Anonymous
03/20/2026 11:48
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Fell by half based on the figures.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Just checked, the views have dropped way off on this thread. Not enough eyeballs anymore.
In the immortal words of George Costanza
"Its not a lie if you believe it."
Anonymous
03/20/2026 11:13
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:Just checked, the views have dropped way off on this thread. Not enough eyeballs anymore.
In the immortal words of George Costanza
"Its not a lie if you believe it."
Anonymous
03/20/2026 10:40
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Just checked, the views have dropped way off on this thread. Not enough eyeballs anymore.
Anonymous
03/20/2026 10:24
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
At this point if you cant see whats coming this fall with SY you'll never get it.
Reguarding grade older Aug birthdays
1. Clubs do like these players on grade younger teams when younger because it brings wins.
2. Clubs will pressure these players to play up on their correct grade in school team before Freshman year. This is because they'll want to leave the 8th grade team to play HS soccer during the season.
3. Clubs want commitments (its free advertising) when players are older the best possible way to make this happen is for Aug birthdays to play on their correct grade in school team and not be misaligned on a grade down team.
For parents the sooner you can get an Aug birthday player on their correct grade in school team the better it will be. They're going to end up on that team anyway if they stick with soccer as they get older.
Reguarding grade older Aug birthdays
1. Clubs do like these players on grade younger teams when younger because it brings wins.
2. Clubs will pressure these players to play up on their correct grade in school team before Freshman year. This is because they'll want to leave the 8th grade team to play HS soccer during the season.
3. Clubs want commitments (its free advertising) when players are older the best possible way to make this happen is for Aug birthdays to play on their correct grade in school team and not be misaligned on a grade down team.
For parents the sooner you can get an Aug birthday player on their correct grade in school team the better it will be. They're going to end up on that team anyway if they stick with soccer as they get older.
Anonymous
03/20/2026 10:13
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Just another ECNL club that will be grouping by grade.
https://mnthunderacademy.org/age-group-change-2026-2027-season/
Delaying the shift in the Juniors years will eventually put a player in his High School years before his teammates.
Example: Jimmy will be a Freshman and eligible to play High School when his teammates are in 8th grade and still playing Fall Club soccer.
It will be harder to leave current teammates and break into a more established team.
Example: When Jimmy decides it is time to play with his grade, he will be leaving his U12 team to play with a U14 team that has now been playing together in a different game model for two years, in established league levels (ECNL, ECNL RL, NPL).
Down the line, recruiting is tough if you are not playing with your grade. Example: If Jimmy doesn’t play with his grade, he will be on a U17 team of Juniors as a Senior, past the peak recruiting age. This age group change simplifies the college recruiting process, making it easier for scouts to evaluate players within their true academic peer group.
https://mnthunderacademy.org/age-group-change-2026-2027-season/
Delaying the shift in the Juniors years will eventually put a player in his High School years before his teammates.
Example: Jimmy will be a Freshman and eligible to play High School when his teammates are in 8th grade and still playing Fall Club soccer.
It will be harder to leave current teammates and break into a more established team.
Example: When Jimmy decides it is time to play with his grade, he will be leaving his U12 team to play with a U14 team that has now been playing together in a different game model for two years, in established league levels (ECNL, ECNL RL, NPL).
Down the line, recruiting is tough if you are not playing with your grade. Example: If Jimmy doesn’t play with his grade, he will be on a U17 team of Juniors as a Senior, past the peak recruiting age. This age group change simplifies the college recruiting process, making it easier for scouts to evaluate players within their true academic peer group.
Anonymous
03/20/2026 09:59
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:How much time do you spend searching for clubs that are case by case outside of the DMV for your kid?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:More case by case no forced playing up. Bit of a theme.Anonymous wrote:https://www.columbusforcesoccer.com/transition-to-grade-year
) August Birthdays & Academic Grade Alignment
Our transition to the Academic Grade Year system is designed to better align a player’s soccer experience with their school experience. One common question involves players born in August, especially those whose birthdays fall after the August 1st national cutoff.
For example, a player born on August 15th would technically fall into the younger grade-year bracket under the national rule. However, that same player may already be in the higher academic grade at school and want to play alongside their classmates.
At Columbus Force SC, our priority is social cohesion and developmental fit. While the August 1st cutoff is used nationally to align the majority of players within a grade, we recognize that school district enrollment dates vary. This means some players may be “young” for their academic grade based on their birth date alone.
Our Approach
Because our Technical Leadership believes that development always comes first, these situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If a player is academically in a higher grade than their birth date indicates, the club will work to place them in their true academic grade year (playing up). Our goal is to ensure every player is in the best “classroom” for their growth. If that means playing with their actual school classmates to support social development and create a smoother path to high school soccer, the club supports that alignment
"All decisions regarding flexible placement will be made thoughtfully by the technical staff on a case-by-case basis."
Heck, you even have to fill out a voluntary Google form to let them you are misaligned because they don't know any ones grades.to even try to force them up.
You obviously cant read
"If a player is academically in a higher grade than their birth date indicates, the club will work to place them in their true academic grade year (playing up). Our goal is to ensure every player is in the best “classroom” for their growth. If that means playing with their actual school classmates to support social development and create a smoother path to high school soccer, the club supports that alignment"
"All decisions regarding flexible placement will be made thoughtfully by the technical staff on a case-by-case basis."
I think the word you're looking for is called...
Anonymous
03/20/2026 09:57
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Another USYS club going all in on grade.
https://www.cherryhillsoccer.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1461592
What if my child is born in August/September and is with the older group in school?
The spirit of the USYS guidance is to keep players in the same grade together. However, the August 1st cutoff doesn't fit the NJ school grade cutoffs well. Therefore, August/September birthdays who are with the older grade in school should try out with that grade group, this applies for existing and new players. August/September birthdays that have "redshirted" in school and are with the younger grade, would be considered with that age group. Though existing players can continue to play with their current group.
https://www.cherryhillsoccer.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1461592
What if my child is born in August/September and is with the older group in school?
The spirit of the USYS guidance is to keep players in the same grade together. However, the August 1st cutoff doesn't fit the NJ school grade cutoffs well. Therefore, August/September birthdays who are with the older grade in school should try out with that grade group, this applies for existing and new players. August/September birthdays that have "redshirted" in school and are with the younger grade, would be considered with that age group. Though existing players can continue to play with their current group.
Anonymous
03/20/2026 09:56
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
How much time do you spend searching for clubs that are case by case outside of the DMV for your kid?Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:More case by case no forced playing up. Bit of a theme.Anonymous wrote:https://www.columbusforcesoccer.com/transition-to-grade-year
) August Birthdays & Academic Grade Alignment
Our transition to the Academic Grade Year system is designed to better align a player’s soccer experience with their school experience. One common question involves players born in August, especially those whose birthdays fall after the August 1st national cutoff.
For example, a player born on August 15th would technically fall into the younger grade-year bracket under the national rule. However, that same player may already be in the higher academic grade at school and want to play alongside their classmates.
At Columbus Force SC, our priority is social cohesion and developmental fit. While the August 1st cutoff is used nationally to align the majority of players within a grade, we recognize that school district enrollment dates vary. This means some players may be “young” for their academic grade based on their birth date alone.
Our Approach
Because our Technical Leadership believes that development always comes first, these situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If a player is academically in a higher grade than their birth date indicates, the club will work to place them in their true academic grade year (playing up). Our goal is to ensure every player is in the best “classroom” for their growth. If that means playing with their actual school classmates to support social development and create a smoother path to high school soccer, the club supports that alignment
"All decisions regarding flexible placement will be made thoughtfully by the technical staff on a case-by-case basis."
Heck, you even have to fill out a voluntary Google form to let them you are misaligned because they don't know any ones grades.to even try to force them up.
You obviously cant read
"If a player is academically in a higher grade than their birth date indicates, the club will work to place them in their true academic grade year (playing up). Our goal is to ensure every player is in the best “classroom” for their growth. If that means playing with their actual school classmates to support social development and create a smoother path to high school soccer, the club supports that alignment"
"All decisions regarding flexible placement will be made thoughtfully by the technical staff on a case-by-case basis."
Anonymous
03/20/2026 09:45
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
In the 2026–2027 school year, children born after August 1, 2010, will generally be entering 10th grade (Sophomore year). Depending on their specific birth month and your local district's cutoff date.
Proof
https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1yAq7D-HKcIoe5A3hpocH9GABvwkEErEVw9tZAIMjpYo/mobilebasic
https://www.pausd.org/enrollment/registration/enrollment-process/grade-placement
https://iusd.org/sites/default/files/documents/Grade%20Level%20Placement%20for%20ALL%202026-27_0.pdf
2010s born after 8/1 are most likely to be Sophmores next fall not Juniors. Which is why below is mathematically 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
Proof
https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1yAq7D-HKcIoe5A3hpocH9GABvwkEErEVw9tZAIMjpYo/mobilebasic
https://www.pausd.org/enrollment/registration/enrollment-process/grade-placement
https://iusd.org/sites/default/files/documents/Grade%20Level%20Placement%20for%20ALL%202026-27_0.pdf
2010s born after 8/1 are most likely to be Sophmores next fall not Juniors. Which is why below is mathematically 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
03/20/2026 09:43
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:More case by case no forced playing up. Bit of a theme.Anonymous wrote:https://www.columbusforcesoccer.com/transition-to-grade-year
) August Birthdays & Academic Grade Alignment
Our transition to the Academic Grade Year system is designed to better align a player’s soccer experience with their school experience. One common question involves players born in August, especially those whose birthdays fall after the August 1st national cutoff.
For example, a player born on August 15th would technically fall into the younger grade-year bracket under the national rule. However, that same player may already be in the higher academic grade at school and want to play alongside their classmates.
At Columbus Force SC, our priority is social cohesion and developmental fit. While the August 1st cutoff is used nationally to align the majority of players within a grade, we recognize that school district enrollment dates vary. This means some players may be “young” for their academic grade based on their birth date alone.
Our Approach
Because our Technical Leadership believes that development always comes first, these situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If a player is academically in a higher grade than their birth date indicates, the club will work to place them in their true academic grade year (playing up). Our goal is to ensure every player is in the best “classroom” for their growth. If that means playing with their actual school classmates to support social development and create a smoother path to high school soccer, the club supports that alignment
"All decisions regarding flexible placement will be made thoughtfully by the technical staff on a case-by-case basis."
Heck, you even have to fill out a voluntary Google form to let them you are misaligned because they don't know any ones grades.to even try to force them up.
You obviously cant read
"If a player is academically in a higher grade than their birth date indicates, the club will work to place them in their true academic grade year (playing up). Our goal is to ensure every player is in the best “classroom” for their growth. If that means playing with their actual school classmates to support social development and create a smoother path to high school soccer, the club supports that alignment"
Anonymous
03/20/2026 09:34
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
More case by case no forced playing up. Bit of a theme.Anonymous wrote:https://www.columbusforcesoccer.com/transition-to-grade-year
) August Birthdays & Academic Grade Alignment
Our transition to the Academic Grade Year system is designed to better align a player’s soccer experience with their school experience. One common question involves players born in August, especially those whose birthdays fall after the August 1st national cutoff.
For example, a player born on August 15th would technically fall into the younger grade-year bracket under the national rule. However, that same player may already be in the higher academic grade at school and want to play alongside their classmates.
At Columbus Force SC, our priority is social cohesion and developmental fit. While the August 1st cutoff is used nationally to align the majority of players within a grade, we recognize that school district enrollment dates vary. This means some players may be “young” for their academic grade based on their birth date alone.
Our Approach
Because our Technical Leadership believes that development always comes first, these situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If a player is academically in a higher grade than their birth date indicates, the club will work to place them in their true academic grade year (playing up). Our goal is to ensure every player is in the best “classroom” for their growth. If that means playing with their actual school classmates to support social development and create a smoother path to high school soccer, the club supports that alignment
"All decisions regarding flexible placement will be made thoughtfully by the technical staff on a case-by-case basis."
Heck, you even have to fill out a voluntary Google form to let them you are misaligned because they don't know any ones grades.to even try to force them up.
Anonymous
03/20/2026 09:32
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:https://www.columbusforcesoccer.com/transition-to-grade-year
) August Birthdays & Academic Grade Alignment
Our transition to the Academic Grade Year system is designed to better align a player’s soccer experience with their school experience. One common question involves players born in August, especially those whose birthdays fall after the August 1st national cutoff.
For example, a player born on August 15th would technically fall into the younger grade-year bracket under the national rule. However, that same player may already be in the higher academic grade at school and want to play alongside their classmates.
At Columbus Force SC, our priority is social cohesion and developmental fit. While the August 1st cutoff is used nationally to align the majority of players within a grade, we recognize that school district enrollment dates vary. This means some players may be “young” for their academic grade based on their birth date alone.
Our Approach
Because our Technical Leadership believes that development always comes first, these situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If a player is academically in a higher grade than their birth date indicates, the club will work to place them in their true academic grade year (playing up). Our goal is to ensure every player is in the best “classroom” for their growth. If that means playing with their actual school classmates to support social development and create a smoother path to high school soccer, the club supports that alignment
Anonymous
03/20/2026 09:25
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
https://www.columbusforcesoccer.com/transition-to-grade-year
) August Birthdays & Academic Grade Alignment
Our transition to the Academic Grade Year system is designed to better align a player’s soccer experience with their school experience. One common question involves players born in August, especially those whose birthdays fall after the August 1st national cutoff.
For example, a player born on August 15th would technically fall into the younger grade-year bracket under the national rule. However, that same player may already be in the higher academic grade at school and want to play alongside their classmates.
At Columbus Force SC, our priority is social cohesion and developmental fit. While the August 1st cutoff is used nationally to align the majority of players within a grade, we recognize that school district enrollment dates vary. This means some players may be “young” for their academic grade based on their birth date alone.
Our Approach
Because our Technical Leadership believes that development always comes first, these situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If a player is academically in a higher grade than their birth date indicates, the club will work to place them in their true academic grade year (playing up). Our goal is to ensure every player is in the best “classroom” for their growth. If that means playing with their actual school classmates to support social development and create a smoother path to high school soccer, the club supports that alignment
) August Birthdays & Academic Grade Alignment
Our transition to the Academic Grade Year system is designed to better align a player’s soccer experience with their school experience. One common question involves players born in August, especially those whose birthdays fall after the August 1st national cutoff.
For example, a player born on August 15th would technically fall into the younger grade-year bracket under the national rule. However, that same player may already be in the higher academic grade at school and want to play alongside their classmates.
At Columbus Force SC, our priority is social cohesion and developmental fit. While the August 1st cutoff is used nationally to align the majority of players within a grade, we recognize that school district enrollment dates vary. This means some players may be “young” for their academic grade based on their birth date alone.
Our Approach
Because our Technical Leadership believes that development always comes first, these situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If a player is academically in a higher grade than their birth date indicates, the club will work to place them in their true academic grade year (playing up). Our goal is to ensure every player is in the best “classroom” for their growth. If that means playing with their actual school classmates to support social development and create a smoother path to high school soccer, the club supports that alignment
Anonymous
03/20/2026 09:21
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
Anonymous wrote:In the 2026–2027 school year, children born after August 1, 2010, will generally be entering 10th grade (Sophomore year) or 11th grade (Junior year), depending on their specific birth month and your local district's cutoff date.
Proof
https://docs.google.com/d...obilebasic
https://www.pausd.org/enr...-placement
https://iusd.org/sites/de...6-27_0.pdf
2010s born after 8/1 are most likely to be Juniors or Sophomores. Which is why below is mathematically correct.
Still 100% correct.
This is for next fall when SY starts.
11v11 = U18/U19 = ≤ 8/1/2007 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U17 = ≤ 8/1/2009 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U16 = ≤ 8/1/2010 ≈ Junior
11v11 = U15 = ≤ 8/1/2011 ≈ Sophmore
11v11 = U14 = ≤ 8/1/2012 ≈ Freshman
11v11 = U13 = ≤ 8/1/2013 ≈ 8th grade
9v9/11v11 = U12 = ≤ 8/1/2014 ≈ 7th grade
9v9 = U11 = ≤ 8/1/2015 ≈ 6th grade
9v9 = U10 = ≤ 8/1/2016 ≈ 5th grade
7v7 = U9 = ≤ 8/1/2017 ≈ 4th grade
7v7 = U8 = ≤ 8/1/2018 ≈ 3rd grade
4v4 = U7 = ≤ 8/1/2019 ≈ 2nd grade
4v4 = U6 = ≤ 8/1/2020 ≈ 1st grade
4v4 = U5 = ≤ 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 or Freshman
Still haven't figured out how to cut and paste those links when you're hacking up correct matrixes with incorrect info.
Also wrong
Anonymous
03/20/2026 09:11
Subject: ECNL moving to school year part 2
In the 2026–2027 school year, children born after August 1, 2010, will generally be entering 10th grade (Sophomore year) or 11th grade (Junior year), depending on their specific birth month and your local district's cutoff date.
Proof
https://docs.google.com/d...obilebasic
https://www.pausd.org/enr...-placement
https://iusd.org/sites/de...6-27_0.pdf
2010s born after 8/1 are most likely to be Juniors or Sophomores. Which is why below is mathematically correct.
Still 100% correct.
This is for next fall when SY starts.
11v11 = U18/U19 = ≤ 8/1/2007 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U17 = ≤ 8/1/2009 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U16 = ≤ 8/1/2010 ≈ Junior
11v11 = U15 = ≤ 8/1/2011 ≈ Sophmore
11v11 = U14 = ≤ 8/1/2012 ≈ Freshman
11v11 = U13 = ≤ 8/1/2013 ≈ 8th grade
9v9/11v11 = U12 = ≤ 8/1/2014 ≈ 7th grade
9v9 = U11 = ≤ 8/1/2015 ≈ 6th grade
9v9 = U10 = ≤ 8/1/2016 ≈ 5th grade
7v7 = U9 = ≤ 8/1/2017 ≈ 4th grade
7v7 = U8 = ≤ 8/1/2018 ≈ 3rd grade
4v4 = U7 = ≤ 8/1/2019 ≈ 2nd grade
4v4 = U6 = ≤ 8/1/2020 ≈ 1st grade
4v4 = U5 = ≤ 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 or Freshman
Proof
https://docs.google.com/d...obilebasic
https://www.pausd.org/enr...-placement
https://iusd.org/sites/de...6-27_0.pdf
2010s born after 8/1 are most likely to be Juniors or Sophomores. Which is why below is mathematically correct.
Still 100% correct.
This is for next fall when SY starts.
11v11 = U18/U19 = ≤ 8/1/2007 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U17 = ≤ 8/1/2009 ≈ Senior
11v11 = U16 = ≤ 8/1/2010 ≈ Junior
11v11 = U15 = ≤ 8/1/2011 ≈ Sophmore
11v11 = U14 = ≤ 8/1/2012 ≈ Freshman
11v11 = U13 = ≤ 8/1/2013 ≈ 8th grade
9v9/11v11 = U12 = ≤ 8/1/2014 ≈ 7th grade
9v9 = U11 = ≤ 8/1/2015 ≈ 6th grade
9v9 = U10 = ≤ 8/1/2016 ≈ 5th grade
7v7 = U9 = ≤ 8/1/2017 ≈ 4th grade
7v7 = U8 = ≤ 8/1/2018 ≈ 3rd grade
4v4 = U7 = ≤ 8/1/2019 ≈ 2nd grade
4v4 = U6 = ≤ 8/1/2020 ≈ 1st grade
4v4 = U5 = ≤ 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 or Freshman