How to Play Up in Youth Soccer

When a young player becomes proficient at soccer, he or she may not progress to higher levels by remaining with the younger level team.  Playing up occurs when the advanced player moves to a team in an older age group to compete at higher levels.

• Research your state and local soccer organizational bylaws regarding “playing up” in soccer.  Many youth soccer organizations have rules that restrict and protect the teams and players.  For example, a popular restriction emphasized by many soccer organizations across the nation includes a bylaw stating that a player who is under 11 years of age cannot play up to the 11 and older team.  A popular exception states that if the majority of classmates are admitted to a particular team, the team should exercise inclusion.  The team can accept the younger child if the cut-off age does not exceed a specific number of months.


• Look up associations that allow children to play up into an older age soccer division with the approval of the coach and parents.


• Be realistic and patient.  If the soccer league is in the middle of a season your team may need the player, and the transition may not be smooth.  The best time to transfer is at the start of the playing season.


• Remember that many leagues do not allow a player who played up to play back down into their actual age division.  This means that once the change is made the player is committed to the team.


• Reflect the reasons for playing up.  If the current team does not challenge the advanced player’s skills then it is wise to play up.