Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 16:44     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Most accurate/easiest to understand.

11v11 = U18/U19 = 8/1/2007-7/31 (May include Senior/Junior)
11v11 = U17 = 8/1/2009 -7/31 (May include Senior/Junior/Sophomore)
11v11 = U16 = 8/1/2010 -7/31 (May include Junior/Sophomore/Freshman)
11v11 = U15 = 8/1/2011 -7/31 (May include Sophomore/Freshman/8th grade)
11v11 = U14 = 8/1/2012 -7/31 (May include Freshman/8th grade/7th grade)
11v11 = U13 = 8/1/2013 -7/31 (May include 8th grade/7th grade/6th grade)
11v11 = U12 = 8/1/2014 -7/31 (May include 7th grade/6th grade/5th grade)
9v9 = U11 = 8/1/2015 -7/31 (May include 6th grade/5th grade/4th grade)
9v9 = U10 = 8/1/2016 -7/31 (May include 5th grade/4th grade/3rd grade)
7v7 = U9 = 8/1/2017 -7/31 (May include 4th grade/3rd grade/2nd grade
7v7 = U8 = 8/1/2018 -7/31 (May include 3rd grade/2nd grade/1st grade
4v4 = U7 = 8/1/2019 -7/31 (May include 2nd/grade/1st grade/kindergarten)
4v4 = U6 = 8/1/2020 -7/31 (May include 1st grade/kindergarten/Pre-school)
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 16:41     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

No playing down allowed and no league uses school grade.

Fall 2026 - Spring 2027

U9 Aug 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018
U10 Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017
U11 Aug 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016
U12 Aug 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015
U13 Aug 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014
U14 Aug 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013
U15 Aug 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012
U16 Aug 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011
U17 Aug 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010
U18 Aug 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009
U19 Aug 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 15:59     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:100% correct

This one is for next fall when SY starts.

U18/U19; 8/1/2007 - 7/31/2009 ~ Senior
U17; 8/1/2009 - 7/31/2010 ~ Senior
U16; 8/1/2010 - 7/31/2011 ~ Junior
U15; 8/1/2011 - 7/31/2012 ~ Sophomore
U14; 8/1/2012 - 7/31/2013 ~ Freshman
U13; 8/1/2013 - 7/31/2014 ~ 8th
U12; 8/1/2014 - 7/31/2015 ~ 7th
U11; 8/1/2015 - 7/31/2016 ~ 6th
U10; 8/1/2016 - 7/31/2017~ 5th
U9; 8/1/2017 - 7/31/2018 ~ 4th
U8; 8/1/2018 - 7/31/2019 ~ 3rd
U7; 8/1/2019 - 7/31/2020 ~ 2nd
U6; 8/1/2020 - 7/31/2021 ~ 1st

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 Freshman or younger


What's the point of listing school grades when ages and grades don't always line up and no leagues use school grades?

This is age-guys attempt at trying to manipulate parents into thinking older players play down when they can't. Below is correct.

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
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 14:54     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:100% correct

This one is for next fall when SY starts.

U18/U19; 8/1/2007 - 7/31/2009 ~ Senior
U17; 8/1/2009 - 7/31/2010 ~ Senior
U16; 8/1/2010 - 7/31/2011 ~ Junior
U15; 8/1/2011 - 7/31/2012 ~ Sophomore
U14; 8/1/2012 - 7/31/2013 ~ Freshman
U13; 8/1/2013 - 7/31/2014 ~ 8th
U12; 8/1/2014 - 7/31/2015 ~ 7th
U11; 8/1/2015 - 7/31/2016 ~ 6th
U10; 8/1/2016 - 7/31/2017~ 5th
U9; 8/1/2017 - 7/31/2018 ~ 4th
U8; 8/1/2018 - 7/31/2019 ~ 3rd
U7; 8/1/2019 - 7/31/2020 ~ 2nd
U6; 8/1/2020 - 7/31/2021 ~ 1st

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 Freshman or younger


What's the point of listing school grades when ages and grades don't always line up and no leagues use school grades?
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 14:53     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:When the new rule book comes out for ECNL in August check the rules for tournaments and showcases. As well what they will do with players who are still trapped.

There wont be any 8th grade trapped players on a Freshman team. So the rule will be dropped. Most clubs ignored it anyway in BY.
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 14:52     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone it’s me, the guy who mention grad year for olders showcase. I like to pop
In every once in a while and say hello.

Many pages have gone by and don’t want/care to read it all but noticed a few people or one? Twisting what I’m saying.

So I’ll say it slower.

My friend ECNL Director girls/boys club as well as another buddy works for usclub helping oversee one of the big SoCal soccer leagues.

Has told me what ECNL/RL, MLSN, GA and even big non league college showcases like surf cup are considering is allowing players who are age eligible for U18 ONLY so that would be for players in 25/26 born between Aug-Dec 2008/ Jan-July 2009.
If you fall into this group and are a junior you would be eligible to attend showcases for U17 if you’re a senior you should play showcase matches with U19.

So yes there is the potential for an age difference of 23 months for U17 just like there will be for U19 as the current chart would be Aug 2007-July 2009. Al’s 23 months.

The rationale is at the highest level of youth competition this should not affect player ability as most players have reached growth spurts and such at this point.

It is strongly being considered to start next year and would just be involved within each league or tournament rule book.

It may get tabled until 27/28 to allow for a year for the dust to settle with new age group changes.


This makes sense because any player who’s actually able to play D1/2 would have no problem competing with older players. Also aligns better for college recruiting for showcases without effecting younger players.
Agree, makes a lot of sense and will help recruiting with a good challenge for the best players who will have to play with older players shortly anyway and will be judges against older transfers and foreign recruits while not causing other problems.

No it willl encourage parents to hold their kids back in school. Which is somthing nobody wants to be part of.

Imagine paying your club for multiple years. Then surprise! We're going to replace your kid at showcases so an older player can look good playjng against younger players


Won’t encourage holdbacks as players still have to meet the age eligibility window for U18. Don’t see girls getting held back either. If anything more start school a year or so early.

Players with Jan to July bdays during BY could have been held back this whole time as u19 has always been outside the 12 month age window. This will just extend to U17. If your kid is actually good don’t worry about it. The only parents complaining are the ones losing their spot which they are replaced by a mother kid so it all equals out for the clubs bottom line.

Ahh no.

All clubs have done is replace a paying customer for an unknown that may or may not pay.

Very poor business decision.
Nah, kids get replaced by better players all the time on the roster or starting lineup. College soccer payoff is well below the effort of the small advantage of being held back.

Your fears are your anxiety not a prophecy for the a negative outcome that will not come to fruition.

What you dont understand is that playdowns dont pay.
Rubbish, there are no play downs because the oldest showcases will be grade based (senior can't play on junior team) and they all pay the club unless getting fin aid.

Man, you are reaching. Take it up with the leagues and not the forum if you are looking for any results.

The people willing to cheat to get what they want will jump ship in a heartbeat. Cheaters dont suddenly start playing by the rules.
New to this cheating accusation stuff. How does one cheat when the rules are the rules? Just sounds like sour grapes and jealousy from parents of marginal players.

Starting rumors about playing down that arent true is the primary way cheaters are looking to cheat right now. Overall its just cheating by playing older players against younger ones.


Every age group is 12 months

There are always older playing against younger
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 14:51     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:100% correct

This one is for next fall when SY starts.

U18/U19; 8/1/2007 - 7/31/2009 ~ Senior
U17; 8/1/2009 - 7/31/2010 ~ Senior
U16; 8/1/2010 - 7/31/2011 ~ Junior
U15; 8/1/2011 - 7/31/2012 ~ Sophomore
U14; 8/1/2012 - 7/31/2013 ~ Freshman
U13; 8/1/2013 - 7/31/2014 ~ 8th
U12; 8/1/2014 - 7/31/2015 ~ 7th
U11; 8/1/2015 - 7/31/2016 ~ 6th
U10; 8/1/2016 - 7/31/2017~ 5th
U9; 8/1/2017 - 7/31/2018 ~ 4th
U8; 8/1/2018 - 7/31/2019 ~ 3rd
U7; 8/1/2019 - 7/31/2020 ~ 2nd
U6; 8/1/2020 - 7/31/2021 ~ 1st

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 Freshman or younger

Completely wrong and intentionally deceptive.
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 14:34     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

When the new rule book comes out for ECNL in August check the rules for tournaments and showcases. As well what they will do with players who are still trapped.
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 13:07     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Most accurate/easiest to understand

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)
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 13:07     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

100% correct

This one is for next fall when SY starts.

U18/U19; 8/1/2007 - 7/31/2009 ~ Senior
U17; 8/1/2009 - 7/31/2010 ~ Senior
U16; 8/1/2010 - 7/31/2011 ~ Junior
U15; 8/1/2011 - 7/31/2012 ~ Sophomore
U14; 8/1/2012 - 7/31/2013 ~ Freshman
U13; 8/1/2013 - 7/31/2014 ~ 8th
U12; 8/1/2014 - 7/31/2015 ~ 7th
U11; 8/1/2015 - 7/31/2016 ~ 6th
U10; 8/1/2016 - 7/31/2017~ 5th
U9; 8/1/2017 - 7/31/2018 ~ 4th
U8; 8/1/2018 - 7/31/2019 ~ 3rd
U7; 8/1/2019 - 7/31/2020 ~ 2nd
U6; 8/1/2020 - 7/31/2021 ~ 1st

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 Freshman or younger
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 13:05     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone it’s me, the guy who mention grad year for olders showcase. I like to pop
In every once in a while and say hello.

Many pages have gone by and don’t want/care to read it all but noticed a few people or one? Twisting what I’m saying.

So I’ll say it slower.

My friend ECNL Director girls/boys club as well as another buddy works for usclub helping oversee one of the big SoCal soccer leagues.

Has told me what ECNL/RL, MLSN, GA and even big non league college showcases like surf cup are considering is allowing players who are age eligible for U18 ONLY so that would be for players in 25/26 born between Aug-Dec 2008/ Jan-July 2009.
If you fall into this group and are a junior you would be eligible to attend showcases for U17 if you’re a senior you should play showcase matches with U19.

So yes there is the potential for an age difference of 23 months for U17 just like there will be for U19 as the current chart would be Aug 2007-July 2009. Al’s 23 months.

The rationale is at the highest level of youth competition this should not affect player ability as most players have reached growth spurts and such at this point.

It is strongly being considered to start next year and would just be involved within each league or tournament rule book.

It may get tabled until 27/28 to allow for a year for the dust to settle with new age group changes.


This makes sense because any player who’s actually able to play D1/2 would have no problem competing with older players. Also aligns better for college recruiting for showcases without effecting younger players.
Agree, makes a lot of sense and will help recruiting with a good challenge for the best players who will have to play with older players shortly anyway and will be judges against older transfers and foreign recruits while not causing other problems.

No it willl encourage parents to hold their kids back in school. Which is somthing nobody wants to be part of.

Imagine paying your club for multiple years. Then surprise! We're going to replace your kid at showcases so an older player can look good playjng against younger players


Won’t encourage holdbacks as players still have to meet the age eligibility window for U18. Don’t see girls getting held back either. If anything more start school a year or so early.

Players with Jan to July bdays during BY could have been held back this whole time as u19 has always been outside the 12 month age window. This will just extend to U17. If your kid is actually good don’t worry about it. The only parents complaining are the ones losing their spot which they are replaced by a mother kid so it all equals out for the clubs bottom line.

Ahh no.

All clubs have done is replace a paying customer for an unknown that may or may not pay.

Very poor business decision.
Nah, kids get replaced by better players all the time on the roster or starting lineup. College soccer payoff is well below the effort of the small advantage of being held back.

Your fears are your anxiety not a prophecy for the a negative outcome that will not come to fruition.

What you dont understand is that playdowns dont pay.
Rubbish, there are no play downs because the oldest showcases will be grade based (senior can't play on junior team) and they all pay the club unless getting fin aid.

Man, you are reaching. Take it up with the leagues and not the forum if you are looking for any results.

The people willing to cheat to get what they want will jump ship in a heartbeat. Cheaters dont suddenly start playing by the rules.
New to this cheating accusation stuff. How does one cheat when the rules are the rules? Just sounds like sour grapes and jealousy from parents of marginal players.

Starting rumors about playing down that arent true is the primary way cheaters are looking to cheat right now. Overall its just cheating by playing older players against younger ones.
Yeah, none of that is cheating. Starting rumors as cheating doesn't compute and there will always be younger and older kids in an age group. The oldest have an advantage per RAE but that's not cheating, it's in the rules.

You sound bitter over the rules. That's a you problem not a soccer problem or cheating.

Reminds me of the time a parent was screaming of cheating because a kid on my kid's team seem deemed as too tall. It was a her problem.

Why would I be bitter about the rules? Everything Ive posted follows the rules 100% and is not intentionally misleading. Also im not trying to start play down showcase rumors. (unlike you)

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
So no cheaters than because they verify birth certificates. Unless you make up your own rules and expect people to follow this hidden moral code. Again, that's only a you problem.

Someone posting a convo they had (not me) with an official isn't in the ball park of cheating. Again, a you problem.
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 12:48     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone it’s me, the guy who mention grad year for olders showcase. I like to pop
In every once in a while and say hello.

Many pages have gone by and don’t want/care to read it all but noticed a few people or one? Twisting what I’m saying.

So I’ll say it slower.

My friend ECNL Director girls/boys club as well as another buddy works for usclub helping oversee one of the big SoCal soccer leagues.

Has told me what ECNL/RL, MLSN, GA and even big non league college showcases like surf cup are considering is allowing players who are age eligible for U18 ONLY so that would be for players in 25/26 born between Aug-Dec 2008/ Jan-July 2009.
If you fall into this group and are a junior you would be eligible to attend showcases for U17 if you’re a senior you should play showcase matches with U19.

So yes there is the potential for an age difference of 23 months for U17 just like there will be for U19 as the current chart would be Aug 2007-July 2009. Al’s 23 months.

The rationale is at the highest level of youth competition this should not affect player ability as most players have reached growth spurts and such at this point.

It is strongly being considered to start next year and would just be involved within each league or tournament rule book.

It may get tabled until 27/28 to allow for a year for the dust to settle with new age group changes.


This makes sense because any player who’s actually able to play D1/2 would have no problem competing with older players. Also aligns better for college recruiting for showcases without effecting younger players.
Agree, makes a lot of sense and will help recruiting with a good challenge for the best players who will have to play with older players shortly anyway and will be judges against older transfers and foreign recruits while not causing other problems.

No it willl encourage parents to hold their kids back in school. Which is somthing nobody wants to be part of.

Imagine paying your club for multiple years. Then surprise! We're going to replace your kid at showcases so an older player can look good playjng against younger players


Won’t encourage holdbacks as players still have to meet the age eligibility window for U18. Don’t see girls getting held back either. If anything more start school a year or so early.

Players with Jan to July bdays during BY could have been held back this whole time as u19 has always been outside the 12 month age window. This will just extend to U17. If your kid is actually good don’t worry about it. The only parents complaining are the ones losing their spot which they are replaced by a mother kid so it all equals out for the clubs bottom line.

Ahh no.

All clubs have done is replace a paying customer for an unknown that may or may not pay.

Very poor business decision.
Nah, kids get replaced by better players all the time on the roster or starting lineup. College soccer payoff is well below the effort of the small advantage of being held back.

Your fears are your anxiety not a prophecy for the a negative outcome that will not come to fruition.

What you dont understand is that playdowns dont pay.
Rubbish, there are no play downs because the oldest showcases will be grade based (senior can't play on junior team) and they all pay the club unless getting fin aid.

Man, you are reaching. Take it up with the leagues and not the forum if you are looking for any results.

The people willing to cheat to get what they want will jump ship in a heartbeat. Cheaters dont suddenly start playing by the rules.
New to this cheating accusation stuff. How does one cheat when the rules are the rules? Just sounds like sour grapes and jealousy from parents of marginal players.

Starting rumors about playing down that arent true is the primary way cheaters are looking to cheat right now. Overall its just cheating by playing older players against younger ones.
Yeah, none of that is cheating. Starting rumors as cheating doesn't compute and there will always be younger and older kids in an age group. The oldest have an advantage per RAE but that's not cheating, it's in the rules.

You sound bitter over the rules. That's a you problem not a soccer problem or cheating.

Reminds me of the time a parent was screaming of cheating because a kid on my kid's team seem deemed as too tall. It was a her problem.

Why would I be bitter about the rules? Everything Ive posted follows the rules 100% and is not intentionally misleading. Also im not trying to start play down showcase rumors. (unlike you)

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
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 12:37     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone it’s me, the guy who mention grad year for olders showcase. I like to pop
In every once in a while and say hello.

Many pages have gone by and don’t want/care to read it all but noticed a few people or one? Twisting what I’m saying.

So I’ll say it slower.

My friend ECNL Director girls/boys club as well as another buddy works for usclub helping oversee one of the big SoCal soccer leagues.

Has told me what ECNL/RL, MLSN, GA and even big non league college showcases like surf cup are considering is allowing players who are age eligible for U18 ONLY so that would be for players in 25/26 born between Aug-Dec 2008/ Jan-July 2009.
If you fall into this group and are a junior you would be eligible to attend showcases for U17 if you’re a senior you should play showcase matches with U19.

So yes there is the potential for an age difference of 23 months for U17 just like there will be for U19 as the current chart would be Aug 2007-July 2009. Al’s 23 months.

The rationale is at the highest level of youth competition this should not affect player ability as most players have reached growth spurts and such at this point.

It is strongly being considered to start next year and would just be involved within each league or tournament rule book.

It may get tabled until 27/28 to allow for a year for the dust to settle with new age group changes.


This makes sense because any player who’s actually able to play D1/2 would have no problem competing with older players. Also aligns better for college recruiting for showcases without effecting younger players.
Agree, makes a lot of sense and will help recruiting with a good challenge for the best players who will have to play with older players shortly anyway and will be judges against older transfers and foreign recruits while not causing other problems.

No it willl encourage parents to hold their kids back in school. Which is somthing nobody wants to be part of.

Imagine paying your club for multiple years. Then surprise! We're going to replace your kid at showcases so an older player can look good playjng against younger players


Won’t encourage holdbacks as players still have to meet the age eligibility window for U18. Don’t see girls getting held back either. If anything more start school a year or so early.

Players with Jan to July bdays during BY could have been held back this whole time as u19 has always been outside the 12 month age window. This will just extend to U17. If your kid is actually good don’t worry about it. The only parents complaining are the ones losing their spot which they are replaced by a mother kid so it all equals out for the clubs bottom line.

Ahh no.

All clubs have done is replace a paying customer for an unknown that may or may not pay.

Very poor business decision.
Nah, kids get replaced by better players all the time on the roster or starting lineup. College soccer payoff is well below the effort of the small advantage of being held back.

Your fears are your anxiety not a prophecy for the a negative outcome that will not come to fruition.

What you dont understand is that playdowns dont pay.
Rubbish, there are no play downs because the oldest showcases will be grade based (senior can't play on junior team) and they all pay the club unless getting fin aid.

Man, you are reaching. Take it up with the leagues and not the forum if you are looking for any results.

The people willing to cheat to get what they want will jump ship in a heartbeat. Cheaters dont suddenly start playing by the rules.
New to this cheating accusation stuff. How does one cheat when the rules are the rules? Just sounds like sour grapes and jealousy from parents of marginal players.

Starting rumors about playing down that arent true is the primary way cheaters are looking to cheat right now. Overall its just cheating by playing older players against younger ones.
Yeah, none of that is cheating. Starting rumors as cheating doesn't compute and there will always be younger and older kids in an age group. The oldest have an advantage per RAE but that's not cheating, it's in the rules.

You sound bitter over the rules. That's a you problem not a soccer problem or cheating.

Reminds me of the time a parent was screaming of cheating because a kid on my kid's team seem deemed as too tall. It was a her problem.
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 12:33     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

100% correct

This one is for next fall when SY starts.

U18/U19; 8/1/2007 - 7/31/2009 ~ Senior
U17; 8/1/2009 - 7/31/2010 ~ Senior
U16; 8/1/2010 - 7/31/2011 ~ Junior
U15; 8/1/2011 - 7/31/2012 ~ Sophomore
U14; 8/1/2012 - 7/31/2013 ~ Freshman
U13; 8/1/2013 - 7/31/2014 ~ 8th
U12; 8/1/2014 - 7/31/2015 ~ 7th
U11; 8/1/2015 - 7/31/2016 ~ 6th
U10; 8/1/2016 - 7/31/2017~ 5th
U9; 8/1/2017 - 7/31/2018 ~ 4th
U8; 8/1/2018 - 7/31/2019 ~ 3rd
U7; 8/1/2019 - 7/31/2020 ~ 2nd
U6; 8/1/2020 - 7/31/2021 ~ 1st

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 Freshman or younger
Anonymous
Post 03/16/2026 12:22     Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2

Anonymous wrote:
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Anonymous wrote:Hello everyone it’s me, the guy who mention grad year for olders showcase. I like to pop
In every once in a while and say hello.

Many pages have gone by and don’t want/care to read it all but noticed a few people or one? Twisting what I’m saying.

So I’ll say it slower.

My friend ECNL Director girls/boys club as well as another buddy works for usclub helping oversee one of the big SoCal soccer leagues.

Has told me what ECNL/RL, MLSN, GA and even big non league college showcases like surf cup are considering is allowing players who are age eligible for U18 ONLY so that would be for players in 25/26 born between Aug-Dec 2008/ Jan-July 2009.
If you fall into this group and are a junior you would be eligible to attend showcases for U17 if you’re a senior you should play showcase matches with U19.

So yes there is the potential for an age difference of 23 months for U17 just like there will be for U19 as the current chart would be Aug 2007-July 2009. Al’s 23 months.

The rationale is at the highest level of youth competition this should not affect player ability as most players have reached growth spurts and such at this point.

It is strongly being considered to start next year and would just be involved within each league or tournament rule book.

It may get tabled until 27/28 to allow for a year for the dust to settle with new age group changes.


This makes sense because any player who’s actually able to play D1/2 would have no problem competing with older players. Also aligns better for college recruiting for showcases without effecting younger players.
Agree, makes a lot of sense and will help recruiting with a good challenge for the best players who will have to play with older players shortly anyway and will be judges against older transfers and foreign recruits while not causing other problems.

No it willl encourage parents to hold their kids back in school. Which is somthing nobody wants to be part of.

Imagine paying your club for multiple years. Then surprise! We're going to replace your kid at showcases so an older player can look good playjng against younger players


Won’t encourage holdbacks as players still have to meet the age eligibility window for U18. Don’t see girls getting held back either. If anything more start school a year or so early.

Players with Jan to July bdays during BY could have been held back this whole time as u19 has always been outside the 12 month age window. This will just extend to U17. If your kid is actually good don’t worry about it. The only parents complaining are the ones losing their spot which they are replaced by a mother kid so it all equals out for the clubs bottom line.

Ahh no.

All clubs have done is replace a paying customer for an unknown that may or may not pay.

Very poor business decision.
Nah, kids get replaced by better players all the time on the roster or starting lineup. College soccer payoff is well below the effort of the small advantage of being held back.

Your fears are your anxiety not a prophecy for the a negative outcome that will not come to fruition.

What you dont understand is that playdowns dont pay.
Rubbish, there are no play downs because the oldest showcases will be grade based (senior can't play on junior team) and they all pay the club unless getting fin aid.

Man, you are reaching. Take it up with the leagues and not the forum if you are looking for any results.

The people willing to cheat to get what they want will jump ship in a heartbeat. Cheaters dont suddenly start playing by the rules.
New to this cheating accusation stuff. How does one cheat when the rules are the rules? Just sounds like sour grapes and jealousy from parents of marginal players.

Starting rumors about playing down that arent true is the primary way cheaters are looking to cheat right now. Overall its just cheating by playing older players against younger ones.