As parents who care about our children's involvement in soccer, we find ourselves concerned about recent changes to the Moorestown Soccer Club.

Background: USA Soccer changed the age cutoffs from August 1 - July 31 in order to maximize and encompass more children playing with their respective grade. The cut off of July 31 is arbitrary because every state has different cut offs for grades, New Jersey being September 30. South Jersey Soccer League which MSC is a part of gave each club the autonomy to adapt the rules as it sees fit.

With the new rule, younger children, despite being in the same grade as their peers are prohibited from playing on the same team due to age restrictions. This rule undermines the initial intention, which was to ensure that children of the same grade could learn, grow, and play together, irrespective of slight age differences. These children born in August and September should be allowed to play with their respective grade in which they are enrolled. They would not be playing up, but solely with their enrolled grade year. The purpose of the change by USA soccer is not based on skills, size, talent, but purely so children can be playing with their friends in their grades. By leaving these August and September children out, this misses the mark on the intent of USA soccer. 

Thus, multiple neighboring clubs including Cinnaminson, Cherry Hill, Maple Shade, etc have opted to not make this change or include an exception for these children born in August and September. These changes affect around 35 children in our soccer club.

Soccer is not just a game; it's a platform for children to develop teamwork, discipline, and a sense of community. Restricting younger kids from playing with their grade peers could have unintended negative consequences, both socially and developmentally. It's important for children to feel included and confident among their classmates. The separation by age rather than grade disrupts the social dynamics they have cultivated within the school environment. Based on the grouping of our grades, some players wouldn’t even be in the same school as their teammates! 

To provide some perspective, consider the well-researched benefits of keeping children engaged in sports with familiar peers. According to a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, involvement in team sports with familiar group settings enhances emotional health and better academic performance. By enforcing this stringent age rule, we risk denying these benefits to the affected children, inadvertently setting them back in both school and sports.

Here's a constructive proposal: let's revisit the policy and have these children born in August and September play with the grade in which they are enrolled. This approach adheres to the spirit of the original rule change.

By signing this petition, you support not only the fair inclusion of younger players among their grade peers, but also advocate for a more nurturing and cohesive community experience for all the children involved in our beloved soccer club. Let us come together to appeal to our soccer club’s leadership, so that all our children can continue to play, learn, and thrive with their friends. Please join us by signing this petition today.