Haddon Heights Soccer Club
Age Group Formation

By now, you’ve likely heard that US Soccer has adopted new rules that will change the age level requirements beginning with the Fall 2026 season and beyond.

As a grassroots club, our focus is on accessibility, community and player growth. Our goals through this transition include the following:

·       Avoid as much disruption as we can.
·       Provide the opportunity for as many players as possible to continue playing travel soccer within the limits of our numbers and the maximum roster sizes at each level.
·       Maximize player development for our youngest players during the most important development years.

Summary of our approach:
·       Our goal for players at the 9 v 9 & 11 v 11 level is to maintain current teams as much as possible 
·       Our goal for players at the 7 v 7 is to re-align to grade level as much as possible

Details, how this effects your players and rationale for this decision are outlined below:

7 v 7 LEVEL PLAYERS

To maximize player development and begin the transition to align all HHSC teams with US Soccer and SJSL/SJGSL, our 7 v 7 teams will be realigned. Where possible, we will transition our 7 v 7 teams from “birth year” based to “grade level” based.

●      Teams that play at the 7 v 7 level will align with the US Club age requirement. The chart outlines the new 7 v 7 age-group dates (grade-level aligned).
●      Most players in 2nd-4th grade will be realigned to fit this model. Team makeup will change as a result.
●      Some players born between August 1, 2016 & December 31, 2016, will play up at the 9 v 9 level at coach and board discretion.

If a child in one of these age groups is considered a “trapped player” (their school grade doesn’t match their soccer division under the new system), they will have the option to try out “up” for their grade level team. Those players will also have the choice to try out for their new age group, based on the above dates.

Example of a trapped player:

In this example, this player will be given the choice to try out at the U9 level with their classmates in 3rd grade or at the U8 level, which is their age-appropriate level based on the new cutoff.

WHY WE MADE THIS DECISION:
Especially at the 7v7 level, we agree with the spirit of US Club Soccer's decision. It allows players to align with children in their grade and supports more technical development at the 7 v7 level (aka more touches!) during those important developmental years. In the next few years, all HHSC teams will align to this standard as this is phased in.

9 v 9 & 11 v 11 PLAYERS

●      Players from teams that play 9 v 9 and 11 v 11 are highly encouraged to try out with their birth year. The below chart outlines these age group dates.
●      New players who try out with HHSC will be bracketed into their most grade-appropriate team for tryouts. The President, VP Technical Director and VP Registrar will determine and direct this.
●      Current players whose birthdays fall between August 1 and December 31 will have the option to try out ‘up’ with their current team.
●      Our President, VP Technical Director and VP Registrar will determine and direct this. Please email [email protected] if you would like to discuss your options.

WHY WE MADE THIS DECISION:

Our older players are on the verge of entering the time in their soccer career where they “play up” anyway in junior high and high school. They also have years of team building already in place. The disruption wouldn’t provide as much benefit at this point as it would at the younger level.

SPECIAL NOTES
●      There may be exceptions at the 7v7 level. The board, in collaboration with coaches, has the discretion to make decisions related to team selections.
●      As is always the case, our small club does encounter challenges with numbers. Some flexibility and adjustments to these decisions may be needed to maximize the number of players and teams in the club. As registrations for next fall (2026-27) begins, we will know more about the specific makeup of all teams, regardless of current level.
●      Prior to tryouts, the HHSC board will identify all trapped players to discuss their options with coaches.

NEXT STEPS

Travel Registration is Now Open
o   Register HERE.
o   We are asking players to register for tryouts as early as possible.
o   You will not be charged until a team invite is accepted.
o   If your child is a trapped player, register where the system puts you and then email the club at [email protected] to indicate your preference for the age group you would like to tryout with.

Spring tryout dates are tentatively set for
o   Boys – April 14 & 23
o   Girls – April 16 & 21
·       Team Selection will occur after tryouts.
·       Team invites will go out sometime in May.

QUESTIONS

Questions can be directed to [email protected]. Our President or VP – Technical Director will respond to all questions.

Members of our board will also be available for in person questions and answers in the clubhouse on March 11 from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.