1) What is changing with age groups?
Starting with the 2026–2027 soccer season, Catonsville Soccer will form teams using a September 1 – August 31 age-group window. This aligns with the Maryland school year and the intent of U.S. Soccer’s age-group realignment guidance which helps players participate with their classmates.

2) Why is Catonsville Soccer using Sept 1 – Aug 31?
We are aligning to the Maryland school calendar, which most families experience as the “true” peer group for sports, friendships, and school-based activities. This approach is designed to reduce confusion during the transition and keep teams organized around typical school-year cohorts.

3) When does the change take effect?
This change applies to team formation for the 2026–2027 season (tryouts and roster formation during the transition period leading into that season).

4) How will tryouts be organized under the new alignment?
Tryouts will be organized by age group using the new Sept–Aug alignment. Players should attend the tryout session for their age-eligible group based on the new window.

5) Will coaches evaluate players across adjacent age groups?
Yes. Coaches from adjacent age groups will attend tryouts together to support consistent evaluations and to help with overall team formation decisions, especially during this realignment year.

6) Are age-group exemptions permitted?
Yes, but only in specific developmental circumstances. These Advanced Track Placement (ATP), exemptions must be recommended by the lead age group evaluator and the vice president of travel.

• Example One: A player who has earned placement on the Gold team and has previously been playing up may be considered to continue as an ATP player, when supported by the evaluation process and when it best serves the player’s development and team formation needs.
• Example Two: School grade alignment - if a player’s birth date places them in a group other than their school grade the situation will be reviewed individually to keep players aligned within their grade level peers when possible.
• Example Three: In limited cases, an exemption may be considered when a player’s developmental readiness, physical maturity, and overall competitive fit indicate that the older age group is the more appropriate environment.

7) What is Advanced Track Placement (ATP)?
Advanced Track Placement (ATP) is Catonsville Soccer’s term for a player being considered for a roster opportunity in an older age group based on readiness, maturity, and team needs. ATP is not automatic and is determined through the evaluation and review process described below.

8) Should my child “try out up” for an older age group to pursue ATP?
No. Players should attend their age-appropriate tryout. If evaluators believe ATP should be considered, it will be addressed through the collaborative evaluation and team formation process. In some cases, a player may be asked to attend another age group tryout.

9) Who decides roster placement?
Recommendations are made through a collaborative review that includes a lead evaluator, coaches, the Vice President of Travel, and board representatives. No single coach makes placement decisions alone.

10) What if my child is not offered a travel roster spot?
Players not offered a travel position will have the opportunity to play in the Catonsville Recreational Soccer Program, which remains a strong, fun, and competitive community option focused on development and enjoyment of the game.