Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:27
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Your system would ironically create an incentive for August and some September parents to hold their kid back in school. So by trying to avoid holdbacks/redshirting, your targeting August kids by forcing them to play up if they went to school on time would create unintended consequences. This is a good example of why random people can't figure out why the rules are the way they are. When you try to tweak the rules to cover edge cases, you create a mess.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
This isn't a unique to soccer, you know. Fun chat about this in baseball on Reddit, even includes your side but again that's not the only side: https://www.reddit.com/r/Homeplate/comments/1ojju8s/how_important_is_it_to_play_with_grade_level_vs/
I don't believe in playing down.
But, the reason playing down, redshirting, regarding, being held back, whatever you want to call it works in other sports is because players grade in school and level they play at are in alignment.
Aug/Sept players playing down in SY are out of alignment with their grade in school. This tells recruiters that this player is likely a trojan horse. You can get around this by holding your kid back in school. This would align the club team they play on with their grade in school. The problem with this is its a can of worms that leagues dont want to get involved in. Nobody wants to be the reason some crazy parent is holding their kid back in school.
Please explain how if leagues enforced players playing on at team that's their grade in school forces anyone to hold their kid back. There might be some parents that choose to hold their kid back but leagues are providing playing options and representing players to college recruiters in the best way possible.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:22
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:No, the path from playing up as the youngest when your skills aren't ready is the true dead end. 2 sides to the coin.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
To add a little more. Pathways to higher level play aren't choose your adventure books. Every level is a competition to be the top player. Every time you jump up to the next level some are left behind. Eventually the ones left are the best of the best.
If Aug/Sept players choose to play down a grade they're making the jump to the next level up (college in this case) 100x harder to do. Even if you do make it to college when playing down it won't be a top team. Which means you'll need to transfer portal to a better school if you want to play at the next level.
Im not trying to imply that every kid will play professionally if they do X Y and Z. I am saying that if youth clubs dont set players up in the best possible way to get recruited for playing in college its much more difficult.
Its not magic that some clubs are able to consistantly produce high level talent. But policies like not allowing Aug/Sept birthdays to play down greatly increase their chances.
If you cant play at the level of the kids in your grade playing in college doesn't matrer because it's never going to happen.
Not true. Those bio-band kids are getting recruited and playing college. In that story posted earlier, one of the recruits featured is now the captain at Creighton.
The MLSN Homegrown/Academy bioband examples are different. They were likely training at a near pro level. The age group they rostered at didnt matter.
For regular MLS/GA/ECNL/Etc players this will not be the expected outcome. Unless their parents are the Deam at whatever College they want to play at. Or if their parents know how to rain $$$ on people that can make things happen.
They you are again, moving the goal posts, when confronted with facts.
If the girls had a real Academy system you'd understand.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:21
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Your system would ironically create an incentive for August and some September parents to hold their kid back in school. So by trying to avoid holdbacks/redshirting, your targeting August kids by forcing them to play up if they went to school on time would create unintended consequences. This is a good example of why random people can't figure out why the rules are the way they are. When you try to tweak the rules to cover edge cases, you create a mess.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
This isn't a unique to soccer, you know. Fun chat about this in baseball on Reddit, even includes your side but again that's not the only side: https://www.reddit.com/r/Homeplate/comments/1ojju8s/how_important_is_it_to_play_with_grade_level_vs/
I don't believe in playing down.
But, the reason playing down, redshirting, regarding, being held back, whatever you want to call it works in other sports is because players grade in school and level they play at are in alignment.
Aug/Sept players playing down in SY are out of alignment with their grade in school. This tells recruiters that this player is likely a trojan horse. You can get around this by holding your kid back in school. This would align the club team they play on with their grade in school. The problem with this is its a can of worms that leagues dont want to get involved in. Nobody wants to be the reason some crazy parent is holding their kid back in school.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:19
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:No, the path from playing up as the youngest when your skills aren't ready is the true dead end. 2 sides to the coin.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
To add a little more. Pathways to higher level play aren't choose your adventure books. Every level is a competition to be the top player. Every time you jump up to the next level some are left behind. Eventually the ones left are the best of the best.
If Aug/Sept players choose to play down a grade they're making the jump to the next level up (college in this case) 100x harder to do. Even if you do make it to college when playing down it won't be a top team. Which means you'll need to transfer portal to a better school if you want to play at the next level.
Im not trying to imply that every kid will play professionally if they do X Y and Z. I am saying that if youth clubs dont set players up in the best possible way to get recruited for playing in college its much more difficult.
Its not magic that some clubs are able to consistantly produce high level talent. But policies like not allowing Aug/Sept birthdays to play down greatly increase their chances.
If you cant play at the level of the kids in your grade playing in college doesn't matrer because it's never going to happen.
Not true. Those bio-band kids are getting recruited and playing college. In that story posted earlier, one of the recruits featured is now the captain at Creighton.
The MLSN Homegrown/Academy bioband examples are different. They were likely training at a near pro level. The age group they rostered at didnt matter.
For regular MLS/GA/ECNL/Etc players this will not be the expected outcome. Unless their parents are the Deam at whatever College they want to play at. Or if their parents know how to rain $$$ on people that can make things happen.
They you are again, moving the goal posts, when confronted with facts.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:19
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
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:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
To add a little more. Pathways to higher level play aren't choose your adventure books. Every level is a competition to be the top player. Every time you jump up to the next level some are left behind. Eventually the ones left are the best of the best.
If Aug/Sept players choose to play down a grade they're making the jump to the next level up (college in this case) 100x harder to do. Even if you do make it to college when playing down it won't be a top team. Which means you'll need to transfer portal to a better school if you want to play at the next level.
Im not trying to imply that every kid will play professionally if they do X Y and Z. I am saying that if youth clubs dont set players up in the best possible way to get recruited for playing in college its much more difficult.
Its not magic that some clubs are able to consistantly produce high level talent. But policies like not allowing Aug/Sept birthdays to play down greatly increase their chances.
I'm not sure that it would. It may just fast-track them out of the sport, instead. You shouldn't force up a kid an age group until they are ready otherwise you set up them up for failure.
It will set them up for playing on the B team that's their grade in school. Again, same situation. If you cant play on the B team with kids your grade in school playing soccer in college (where players might be 5-6 years older) doesn't matter because it will never happen.
B team parents won't want to have kids forced onto their teams if they are younger than the age group. This is why this option won't work. They'd be taking other people's spots -- the same spots you are so worried about if they actually play in their age group.
Nobody on planet earth has ever been upset by players playing up.
They would be upset if the team can't compete because they had to take them and having younger players was a disadvantage. B teams want to win, and do good enough to join better teams and try to get recruited, too. Why do you want to make it about grade when it should be about skill?
Fine they can play on their grade C team. Either way it doesnt matter.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:16
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
This isn't a unique to soccer, you know. Fun chat about this in baseball on Reddit, even includes your side but again that's not the only side: https://www.reddit.com/r/Homeplate/comments/1ojju8s/how_important_is_it_to_play_with_grade_level_vs/
I don't believe in playing down.
But, the reason playing down, redshirting, regarding, being held back, whatever you want to call it works in other sports is because players grade in school and level they play at are in alignment.
Aug/Sept players playing down in SY are out of alignment with their grade in school. This tells recruiters that this player is likely a trojan horse. You can get around this by holding your kid back in school. This would align the club team they play on with their grade in school. The problem with this is its a can of worms that leagues dont want to get involved in. Nobody wants to be the reason some crazy parent is holding their kid back in school.
This is good. You're making the case against forcing kids to play up.
No, I explained why Soccer with a SY 8/1-7/31 eligibility window is different than other sports.
With other sports recruiters can't tell if a player has been held back. With Aug/Sept club soccer players that are playing down a grade you can easily tell.
You also explained that clubs don't want to force parents to hold back their kids just to be on the team the best team possible. That is sound advice.
Correct, but if you allow Aug/Sept to play down leagues are creating a situation where its in the players best interest to be held back in school. So they're playing on the correct grade team for recruiters.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:14
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
To add a little more. Pathways to higher level play aren't choose your adventure books. Every level is a competition to be the top player. Every time you jump up to the next level some are left behind. Eventually the ones left are the best of the best.
If Aug/Sept players choose to play down a grade they're making the jump to the next level up (college in this case) 100x harder to do. Even if you do make it to college when playing down it won't be a top team. Which means you'll need to transfer portal to a better school if you want to play at the next level.
Im not trying to imply that every kid will play professionally if they do X Y and Z. I am saying that if youth clubs dont set players up in the best possible way to get recruited for playing in college its much more difficult.
Its not magic that some clubs are able to consistantly produce high level talent. But policies like not allowing Aug/Sept birthdays to play down greatly increase their chances.
I'm not sure that it would. It may just fast-track them out of the sport, instead. You shouldn't force up a kid an age group until they are ready otherwise you set up them up for failure.
It will set them up for playing on the B team that's their grade in school. Again, same situation. If you cant play on the B team with kids your grade in school playing soccer in college (where players might be 5-6 years older) doesn't matter because it will never happen.
B team parents won't want to have kids forced onto their teams if they are younger than the age group. This is why this option won't work. They'd be taking other people's spots -- the same spots you are so worried about if they actually play in their age group.
Nobody on planet earth has ever been upset by players playing up.
They would be upset if the team can't compete because they had to take them and having younger players was a disadvantage. B teams want to win, and do good enough to join better teams and try to get recruited, too. Why do you want to make it about grade when it should be about skill?
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:13
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:No, the path from playing up as the youngest when your skills aren't ready is the true dead end. 2 sides to the coin.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
To add a little more. Pathways to higher level play aren't choose your adventure books. Every level is a competition to be the top player. Every time you jump up to the next level some are left behind. Eventually the ones left are the best of the best.
If Aug/Sept players choose to play down a grade they're making the jump to the next level up (college in this case) 100x harder to do. Even if you do make it to college when playing down it won't be a top team. Which means you'll need to transfer portal to a better school if you want to play at the next level.
Im not trying to imply that every kid will play professionally if they do X Y and Z. I am saying that if youth clubs dont set players up in the best possible way to get recruited for playing in college its much more difficult.
Its not magic that some clubs are able to consistantly produce high level talent. But policies like not allowing Aug/Sept birthdays to play down greatly increase their chances.
If you cant play at the level of the kids in your grade playing in college doesn't matrer because it's never going to happen.
Not true. Those bio-band kids are getting recruited and playing college. In that story posted earlier, one of the recruits featured is now the captain at Creighton.
The MLSN Homegrown/Academy bioband examples are different. They were likely training at a near pro level. The age group they rostered at didnt matter.
For regular MLS/GA/ECNL/Etc players this will not be the expected outcome. Unless their parents are the Deam at whatever College they want to play at. Or if their parents know how to rain $$$ on people that can make things happen.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:13
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
The parents and players are, basically every time with the feeling that minutes are being stolen from someone else.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
To add a little more. Pathways to higher level play aren't choose your adventure books. Every level is a competition to be the top player. Every time you jump up to the next level some are left behind. Eventually the ones left are the best of the best.
If Aug/Sept players choose to play down a grade they're making the jump to the next level up (college in this case) 100x harder to do. Even if you do make it to college when playing down it won't be a top team. Which means you'll need to transfer portal to a better school if you want to play at the next level.
Im not trying to imply that every kid will play professionally if they do X Y and Z. I am saying that if youth clubs dont set players up in the best possible way to get recruited for playing in college its much more difficult.
Its not magic that some clubs are able to consistantly produce high level talent. But policies like not allowing Aug/Sept birthdays to play down greatly increase their chances.
I'm not sure that it would. It may just fast-track them out of the sport, instead. You shouldn't force up a kid an age group until they are ready otherwise you set up them up for failure.
It will set them up for playing on the B team that's their grade in school. Again, same situation. If you cant play on the B team with kids your grade in school playing soccer in college (where players might be 5-6 years older) doesn't matter because it will never happen.
B team parents won't want to have kids forced onto their teams if they are younger than the age group. This is why this option won't work. They'd be taking other people's spots -- the same spots you are so worried about if they actually play in their age group.
Nobody on planet earth has ever been upset by players playing up.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:12
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
This isn't a unique to soccer, you know. Fun chat about this in baseball on Reddit, even includes your side but again that's not the only side: https://www.reddit.com/r/Homeplate/comments/1ojju8s/how_important_is_it_to_play_with_grade_level_vs/
I don't believe in playing down.
But, the reason playing down, redshirting, regarding, being held back, whatever you want to call it works in other sports is because players grade in school and level they play at are in alignment.
Aug/Sept players playing down in SY are out of alignment with their grade in school. This tells recruiters that this player is likely a trojan horse. You can get around this by holding your kid back in school. This would align the club team they play on with their grade in school. The problem with this is its a can of worms that leagues dont want to get involved in. Nobody wants to be the reason some crazy parent is holding their kid back in school.
This is good. You're making the case against forcing kids to play up.
No, I explained why Soccer with a SY 8/1-7/31 eligibility window is different than other sports.
With other sports recruiters can't tell if a player has been held back. With Aug/Sept club soccer players that are playing down a grade you can easily tell.
You also explained that clubs don't want to force parents to hold back their kids just to be on the team the best team possible. That is sound advice.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:10
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
I just wish you put the amount of effort for caring about the college sports careers of these 7 yr old Aug and September kids as say working for something a little less useful, like world peace.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:No, the path from playing up as the youngest when your skills aren't ready is the true dead end. 2 sides to the coin.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
To add a little more. Pathways to higher level play aren't choose your adventure books. Every level is a competition to be the top player. Every time you jump up to the next level some are left behind. Eventually the ones left are the best of the best.
If Aug/Sept players choose to play down a grade they're making the jump to the next level up (college in this case) 100x harder to do. Even if you do make it to college when playing down it won't be a top team. Which means you'll need to transfer portal to a better school if you want to play at the next level.
Im not trying to imply that every kid will play professionally if they do X Y and Z. I am saying that if youth clubs dont set players up in the best possible way to get recruited for playing in college its much more difficult.
Its not magic that some clubs are able to consistantly produce high level talent. But policies like not allowing Aug/Sept birthdays to play down greatly increase their chances.
If you cant play at the level of the kids in your grade playing in college doesn't matrer because it's never going to happen.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:09
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
To add a little more. Pathways to higher level play aren't choose your adventure books. Every level is a competition to be the top player. Every time you jump up to the next level some are left behind. Eventually the ones left are the best of the best.
If Aug/Sept players choose to play down a grade they're making the jump to the next level up (college in this case) 100x harder to do. Even if you do make it to college when playing down it won't be a top team. Which means you'll need to transfer portal to a better school if you want to play at the next level.
Im not trying to imply that every kid will play professionally if they do X Y and Z. I am saying that if youth clubs dont set players up in the best possible way to get recruited for playing in college its much more difficult.
Its not magic that some clubs are able to consistantly produce high level talent. But policies like not allowing Aug/Sept birthdays to play down greatly increase their chances.
I'm not sure that it would. It may just fast-track them out of the sport, instead. You shouldn't force up a kid an age group until they are ready otherwise you set up them up for failure.
It will set them up for playing on the B team that's their grade in school. Again, same situation. If you cant play on the B team with kids your grade in school playing soccer in college (where players might be 5-6 years older) doesn't matter because it will never happen.
B team parents won't want to have kids forced onto their teams if they are younger than the age group. This is why this option won't work. They'd be taking other people's spots -- the same spots you are so worried about if they actually play in their age group.
Nobody on planet earth has ever been upset by players playing up.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:07
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
This isn't a unique to soccer, you know. Fun chat about this in baseball on Reddit, even includes your side but again that's not the only side: https://www.reddit.com/r/Homeplate/comments/1ojju8s/how_important_is_it_to_play_with_grade_level_vs/
I don't believe in playing down.
But, the reason playing down, redshirting, regarding, being held back, whatever you want to call it works in other sports is because players grade in school and level they play at are in alignment.
Aug/Sept players playing down in SY are out of alignment with their grade in school. This tells recruiters that this player is likely a trojan horse. You can get around this by holding your kid back in school. This would align the club team they play on with their grade in school. The problem with this is its a can of worms that leagues dont want to get involved in. Nobody wants to be the reason some crazy parent is holding their kid back in school.
This is good. You're making the case against forcing kids to play up.
No, I explained why Soccer with a SY 8/1-7/31 eligibility window is different than other sports.
With other sports recruiters can't tell if a player has been held back. With Aug/Sept club soccer players that are playing down a grade you can easily tell.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:06
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:No, the path from playing up as the youngest when your skills aren't ready is the true dead end. 2 sides to the coin.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
To add a little more. Pathways to higher level play aren't choose your adventure books. Every level is a competition to be the top player. Every time you jump up to the next level some are left behind. Eventually the ones left are the best of the best.
If Aug/Sept players choose to play down a grade they're making the jump to the next level up (college in this case) 100x harder to do. Even if you do make it to college when playing down it won't be a top team. Which means you'll need to transfer portal to a better school if you want to play at the next level.
Im not trying to imply that every kid will play professionally if they do X Y and Z. I am saying that if youth clubs dont set players up in the best possible way to get recruited for playing in college its much more difficult.
Its not magic that some clubs are able to consistantly produce high level talent. But policies like not allowing Aug/Sept birthdays to play down greatly increase their chances.
If you cant play at the level of the kids in your grade playing in college doesn't matrer because it's never going to happen.
Not true. Those bio-band kids are getting recruited and playing college. In that story posted earlier, one of the recruits featured is now the captain at Creighton.
Anonymous
11/20/2025 22:04
Subject: Trapped/Re-aging Families, How are you having the conversation?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Yes, their rec leagues will lean grade but travel is to make the best teams, "On our most competitive teams, we form the strongest possible age-specific pools.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Can add https://spokanesounders.org/u-s-soccer-age-group-change-what-it-means-for-spokane-shadow/. "Our philosophy remains the same: most players develop best in their true age group." And like many others, they have flexibility.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but THE factor.
Yeah, if you'd like, there are 8 clubs now that say "grade" is a factor but NOT THE factor. (Sorry typo)
And a pretty good read here on a timeless piece if you are thinking your child should play up where they say it depends on the kid and using grade is a bad reason, https://changingthegameproject.com/child-play-dos-donts-moving-kids-older-age-groups/
Hahaha...
Directly from your Sounders link. Pretty obvious that they plan to group by grade but dont want to say it directly to allow for flexibility.
"What if my player’s birthdate and school grade don’t align?
We know some players, especially those with August or early-September birthdays, may not align perfectly with their grade level because Spokane schools start around September 1.
Our directors will review each situation case by case to find the best developmental and social fit for each player. The goal is always to keep kids challenged and comfortable, whether that means staying with classmates or training within their natural age group.
If your child’s birthdate and grade year don’t align, we encourage you to contact your director right away so they can conduct a proper audit."
On neighborhood-based teams, placement may occasionally reflect family or community factors."
So grouping by age with flexibility.
So you're saying that on their most competitive teams they plan to roster Aug/Sept players down a grade so they cant get recruited.
It will be fun to see all the traction this will get with parents.
It depends on whether the parent is like or like many of the folks here who see a lot more nuance when it comes to development.
Yea most parents appreciate clubs setting up their kids into a situation where they get ignored by college recruiters.
Sounds like a reasonable thing to do.
The constant whacks on the head are hilarious. I don't understand why people are arguing against college recruitment.
I don't understand why someone doesn't think playing on age at a top tier club is a bad idea, especially when there's multiple ways to get recruited beyond whatever team you are currently on. It's all so fluid and has the potential to change every year and at non-team events, such as showcases, ID camps and combines. Simply put, you get yourself on the best team you can and go from there.
Sure, playing with your grade or higher is probably better than not, but the dude here trying to pigeonhole people into a box of grade doesn't see the forest of opportunity that exists and different pathways people take.
What you dont understand is that top tier clubs have queues 5-10 players deep for each position at every age group. This means they wont waste their time developing an Aug/Sept player that's playing down a grade in school. They have plenty of talent avaliable playing their grade in school.
Playing down a grade in school is a dead end for players, clubs, and other players/parents that will end up resenting the player playing down.
To add a little more. Pathways to higher level play aren't choose your adventure books. Every level is a competition to be the top player. Every time you jump up to the next level some are left behind. Eventually the ones left are the best of the best.
If Aug/Sept players choose to play down a grade they're making the jump to the next level up (college in this case) 100x harder to do. Even if you do make it to college when playing down it won't be a top team. Which means you'll need to transfer portal to a better school if you want to play at the next level.
Im not trying to imply that every kid will play professionally if they do X Y and Z. I am saying that if youth clubs dont set players up in the best possible way to get recruited for playing in college its much more difficult.
Its not magic that some clubs are able to consistantly produce high level talent. But policies like not allowing Aug/Sept birthdays to play down greatly increase their chances.
I'm not sure that it would. It may just fast-track them out of the sport, instead. You shouldn't force up a kid an age group until they are ready otherwise you set up them up for failure.
It will set them up for playing on the B team that's their grade in school. Again, same situation. If you cant play on the B team with kids your grade in school playing soccer in college (where players might be 5-6 years older) doesn't matter because it will never happen.
B team parents won't want to have kids forced onto their teams if they are younger than the age group. This is why this option won't work. They'd be taking other people's spots -- the same spots you are so worried about if they actually play in their age group.