"Next year, the world of youth soccer will continue its evolution as all members of U.S. Soccer will begin to transition on two key factors to encourage further youth development. The first change will be the nationwide adoption of Small-Sided Games and the second will be a shift from school-year to calendar year for the age grouping of teams."
http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/changes_coming_to_youth_soccer_in_2016/
I'm not sure if all states have to follow this, but this will make a HUGE change for kids like my youngest son. A November B-day, he's in 2nd grade, would tryout for U-9 travel soccer (3rd grade - first year of travel in our town - I know, crazy they start it that young) this spring under the current rules. If I understand this correctly, he would have to try out for U-10 travel under the new rules with some players (in 3rd grade now) who have already played a year of travel.
The small sided games changes make a lot of sense from a player development standpoint, but in many cases are NOT what parents want.
http://www.usyouthsoccer.org/changes_coming_to_youth_soccer_in_2016/
I'm not sure if all states have to follow this, but this will make a HUGE change for kids like my youngest son. A November B-day, he's in 2nd grade, would tryout for U-9 travel soccer (3rd grade - first year of travel in our town - I know, crazy they start it that young) this spring under the current rules. If I understand this correctly, he would have to try out for U-10 travel under the new rules with some players (in 3rd grade now) who have already played a year of travel.
The small sided games changes make a lot of sense from a player development standpoint, but in many cases are NOT what parents want.