Our story begins on the soccer field, where lifelong friendships are formed, and dreams of playing at a collegiate or national level inspire children to push their limits. Unfortunately, this dream might not become a reality for children with summer birthdays, who were held back at their parent's discretion, or due to COVID mandates. This is because of the upcoming changes from birth year to grade level with age eligibility (August 1-July 31) for US youth soccer, which if passed, will base team formation on their school grade level with age as of August 1st, not birth year.

Such criteria often result in children being separated from their classmates and friends, excluding them from the team they share school yards and dream of playing in. This has emotional impacts and disrupts the team's unity and spirit. In addition, this policy results in a gap year in 8th grade and their senior year, with these kids not having a club team to play on for college recruitment. 

To rectify this, we propose an exception to this rule, allowing for grade-level consideration with proof of birth certification and grade report card in team formation, allowing those who were held back, have a summer birthday or started late to be allowed to play with their current grade level team despite their age on August 1st. This exception could potentially benefit thousands of children nationwide, fostering inclusivity,  enriching youth soccer experience, and eliminating a trap year for ALL players.

This petition is more than just a plea for adjustment to a policy in sports. It represents the voice of every child who dreams of playing alongside their friends and have hopes of play professionally in the future, despite when they were born or had to repeat a grade. Let's help maintain friendships, team spirit and passion for the sport intact.

We urge you to sign this petition, to bring meaningful change to the lives of young soccer enthusiasts across the nation. Attached below is a letter from a parent, teacher, and coach whose child is potentially impacted by this new change. In addition to her child, she is also voicing her concerns for the players she coaches at a club level, as well as the students she teaches.