Growing up with my soccer team has been the most incredible journey for me. The camaraderie, teamwork, and lifelong friendships we've built are irreplaceable. However, a change in team division policy threatens to tear us apart simply because we are in different school grades. Next year, my team is at risk of being split up, not because our skills differ, but because the system next year places us based on our academic grade rather than the year we were born sadly teams will be split up.

Aligning team divisions by birth year is a much fairer method, widely adopted in many other regions and sports organizations, including the United States Soccer Federation and FIFA. By ensuring that players are grouped with peers of the same age, we create a level playing field that better supports player development and enjoyment. Moreover, this method reduces the chances of early dropout due to mismatched competition levels.
 
A personal story: I have been with my soccer team since I was eight-years-old, and those have been the best years of my life. I have enjoyed every moment I’ve spent with them. We have had awesome moments together by winning tournaments and have had really fun practices. It’s been such a joy that I’ve got to spend so many wonderful years with them. Together we have created a special bond. Starting next year, my team will be split up for good with the sixth graders on the team moving down and the seventh graders staying the same. Our team will be split forever.

I call on the local soccer associations to reconsider their current policy and have a birth-year model next year for team assignments. This change would ensure fair play, proper development, and the continuation of friendships and team dynamics crucial to the youth sports experience.

I urge everyone who believes in fair sports practices and the continued growth and enjoyment of soccer for young players to support this petition. Let's ensure our young athletes can stay together, learn together, and grow together. Please sign this petition to bring about this important change.