Players are assigned to leagues based on their date of birth. We are transitioning out of the "old" age group parameters to birth year age group parameters.  U4-U10 age groups will play by birth year.  The U11-U12 age groups will follow the "old" age groups parameters of 8/1-7/31 (see age group chart for the specific age group's parameters).  The U14G -U19 age groups play in the NCSL-rec Leagueand also play by birth year. 

Playing Up an Age Group

We strictly adhere to our age group parameters to ensure fairness and consistency. The only exceptions to this are for players who are evaluated by our Director of Coaching and deemed an exceptional player. If you believe this applies to your player, register them first, then email admin@syasoccer.org to request an evaluation. We recommend that this is done well before the start of the season. Requests after the season has started will not be granted.

Playing Down an Age Group

The only waivers that are given to play down an age group are for children with pervasive physical or mental challenges. A written request should be submitted at the time of registration. The written request should include a recommendation from the child's physician that the player plays down an age group and can be sent via email to registrar@syasoccer.org. When registering online, please note in special requests that you want your player to play down.  The parent must turn in the written request and the physician's recommendation well before the season starts. Requests after the season has begun will not be granted.  Requests to play down will be given to the Soccer Commissioner for review. 

Players whose age group plays in the NCSL-rec are not eligible to play down an age group according to NCSL-rec rules.  

Any person who intentionally/deliberately misrepresents the age or grade of their child on the registration form or on-line, will have their child expelled from the soccer program for one season. All fees paid will be retained by the club. Only the parent or legal guardian of a child may register a child in soccer.

To the greatest extent possible, teams are formed geographically around the residence of volunteer coaches, taking into account players’ neighborhoods and school boundaries, but there should be no expectation that players will be with the same coach or team in consecutive seasons.

SYA will consider special requests, but cannot guarantee that they will be honored. Reasonable carpool requests will be taken into consideration, but requests to carpool with more than three players may not be able to be honored. SYA will attempt to honor requests to avoid a particular practice day.