New US Soccer Mandates

[warrior16]

These will be effective beginning in 2017 for all organized youth soccer in the country.

www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/08/24/us-soccer-announces-two-new-major-youth-development-initiatives

[laffysoccermom]

So I saw that they recommended adoption in 2016 but it would be mandated in 2017. Any idea when USYS or LSA is going to make the change?

[firebruin]

The age matrix is interesting. My son is supposed to be a U8 this year, but it seems he would have to play another year in U8 next year with the new matrix.

[jcstewart]

My daughter, 2001, will have another U15 year. My son, 9/2006, is U9 this year and will move to U10 as was 'normal'. The only difference is he will have many in Academy that will have had an extra year of Academy, thus placing him at a disadvantage skill wise.

[laffysoccermom]

Yes, I think it may be tough on those that were the oldest in their groups but now go to youngest especially at younger ages. I wish this had been in place when my daughter was younger as she is a mid- July birthday. It really doesn't make that much difference now other than she will now be u17 as a senior.

[warrior16]

Yeah, it pretty much creates the same problem in a different age group. The reason they're doing it is so that we're on the same system as how the rest of the world calculates age groups. Klinsmann and Ellis both agreed that it would help make our youth teams more successful in future tournaments.

I also like the emphasis on small-sided games in youth training. In the absence of futsal courts, this is at least a good start.

[firebruin]

My son is going from the youngest to the middle, but he is probably playing up to U9 this year so I guess he'll be hanging out in the U9/10 zone for the next few years until he is ready to play U11.

[laffysoccermom]

Yes- my daughter is playing up to u-18 this year but will be u-16 again next year. It will be interesting to see where she ends up next year.