What Does the U in the Age Group Mean?
The U in an age group listing stands for under, meaning a child needs to be under that age on January 1st of a particular year. For example, a U12 player would have to be under 12 years of age on January 1stt of a year.
My Child Has a Classmate in the Same Grade at School, Why is He in a Different Age Group?
The Sumter Soccer Club follows the age guidelines set forth by US Youth Soccer in that age is based on a child’s age on January 1st of each year. It does not go by school year so it is not unusual for children with birthday early in a calendar year to be in a different age group then others in their class with later birth dates. To find out exactly what age group your child should be in please refer to the US Soccer Birth Year and Season Matrix.
Can My Child “Play Up” in a Higher Age Group?
While a child cannot “play down” an age group it is possible for some children to “play up”. Doing so is at the sole discretion of the Director of Coaching and President of the Club. Sumter Soccer Club encourages players to play in their respective age groups whenever possible, but realized some situations make it better for the child or the club for them to play in a different group.