cheaters.


Wait until you see the U16-19 rules for showcases next year not just ECNL but for all of USYS and US Club.

If correct.

Nothing like holdbacks to kill the bottom line at clubs.

Why do you say this?
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 16:12     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is a misaligned August player. He's also on an advanced track so maybe graduates early. Should we ask to play him 2 grades up? He would surely warm the bench quite a bit.

This is a weird question.

In BY trapped players were playing up. Sometimes you'd hear about them graduating a year early to start playing in college. This occurred because the player was misaligned up and because of this college coaches treated them like a player graduating a year earlier.

In SY if you're misaligned and playing diwn the equivalent od the BY example above would be to hold your kid back in school so the graduated a year later.


100% LIES!

What does a kid playing up at Bethesda SC have to do with his Academic level at Alexandria City HS that has absolutely nothing to do with Bethesda?

Not lies 100% true.
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 16:12     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:My kid is a misaligned August player. He's also on an advanced track so maybe graduates early. Should we ask to play him 2 grades up? He would surely warm the bench quite a bit.

This is a weird question.

In BY trapped players were playing up. Sometimes you'd hear about them graduating a year early to start playing in college. This occurred because the player was misaligned up and because of this college coaches treated them like a player graduating a year earlier.

In SY if you're misaligned and playing diwn the equivalent od the BY example above would be to hold your kid back in school so the graduated a year later.


100% LIES!

What does a kid playing up at Bethesda SC have to do with his Academic level at Alexandria City HS that has absolutely nothing to do with Bethesda?
Anonymous
Post 03/02/2026 16:01     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:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Fall 2026

Age Group Birth Dates
U3 August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024
U4 August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023
U5 August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022
U6 August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021
U7 August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
U8 August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
U9 August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U10 August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U11 August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U12 August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U13 August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U14 August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U15 August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U16 August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U17 August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
U18 August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009
U19 August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008

Below is the same info. But I've removed July 31st because its not needed (leagues allow playing up) and added in grade and game type. This is the information that parents need. Its ironic that we're changing from BY to SY because of trapped players and grade in school. But US soccer wont include grade in school on its matrices.

11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger = Senior
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger = Junior
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger = Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger = Freshman
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger = 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger = 7th grade
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger = 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger = 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger = 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger = 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger = 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger = 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger = kindergarten
Grade doesn't equate perfectly (=) to birthdates. Always been the problem. Age based is not grade based. Kids go to school at different times, get held back, bounce grades and sometimes go to schools without grades. Birthdays are factual. More importantly, the rules are set by DOB.

The problem is college coaches recruit by graduating year aka grade in school. Which is why you want to play on the correct grade in school team.
College coaches told Eastside they don't care your age group. They will recruit from all HS age groups if eligible, transfers and foreign, and evaluate the player not their team

Bending the truth again.

College coaches dont care about age because they only care about graduating year or grade in school. This determines when they can communicate with players and when they can show up on campus.

This is why playing on the correct grade in school team (and not being misaligned) is so important.


Did someone say Grad Year?

Not GY because you cant play down and 8/1 is the oldest player can be for each level. (No holdbacks)


If it's not grade year, then what is it exactly? Serious question.

SY with players playing up on their correct grade in school team. End result is all players on. the team are the same grade in school and no holdbacks.
But then it isn't all players in the same grade because many June and July kids are held back. It's a half measure to grade year for some but not all. Doesn't make any sense with all the states having different cuttoffs.

There are very few schools that start in July. I dont know of any district in the entire US that starts in June.

Holdbacks are older by choice. Clubs do not need to accommodate cheaters.


Wait until you see the U16-19 rules for showcases next year not just ECNL but for all of USYS and US Club.

If correct.

Nothing like holdbacks to kill the bottom line at clubs.