CHSC Travel Age Group Realignment

2026–2027 Seasonal Year

CHSC Policy

This policy outlines how CHSC will manage player age group placement for the 2026–2027 season following U.S. Soccer’s transition from birth-year age groups to August 1 – July 31 birthdate ranges, which are intended to better align players with their school grade level.

Background

Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, U.S. Soccer will define age groups using an August 1 to July 31 birthdate cutoff rather than calendar birth year. While this change is designed to better align soccer participation with school grade levels, New Jersey school grade cutoffs do not align exactly with August 1. As a result, CHSC will implement a flexible approach aligning toward grade levels, to ensure appropriate player development, competitive balance, and positive player experience.

General Placement Philosophy

CHSC’s primary goal is to place each player in the most appropriate environment for their development, considering:

• Grade-level and social development
  

• Soccer ability and physical maturity
  

• Long-term player development
  

• Team needs and roster balance
  
  

Tryout Recommendations

• CHSC recommends that players try out with their grade-level age group whenever possible.  The grade they will be in for the Fall of 2026
  

• Due to misalignment between U.S. Soccer age groups and New Jersey school cutoffs, flexibility will be allowed for exact birthdate placement.
  

• Final placement decisions will be made by the club based on overall evaluation, player development considerations and optimal team staffing.
  

Existing CHSC Players

• Existing CHSC players may continue to try out for their current age group.
  

• Players are strongly encouraged to also consider trying out with their grade-level age group.   The grade they will be in for the Fall of 2026
  

• This dual-tryout approach allows the club to better assess where the player will be most successful and appropriately placed for the upcoming season.

• Due to the age group changes, there may be more team changes than previous years. We cannot guarantee that players will best fit in their current age group.
  
  

New Players

• All New Players to CHSC Travel are required to try out with their grade-level age group.
  

• If interested in “Playing up” then new players may also attend try-outs for the next age group. This will follow the CHSC Play up Policy. 

Final Placement Decisions

• CHSC reserves the right to make final roster and placement decisions.
  

• Decisions will be based on tryout evaluations, team composition, long-term development goals, and competitive considerations.
  

• The club will communicate placement decisions clearly and work with families to support each player’s transition.

2026-2027 Season

CHSC Age Group Changes – Parent FAQ

Is there any impact to Spring 2026 CHSC Travel teams?

There are no changes in Spring 2026. The change takes effect for Fall 2026 teams (e.g., tryouts occurring in Spring)

Why are age groups changing for the 2026–2027 season?

U.S. Soccer has changed age group definitions from calendar birth year to August 1 – July 31 birthdate ranges. This change is intended to better align youth soccer with school grade levels and support long-term player development.

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.

Which age group should my child try out for?

CHSC recommends that all players try out with their grade-level age group whenever possible. This typically provides the best social, emotional, and developmental fit.

New CHSC players will be required to try-out for their grade-level age group.

What if my child is already a CHSC player?

Existing CHSC players:

• May continue to try out for their current age group, and
  
  

• Are encouraged to also consider trying out with their grade-level age group
  
  

Trying out with both groups helps the club determine the best placement for the upcoming season.

Can my child try out for two age groups?

Yes. In some cases, players may:

• Request to try out for two age groups, or
  
  

• Be invited by the club to try out with an additional age group
  
  

This is done to ensure players are placed in the most appropriate environment.

How does CHSC decide final placement?

Final placement decisions are made by CHSC and are based on:

• Tryout evaluations
  
  

• Grade level and social development
  
  

• Soccer ability and physical maturity
  
  

• Team needs and roster balance
  
  

• Long-term player development goals
  
  

Our goal is to place each player where they will be most successful and continue to grow.

What if we are unsure which age group is best for our child?

If you are unsure, we recommend:

• Registering for your child’s grade-level tryout, and
  
  

• Communicating any concerns or questions to the club during the tryout process
  
  

Our coaches and board members are happy to help guide families through this transition.

Who can I contact with questions?

For questions about age group placement or tryouts, you may contact your current coach or [email protected].