Pomperaug Soccer Club families,

We are writing to share an important update regarding how age groups will be structured for the upcoming soccer seasons.

Starting in the fall season, US Soccer is transitioning from “Birth Year” age grouping (January 1 – December 31), originally implemented in 2017, back to "School Year" age grouping (August 1 – July 31). This change is designed to better align players with their school-grade peers and to support social development, participation, and long-term player growth.

These changes from US Soccer are being implemented by all youth clubs and leagues across the country and as a member of US Soccer and CJSA, our club is required to adhere to these new standards. Full details on the change and reasons why, can be found on US Soccer and on the PSC Website - HERE.

What does this mean for Pomperaug Soccer Club?
As a town Travel & Recreation program, our goal is for all players to have fun, enjoy the game and continue developing their soccer skills following US Soccer guidance. As they progress from our In-House through the Travel program we want to be competitive while maintaining the best environment. A big contributor to all of this is the social aspect and being with players they go to school with and will progress into possible High School programs.

• All players will register for the correct age-defined group based on their DOB and be placed with teammates primarily in the same grade. 

• PSC understands there may be some scenarios where the age change actually ‘moves’ your player ‘away’ from their grade level peers. Information collected during the registration process will identify this and you will be contacted by the club based on your responses to review options.

See the table below for reference:

We have posted a Frequently Asked Questions document on our website - HERE. This will continue to be updated with new information as needed. 

The most asked question so far: If my child will actually be separated from their school grade peers due to this shift (ex: they are in an ‘older’ grade), will an exception be made? 
Yes - PSC will provide flexibility in these select scenarios to allow players to continue to play with their grade level peers.
- Register for the Fall season based on the players DOB, and information gathered during the registration process will identify this and you will be contacted by the club.
- There are 2 questions asked: the players grade level for the fall and if it lines up with the Age Group registering for OR if your player is in an older grade level.

We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate this transition together. Our priority remains providing a positive, competitive, and fun environment for all our players to learn and enjoy the game of soccer.

Pomperaug Soccer Club