Anonymous
03/12/2026 10:25
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
This is for next fall when SY starts, includes edge cases
11v11 = U18/U19 = ≤ 8/1/2007-July 31 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U17 = ≤ 8/1/2009-July 31 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U16 = ≤ 8/1/2010-July 31 ≈ Junior
11v11 = U15 = ≤ 8/1/2011-July 31 ≈ Sophomore
11v11 = U14 = ≤ 8/1/2012-July 31 ≈ Freshman
11v11 = U13 = ≤ 8/1/2013-July 31 ≈ 8th grade
9v9/11v11 = U12 = ≤ 8/1/2014-July 31 ≈ 7th grade
9v9 = U11 = ≤ 8/1/2015-July 31 ≈ 6th grade
9v9 = U10 = ≤ 8/1/2016-July 31 ≈ 5th grade
7v7 = U9 = ≤ 8/1/2017-July 31 ≈ 4th grade
7v7 = U8 = ≤ 8/1/2018-July 31 ≈ 3rd grade
4v4 = U7 = ≤ 8/1/2019-July 31 ≈ 2nd grade
4v4 = U6 = ≤ 8/1/2020-July 31 ≈ 1st grade
Using U14 as an example what this is saying is...
1. They play 11v11
2. Players turn 14 after Aug 1
3. Players are younger than or equal to 8/1/2012
4. Players are most likely be Freshman or younger
11v11 = U18/U19 = ≤ 8/1/2007-July 31 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U17 = ≤ 8/1/2009-July 31 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U16 = ≤ 8/1/2010-July 31 ≈ Junior
11v11 = U15 = ≤ 8/1/2011-July 31 ≈ Sophomore
11v11 = U14 = ≤ 8/1/2012-July 31 ≈ Freshman
11v11 = U13 = ≤ 8/1/2013-July 31 ≈ 8th grade
9v9/11v11 = U12 = ≤ 8/1/2014-July 31 ≈ 7th grade
9v9 = U11 = ≤ 8/1/2015-July 31 ≈ 6th grade
9v9 = U10 = ≤ 8/1/2016-July 31 ≈ 5th grade
7v7 = U9 = ≤ 8/1/2017-July 31 ≈ 4th grade
7v7 = U8 = ≤ 8/1/2018-July 31 ≈ 3rd grade
4v4 = U7 = ≤ 8/1/2019-July 31 ≈ 2nd grade
4v4 = U6 = ≤ 8/1/2020-July 31 ≈ 1st grade
Using U14 as an example what this is saying is...
1. They play 11v11
2. Players turn 14 after Aug 1
3. Players are younger than or equal to 8/1/2012
4. Players are most likely be Freshman or younger
Anonymous
03/12/2026 10:24
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
The DMV clubs said playing up rare and only for the best based on talent. Not theory, fact.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:The argument to pick a club because they randomly allow playing up doesn't work without finding an actual club around here that allows it. Rules or not, playing up hasn't happened that often around here on top clubs, excluding when the whole team plays up around U12 to get to 11v11 early.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My club doesn't allow choosing to play up. Where is that a thing?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Fear mongering alert. Going with a 12 month age window for league play solves this, whoops already done.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:its just ridiculious reading what age guy writes because its all so obvious that his end goal is older players (36 months older) playing against correct age players.
Always looking to steal accomplishments from younger players.
No one is pushing for 36 month age groupings. You’re the only one pushing for kids to play up based on grade.
12 months is it. Anyone who wants to play up can if they are able and the club will allow it.
If play downs / holdbacks are allowed they will be potentially 36 months older than the youngest correct grade player.
This is because HS allows players to be held back 2 times.
I have a misaligned August player and hoping they can play on age. But league games don't seem as important as tournaments and showcases. If showcases are going graduation year this will be a challenge for those who are misaligned.
Can you be a little more clear about what you're excited about? With an August birthday you potentially have 2 different outcomes depending on when your school starts.
If your school starts Sept 1st this means your Aug birthday kid will be a grade up in school than all the players on the team when we switch from BY to SY. Your kid will go from playing on a team with players a grade older (BY) to a team with players a grade younger (SY).
Most people in this situation will choose to play their kid "up" on the correct grade in school team so they’re no longer misaligned.
League rules say that it is.
Clubs can have their own rules though.
All Im doing is providing what the rules allow. You can choose to do whatever you want with that info. Also clubs can have their own rules. As long as they dont go against the league rules they can do what they want.
Being misaligned up or down makes recruiting harder if you plan to play in college. This is a fact.
Youngest in an age group most likely to quit and least likely to play in college. Not theory, fact.
Anonymous
03/12/2026 10:23
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Still 100% correct.
This is for next fall when SY starts.
11v11 = U18/U19 = ≤ 8/1/2007 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U17 = ≤ 8/1/2009 ≈ Junior
11v11 = U16 = ≤ 8/1/2010 ≈ Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = ≤ 8/1/2011 ≈ Freshman
11v11 = U14 = ≤ 8/1/2012 ≈ 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = ≤ 8/1/2013 ≈ 7th grade
9v9/11v11 = U12 = ≤ 8/1/2014 ≈ 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = ≤ 8/1/2015 ≈ 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = ≤ 8/1/2016 ≈ 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = ≤ 8/1/2017 ≈ 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = ≤ 8/1/2018 ≈ 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = ≤ 8/1/2019 ≈ 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = ≤ 8/1/2020 ≈ Kindergarten
Using U14 as an example what this is saying is...
1. They play 11v11
2. Players turn 14 after Aug 1
3. Players are younger than or equal to 8/1/2012
4. Players are most likely in 8th grade
This is for next fall when SY starts.
11v11 = U18/U19 = ≤ 8/1/2007 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U17 = ≤ 8/1/2009 ≈ Junior
11v11 = U16 = ≤ 8/1/2010 ≈ Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = ≤ 8/1/2011 ≈ Freshman
11v11 = U14 = ≤ 8/1/2012 ≈ 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = ≤ 8/1/2013 ≈ 7th grade
9v9/11v11 = U12 = ≤ 8/1/2014 ≈ 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = ≤ 8/1/2015 ≈ 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = ≤ 8/1/2016 ≈ 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = ≤ 8/1/2017 ≈ 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = ≤ 8/1/2018 ≈ 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = ≤ 8/1/2019 ≈ 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = ≤ 8/1/2020 ≈ Kindergarten
Using U14 as an example what this is saying is...
1. They play 11v11
2. Players turn 14 after Aug 1
3. Players are younger than or equal to 8/1/2012
4. Players are most likely in 8th grade
Anonymous
03/12/2026 10:19
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:You lost all credibility with SY30+ push and thinking misaligned players didn't exist the last time SY was in force. Save the predictions for people in the know without biased agendas.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My club doesn't allow choosing to play up. Where is that a thing?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Fear mongering alert. Going with a 12 month age window for league play solves this, whoops already done.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:its just ridiculious reading what age guy writes because its all so obvious that his end goal is older players (36 months older) playing against correct age players.
Always looking to steal accomplishments from younger players.
No one is pushing for 36 month age groupings. You’re the only one pushing for kids to play up based on grade.
12 months is it. Anyone who wants to play up can if they are able and the club will allow it.
If play downs / holdbacks are allowed they will be potentially 36 months older than the youngest correct grade player.
This is because HS allows players to be held back 2 times.
I have a misaligned August player and hoping they can play on age. But league games don't seem as important as tournaments and showcases. If showcases are going graduation year this will be a challenge for those who are misaligned.
Can you be a little more clear about what you're excited about? With an August birthday you potentially have 2 different outcomes depending on when your school starts.
If your school starts Sept 1st this means your Aug birthday kid will be a grade up in school than all the players on the team when we switch from BY to SY. Your kid will go from playing on a team with players a grade older (BY) to a team with players a grade younger (SY).
Most people in this situation will choose to play their kid "up" on the correct grade in school team so they’re no longer misaligned.
I know of a case where a top team AugDec bday was asked whether they wanted to stay with grade OR play on age. Depending on the player/family/club, the choice is happening for some at least.
This is what will happen at first. Clubs dont want to lose players so they'll say whatever parents want to hear.
Once everyone is slotted into SY this fall clubs will slowly pressure Aug birthdays into playing on their correct grade in. school team.
Eventually clubs will just group Aug birthdays by grade.
But, at younger ages you'll likely see Aug birthdays playing down as guests at tournaments for wins.
Its the same thing as Aug birthdays playing with their grade in school.
Anonymous
03/12/2026 10:17
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:The argument to pick a club because they randomly allow playing up doesn't work without finding an actual club around here that allows it. Rules or not, playing up hasn't happened that often around here on top clubs, excluding when the whole team plays up around U12 to get to 11v11 early.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My club doesn't allow choosing to play up. Where is that a thing?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Fear mongering alert. Going with a 12 month age window for league play solves this, whoops already done.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:its just ridiculious reading what age guy writes because its all so obvious that his end goal is older players (36 months older) playing against correct age players.
Always looking to steal accomplishments from younger players.
No one is pushing for 36 month age groupings. You’re the only one pushing for kids to play up based on grade.
12 months is it. Anyone who wants to play up can if they are able and the club will allow it.
If play downs / holdbacks are allowed they will be potentially 36 months older than the youngest correct grade player.
This is because HS allows players to be held back 2 times.
I have a misaligned August player and hoping they can play on age. But league games don't seem as important as tournaments and showcases. If showcases are going graduation year this will be a challenge for those who are misaligned.
Can you be a little more clear about what you're excited about? With an August birthday you potentially have 2 different outcomes depending on when your school starts.
If your school starts Sept 1st this means your Aug birthday kid will be a grade up in school than all the players on the team when we switch from BY to SY. Your kid will go from playing on a team with players a grade older (BY) to a team with players a grade younger (SY).
Most people in this situation will choose to play their kid "up" on the correct grade in school team so they’re no longer misaligned.
League rules say that it is.
Clubs can have their own rules though.
All Im doing is providing what the rules allow. You can choose to do whatever you want with that info. Also clubs can have their own rules. As long as they dont go against the league rules they can do what they want.
Being misaligned up or down makes recruiting harder if you plan to play in college. This is a fact.
Anonymous
03/12/2026 10:14
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
You lost all credibility with SY30+ push and thinking misaligned players didn't exist the last time SY was in force. Save the predictions for people in the know without biased agendas.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My club doesn't allow choosing to play up. Where is that a thing?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Fear mongering alert. Going with a 12 month age window for league play solves this, whoops already done.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:its just ridiculious reading what age guy writes because its all so obvious that his end goal is older players (36 months older) playing against correct age players.
Always looking to steal accomplishments from younger players.
No one is pushing for 36 month age groupings. You’re the only one pushing for kids to play up based on grade.
12 months is it. Anyone who wants to play up can if they are able and the club will allow it.
If play downs / holdbacks are allowed they will be potentially 36 months older than the youngest correct grade player.
This is because HS allows players to be held back 2 times.
I have a misaligned August player and hoping they can play on age. But league games don't seem as important as tournaments and showcases. If showcases are going graduation year this will be a challenge for those who are misaligned.
Can you be a little more clear about what you're excited about? With an August birthday you potentially have 2 different outcomes depending on when your school starts.
If your school starts Sept 1st this means your Aug birthday kid will be a grade up in school than all the players on the team when we switch from BY to SY. Your kid will go from playing on a team with players a grade older (BY) to a team with players a grade younger (SY).
Most people in this situation will choose to play their kid "up" on the correct grade in school team so they’re no longer misaligned.
I know of a case where a top team AugDec bday was asked whether they wanted to stay with grade OR play on age. Depending on the player/family/club, the choice is happening for some at least.
This is what will happen at first. Clubs dont want to lose players so they'll say whatever parents want to hear.
Once everyone is slotted into SY this fall clubs will slowly pressure Aug birthdays into playing on their correct grade in. school team.
Eventually clubs will just group Aug birthdays by grade.
But, at younger ages you'll likely see Aug birthdays playing down as guests at tournaments for wins.
Anonymous
03/12/2026 10:12
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My club doesn't allow choosing to play up. Where is that a thing?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Fear mongering alert. Going with a 12 month age window for league play solves this, whoops already done.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:its just ridiculious reading what age guy writes because its all so obvious that his end goal is older players (36 months older) playing against correct age players.
Always looking to steal accomplishments from younger players.
No one is pushing for 36 month age groupings. You’re the only one pushing for kids to play up based on grade.
12 months is it. Anyone who wants to play up can if they are able and the club will allow it.
If play downs / holdbacks are allowed they will be potentially 36 months older than the youngest correct grade player.
This is because HS allows players to be held back 2 times.
I have a misaligned August player and hoping they can play on age. But league games don't seem as important as tournaments and showcases. If showcases are going graduation year this will be a challenge for those who are misaligned.
Can you be a little more clear about what you're excited about? With an August birthday you potentially have 2 different outcomes depending on when your school starts.
If your school starts Sept 1st this means your Aug birthday kid will be a grade up in school than all the players on the team when we switch from BY to SY. Your kid will go from playing on a team with players a grade older (BY) to a team with players a grade younger (SY).
Most people in this situation will choose to play their kid "up" on the correct grade in school team so they’re no longer misaligned.
I know of a case where a top team AugDec bday was asked whether they wanted to stay with grade OR play on age. Depending on the player/family/club, the choice is happening for some at least.
Makes sense. Fits under this
11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger (May include Senior/Junior)
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger (May include Senior/Junior/Sophomore)
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger (May include Junior/Sophomore/Freshman)
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger (May include Sophomore/Freshman/8th grade)
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger (May include Freshman/8th grade/7th grade)
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger (May include 8th grade/7th grade/6th grade)
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger (May include 7th grade/6th grade/5th grade)
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger (May include 6th grade/5th grade/4th grade)
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger (May include 5th grade/4th grade/3rd grade)
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger (May include 4th grade/3rd grade/2nd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger (May include 3rd grade/2nd grade/1st grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger (May include 2nd/grade/1st grade/kindergarten)
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger (May include 1st grade/kindergarten/Pre-school)
Wrong, again this doesnt address all edge cases. By calling out specific grades you're excluding all other grades.
May include ALSO means may not, so it's as good as the symbol. Maybe even clearer. The emphasis on grade is needed because of how the switch was sold to youth soccer.
Meh, I don't like it but it works.
Agree 100% that the BY to SY switch was done to address grade in school issues.
When age guy says SY has nothing to do with grade in school its such a stupid thing to say. Every big soccer entity posted a statement saying that the change to SY was done because of grade.
Right, but grade guy jumped the shark endlessly saying that clubs should/will force kids to play up. This is even while clubs throughout were quick to say the change wouldn't mean everyone would play by grade and how they've largely stuck to that (a few agree with more with his approach) in their communications this year.
You obviously believe everything salespeople say to you.
Clubs are a business and grouping Aug birthdays by grade makes the business easier to run. The only person that benifits from Aug birthdays playing down are Aug birthdays and their parents. You can argue that Aug birthdays playing down brings wins. But I accommodated that by saying that Aug birthdays will guest playing on grade down teams at tournaments.
And you still can't help yourself. SMH.
Anonymous
03/12/2026 10:11
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
The argument to pick a club because they randomly allow playing up doesn't work without finding an actual club around here that allows it. Rules or not, playing up hasn't happened that often around here on top clubs, excluding when the whole team plays up around U12 to get to 11v11 early.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My club doesn't allow choosing to play up. Where is that a thing?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Fear mongering alert. Going with a 12 month age window for league play solves this, whoops already done.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:its just ridiculious reading what age guy writes because its all so obvious that his end goal is older players (36 months older) playing against correct age players.
Always looking to steal accomplishments from younger players.
No one is pushing for 36 month age groupings. You’re the only one pushing for kids to play up based on grade.
12 months is it. Anyone who wants to play up can if they are able and the club will allow it.
If play downs / holdbacks are allowed they will be potentially 36 months older than the youngest correct grade player.
This is because HS allows players to be held back 2 times.
I have a misaligned August player and hoping they can play on age. But league games don't seem as important as tournaments and showcases. If showcases are going graduation year this will be a challenge for those who are misaligned.
Can you be a little more clear about what you're excited about? With an August birthday you potentially have 2 different outcomes depending on when your school starts.
If your school starts Sept 1st this means your Aug birthday kid will be a grade up in school than all the players on the team when we switch from BY to SY. Your kid will go from playing on a team with players a grade older (BY) to a team with players a grade younger (SY).
Most people in this situation will choose to play their kid "up" on the correct grade in school team so they’re no longer misaligned.
League rules say that it is.
Clubs can have their own rules though.
Anonymous
03/12/2026 10:07
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
This is for next fall when SY starts, includes edge cases
11v11 = U18/U19 = ≤ 8/1/2007-July 31 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U17 = ≤ 8/1/2009-July 31 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U16 = ≤ 8/1/2010-July 31 ≈ Junior
11v11 = U15 = ≤ 8/1/2011-July 31 ≈ Sophomore
11v11 = U14 = ≤ 8/1/2012-July 31 ≈ Freshman
11v11 = U13 = ≤ 8/1/2013-July 31 ≈ 8th grade
9v9/11v11 = U12 = ≤ 8/1/2014-July 31 ≈ 7th grade
9v9 = U11 = ≤ 8/1/2015-July 31 ≈ 6th grade
9v9 = U10 = ≤ 8/1/2016-July 31 ≈ 5th grade
7v7 = U9 = ≤ 8/1/2017-July 31 ≈ 4th grade
7v7 = U8 = ≤ 8/1/2018-July 31 ≈ 3rd grade
4v4 = U7 = ≤ 8/1/2019-July 31 ≈ 2nd grade
4v4 = U6 = ≤ 8/1/2020-July 31 ≈ 1st grade
Using U14 as an example what this is saying is...
1. They play 11v11
2. Players turn 14 after Aug 1
3. Players are younger than or equal to 8/1/2012
4. Players are most likely be Freshman or younger
11v11 = U18/U19 = ≤ 8/1/2007-July 31 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U17 = ≤ 8/1/2009-July 31 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U16 = ≤ 8/1/2010-July 31 ≈ Junior
11v11 = U15 = ≤ 8/1/2011-July 31 ≈ Sophomore
11v11 = U14 = ≤ 8/1/2012-July 31 ≈ Freshman
11v11 = U13 = ≤ 8/1/2013-July 31 ≈ 8th grade
9v9/11v11 = U12 = ≤ 8/1/2014-July 31 ≈ 7th grade
9v9 = U11 = ≤ 8/1/2015-July 31 ≈ 6th grade
9v9 = U10 = ≤ 8/1/2016-July 31 ≈ 5th grade
7v7 = U9 = ≤ 8/1/2017-July 31 ≈ 4th grade
7v7 = U8 = ≤ 8/1/2018-July 31 ≈ 3rd grade
4v4 = U7 = ≤ 8/1/2019-July 31 ≈ 2nd grade
4v4 = U6 = ≤ 8/1/2020-July 31 ≈ 1st grade
Using U14 as an example what this is saying is...
1. They play 11v11
2. Players turn 14 after Aug 1
3. Players are younger than or equal to 8/1/2012
4. Players are most likely be Freshman or younger
Anonymous
03/12/2026 10:06
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My club doesn't allow choosing to play up. Where is that a thing?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Fear mongering alert. Going with a 12 month age window for league play solves this, whoops already done.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:its just ridiculious reading what age guy writes because its all so obvious that his end goal is older players (36 months older) playing against correct age players.
Always looking to steal accomplishments from younger players.
No one is pushing for 36 month age groupings. You’re the only one pushing for kids to play up based on grade.
12 months is it. Anyone who wants to play up can if they are able and the club will allow it.
If play downs / holdbacks are allowed they will be potentially 36 months older than the youngest correct grade player.
This is because HS allows players to be held back 2 times.
I have a misaligned August player and hoping they can play on age. But league games don't seem as important as tournaments and showcases. If showcases are going graduation year this will be a challenge for those who are misaligned.
Can you be a little more clear about what you're excited about? With an August birthday you potentially have 2 different outcomes depending on when your school starts.
If your school starts Sept 1st this means your Aug birthday kid will be a grade up in school than all the players on the team when we switch from BY to SY. Your kid will go from playing on a team with players a grade older (BY) to a team with players a grade younger (SY).
Most people in this situation will choose to play their kid "up" on the correct grade in school team so they’re no longer misaligned.
I know of a case where a top team AugDec bday was asked whether they wanted to stay with grade OR play on age. Depending on the player/family/club, the choice is happening for some at least.
Makes sense. Fits under this
11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger (May include Senior/Junior)
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger (May include Senior/Junior/Sophomore)
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger (May include Junior/Sophomore/Freshman)
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger (May include Sophomore/Freshman/8th grade)
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger (May include Freshman/8th grade/7th grade)
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger (May include 8th grade/7th grade/6th grade)
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger (May include 7th grade/6th grade/5th grade)
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger (May include 6th grade/5th grade/4th grade)
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger (May include 5th grade/4th grade/3rd grade)
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger (May include 4th grade/3rd grade/2nd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger (May include 3rd grade/2nd grade/1st grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger (May include 2nd/grade/1st grade/kindergarten)
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger (May include 1st grade/kindergarten/Pre-school)
Wrong, again this doesnt address all edge cases. By calling out specific grades you're excluding all other grades.
May include ALSO means may not, so it's as good as the symbol. Maybe even clearer. The emphasis on grade is needed because of how the switch was sold to youth soccer.
Meh, I don't like it but it works.
Agree 100% that the BY to SY switch was done to address grade in school issues.
When age guy says SY has nothing to do with grade in school its such a stupid thing to say. Every big soccer entity posted a statement saying that the change to SY was done because of grade.
Right, but grade guy jumped the shark endlessly saying that clubs should/will force kids to play up. This is even while clubs throughout were quick to say the change wouldn't mean everyone would play by grade and how they've largely stuck to that (a few agree with more with his approach) in their communications this year.
You obviously believe everything salespeople say to you.
Clubs are a business and grouping Aug birthdays by grade makes the business easier to run. The only person that benifits from Aug birthdays playing down are Aug birthdays and their parents. You can argue that Aug birthdays playing down brings wins. But I accommodated that by saying that Aug birthdays will guest playing on grade down teams at tournaments.
Anonymous
03/12/2026 09:57
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My club doesn't allow choosing to play up. Where is that a thing?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Fear mongering alert. Going with a 12 month age window for league play solves this, whoops already done.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:its just ridiculious reading what age guy writes because its all so obvious that his end goal is older players (36 months older) playing against correct age players.
Always looking to steal accomplishments from younger players.
No one is pushing for 36 month age groupings. You’re the only one pushing for kids to play up based on grade.
12 months is it. Anyone who wants to play up can if they are able and the club will allow it.
If play downs / holdbacks are allowed they will be potentially 36 months older than the youngest correct grade player.
This is because HS allows players to be held back 2 times.
I have a misaligned August player and hoping they can play on age. But league games don't seem as important as tournaments and showcases. If showcases are going graduation year this will be a challenge for those who are misaligned.
Can you be a little more clear about what you're excited about? With an August birthday you potentially have 2 different outcomes depending on when your school starts.
If your school starts Sept 1st this means your Aug birthday kid will be a grade up in school than all the players on the team when we switch from BY to SY. Your kid will go from playing on a team with players a grade older (BY) to a team with players a grade younger (SY).
Most people in this situation will choose to play their kid "up" on the correct grade in school team so they’re no longer misaligned.
I know of a case where a top team AugDec bday was asked whether they wanted to stay with grade OR play on age. Depending on the player/family/club, the choice is happening for some at least.
Makes sense. Fits under this
11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger (May include Senior/Junior)
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger (May include Senior/Junior/Sophomore)
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger (May include Junior/Sophomore/Freshman)
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger (May include Sophomore/Freshman/8th grade)
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger (May include Freshman/8th grade/7th grade)
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger (May include 8th grade/7th grade/6th grade)
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger (May include 7th grade/6th grade/5th grade)
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger (May include 6th grade/5th grade/4th grade)
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger (May include 5th grade/4th grade/3rd grade)
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger (May include 4th grade/3rd grade/2nd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger (May include 3rd grade/2nd grade/1st grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger (May include 2nd/grade/1st grade/kindergarten)
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger (May include 1st grade/kindergarten/Pre-school)
Wrong, again this doesnt address all edge cases. By calling out specific grades you're excluding all other grades.
May include ALSO means may not, so it's as good as the symbol. Maybe even clearer. The emphasis on grade is needed because of how the switch was sold to youth soccer.
Meh, I don't like it but it works.
Agree 100% that the BY to SY switch was done to address grade in school issues.
When age guy says SY has nothing to do with grade in school its such a stupid thing to say. Every big soccer entity posted a statement saying that the change to SY was done because of grade.
Right, but grade guy jumped the shark endlessly saying that clubs should/will force kids to play up. This is even while clubs throughout were quick to say the change wouldn't mean everyone would play by grade and how they've largely stuck to that (a few agree with more with his approach) in their communications this year.
Anonymous
03/12/2026 09:49
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My club doesn't allow choosing to play up. Where is that a thing?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Fear mongering alert. Going with a 12 month age window for league play solves this, whoops already done.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:its just ridiculious reading what age guy writes because its all so obvious that his end goal is older players (36 months older) playing against correct age players.
Always looking to steal accomplishments from younger players.
No one is pushing for 36 month age groupings. You’re the only one pushing for kids to play up based on grade.
12 months is it. Anyone who wants to play up can if they are able and the club will allow it.
If play downs / holdbacks are allowed they will be potentially 36 months older than the youngest correct grade player.
This is because HS allows players to be held back 2 times.
I have a misaligned August player and hoping they can play on age. But league games don't seem as important as tournaments and showcases. If showcases are going graduation year this will be a challenge for those who are misaligned.
Can you be a little more clear about what you're excited about? With an August birthday you potentially have 2 different outcomes depending on when your school starts.
If your school starts Sept 1st this means your Aug birthday kid will be a grade up in school than all the players on the team when we switch from BY to SY. Your kid will go from playing on a team with players a grade older (BY) to a team with players a grade younger (SY).
Most people in this situation will choose to play their kid "up" on the correct grade in school team so they’re no longer misaligned.
I know of a case where a top team AugDec bday was asked whether they wanted to stay with grade OR play on age. Depending on the player/family/club, the choice is happening for some at least.
Makes sense. Fits under this
11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger (May include Senior/Junior)
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger (May include Senior/Junior/Sophomore)
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger (May include Junior/Sophomore/Freshman)
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger (May include Sophomore/Freshman/8th grade)
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger (May include Freshman/8th grade/7th grade)
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger (May include 8th grade/7th grade/6th grade)
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger (May include 7th grade/6th grade/5th grade)
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger (May include 6th grade/5th grade/4th grade)
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger (May include 5th grade/4th grade/3rd grade)
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger (May include 4th grade/3rd grade/2nd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger (May include 3rd grade/2nd grade/1st grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger (May include 2nd/grade/1st grade/kindergarten)
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger (May include 1st grade/kindergarten/Pre-school)
Wrong, again this doesnt address all edge cases. By calling out specific grades you're excluding all other grades.
May include ALSO means may not, so it's as good as the symbol. Maybe even clearer. The emphasis on grade is needed because of how the switch was sold to youth soccer.
Meh, I don't like it but it works.
Agree 100% that the BY to SY switch was done to address grade in school issues.
When age guy says SY has nothing to do with grade in school its such a stupid thing to say. Every big soccer entity posted a statement saying that the change to SY was done because of grade.
Anonymous
03/12/2026 09:42
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My club doesn't allow choosing to play up. Where is that a thing?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Fear mongering alert. Going with a 12 month age window for league play solves this, whoops already done.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:its just ridiculious reading what age guy writes because its all so obvious that his end goal is older players (36 months older) playing against correct age players.
Always looking to steal accomplishments from younger players.
No one is pushing for 36 month age groupings. You’re the only one pushing for kids to play up based on grade.
12 months is it. Anyone who wants to play up can if they are able and the club will allow it.
If play downs / holdbacks are allowed they will be potentially 36 months older than the youngest correct grade player.
This is because HS allows players to be held back 2 times.
I have a misaligned August player and hoping they can play on age. But league games don't seem as important as tournaments and showcases. If showcases are going graduation year this will be a challenge for those who are misaligned.
Can you be a little more clear about what you're excited about? With an August birthday you potentially have 2 different outcomes depending on when your school starts.
If your school starts Sept 1st this means your Aug birthday kid will be a grade up in school than all the players on the team when we switch from BY to SY. Your kid will go from playing on a team with players a grade older (BY) to a team with players a grade younger (SY).
Most people in this situation will choose to play their kid "up" on the correct grade in school team so they’re no longer misaligned.
I know of a case where a top team AugDec bday was asked whether they wanted to stay with grade OR play on age. Depending on the player/family/club, the choice is happening for some at least.
Makes sense. Fits under this
11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger (May include Senior/Junior)
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger (May include Senior/Junior/Sophomore)
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger (May include Junior/Sophomore/Freshman)
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger (May include Sophomore/Freshman/8th grade)
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger (May include Freshman/8th grade/7th grade)
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger (May include 8th grade/7th grade/6th grade)
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger (May include 7th grade/6th grade/5th grade)
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger (May include 6th grade/5th grade/4th grade)
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger (May include 5th grade/4th grade/3rd grade)
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger (May include 4th grade/3rd grade/2nd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger (May include 3rd grade/2nd grade/1st grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger (May include 2nd/grade/1st grade/kindergarten)
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger (May include 1st grade/kindergarten/Pre-school)
Wrong, again this doesnt address all edge cases. By calling out specific grades you're excluding all other grades.
May include ALSO means may not, so it's as good as the symbol. Maybe even clearer. The emphasis on grade is needed because of how the switch was sold to youth soccer.
Anonymous
03/12/2026 09:37
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Still 100% correct.
This is for next fall when SY starts.
11v11 = U18/U19 = ≤ 8/1/2007 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U17 = ≤ 8/1/2009 ≈ Junior
11v11 = U16 = ≤ 8/1/2010 ≈ Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = ≤ 8/1/2011 ≈ Freshman
11v11 = U14 = ≤ 8/1/2012 ≈ 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = ≤ 8/1/2013 ≈ 7th grade
9v9/11v11 = U12 = ≤ 8/1/2014 ≈ 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = ≤ 8/1/2015 ≈ 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = ≤ 8/1/2016 ≈ 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = ≤ 8/1/2017 ≈ 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = ≤ 8/1/2018 ≈ 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = ≤ 8/1/2019 ≈ 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = ≤ 8/1/2020 ≈ Kindergarten
Using U14 as an example what this is saying is...
1. They play 11v11
2. Players turn 14 after Aug 1
3. Players are younger than or equal to 8/1/2012
4. Players are most likely in 8th grade
This is for next fall when SY starts.
11v11 = U18/U19 = ≤ 8/1/2007 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U17 = ≤ 8/1/2009 ≈ Junior
11v11 = U16 = ≤ 8/1/2010 ≈ Sophmore
11v11 = U15 = ≤ 8/1/2011 ≈ Freshman
11v11 = U14 = ≤ 8/1/2012 ≈ 8th grade
11v11 = U13 = ≤ 8/1/2013 ≈ 7th grade
9v9/11v11 = U12 = ≤ 8/1/2014 ≈ 6th grade
9v9 = U11 = ≤ 8/1/2015 ≈ 5th grade
9v9 = U10 = ≤ 8/1/2016 ≈ 4th grade
7v7 = U9 = ≤ 8/1/2017 ≈ 3rd grade
7v7 = U8 = ≤ 8/1/2018 ≈ 2nd grade
4v4 = U7 = ≤ 8/1/2019 ≈ 1st grade
4v4 = U6 = ≤ 8/1/2020 ≈ Kindergarten
Using U14 as an example what this is saying is...
1. They play 11v11
2. Players turn 14 after Aug 1
3. Players are younger than or equal to 8/1/2012
4. Players are most likely in 8th grade
Anonymous
03/12/2026 09:36
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My club doesn't allow choosing to play up. Where is that a thing?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Fear mongering alert. Going with a 12 month age window for league play solves this, whoops already done.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:its just ridiculious reading what age guy writes because its all so obvious that his end goal is older players (36 months older) playing against correct age players.
Always looking to steal accomplishments from younger players.
No one is pushing for 36 month age groupings. You’re the only one pushing for kids to play up based on grade.
12 months is it. Anyone who wants to play up can if they are able and the club will allow it.
If play downs / holdbacks are allowed they will be potentially 36 months older than the youngest correct grade player.
This is because HS allows players to be held back 2 times.
I have a misaligned August player and hoping they can play on age. But league games don't seem as important as tournaments and showcases. If showcases are going graduation year this will be a challenge for those who are misaligned.
Can you be a little more clear about what you're excited about? With an August birthday you potentially have 2 different outcomes depending on when your school starts.
If your school starts Sept 1st this means your Aug birthday kid will be a grade up in school than all the players on the team when we switch from BY to SY. Your kid will go from playing on a team with players a grade older (BY) to a team with players a grade younger (SY).
Most people in this situation will choose to play their kid "up" on the correct grade in school team so they’re no longer misaligned.
I know of a case where a top team AugDec bday was asked whether they wanted to stay with grade OR play on age. Depending on the player/family/club, the choice is happening for some at least.
Makes sense. Fits under this
11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007 + younger (May include Senior/Junior)
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 + younger (May include Senior/Junior/Sophomore)
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 + younger (May include Junior/Sophomore/Freshman)
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 + younger (May include Sophomore/Freshman/8th grade)
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 + younger (May include Freshman/8th grade/7th grade)
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 + younger (May include 8th grade/7th grade/6th grade)
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 + younger (May include 7th grade/6th grade/5th grade)
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 + younger (May include 6th grade/5th grade/4th grade)
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 + younger (May include 5th grade/4th grade/3rd grade)
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 + younger (May include 4th grade/3rd grade/2nd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 + younger (May include 3rd grade/2nd grade/1st grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 + younger (May include 2nd/grade/1st grade/kindergarten)
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 + younger (May include 1st grade/kindergarten/Pre-school)
Wrong, again this doesnt address all edge cases. By calling out specific grades you're excluding all other grades.