ANSWER: As part of U.S. Soccer’s recent update, beginning with the 2026-2027 season, youth soccer nation wide,will transition from birth-year registration (January 1–December 31) to a school calendar year (August 1–July 31).
While the original change was made with good intentions to align development across the country, it created several challenges — particularly for players caught between grade levels. Many clubs saw issues with “trapped” players, especially during 8th-grade and senior years, where some players were left without teams while their classmates played high school soccer. These complications often disrupted player development and team continuity.
After years of discussion and feedback, the majority of clubs and state organizations now agree that returning to the school-year calendar is the best long-term approach. It better aligns with players’ academic, social, and developmental pathways.
We also recognize that some players may still fall slightly outside of their peers, depending on when parents chose to start them in school. This will always exist to a small degree under any format; however, the August–July school-year registration significantly reduces the issues and inconsistencies that occurred under the previous birth-year system.
Although there may be some short-term disruption during the transition, the long-term benefits — consistency, reduced player displacement, and improved social alignment — will far outweigh the temporary challenges.
ANSWER: Our Tryout process will remain largely consistent with past years. Players are expected to try out within their official registration age group, based on their school-year age group (August 1–July 31).
We remain committed to evaluating every player fairly and placing them in the best environment for long-term development, while also maintaining balanced and competitive teams across all levels.
Question: Will my player be allowed to stay on the same team?
ANSWER: We understand that many players may wish to remain with their current teammates or friends during this first transition year. While we value those connections, our standard tryout policy remains in place:
ANSWER: Playing up an age group is occasionally considered but is never guaranteed. The following criteria guide these decisions:
All play-up decisions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and require Director approval.
ANSWER: Our focus will always be on placing players where they will grow the most — technically, tactically, and socially. In addition to team placement, our open training policy allows players to request opportunities to train or occasionally compete with older age groups.
Our A Team coaches regularly identify and invite top players to train or guest play when appropriate, ensuring that talented players are consistently challenged while maintaining balance across teams.
ANSWER: We will be holding tryouts for the high school boys age groups U16-U18 in February. Registration for HS boys tryouts will be open no later than January 1, 2026 for all age groups., registration age will open on Feb. 15, 2026.
ANSWER: Online registration will close at noon on the first day of tryouts for the age group. On line registration will remain closed throughout the entire tryout.
ANSWER: Yes, there is a $25 non-refundable tryout fee that is collected during the online registration processes. If you missed the online registration window, you can still try out. There is a $35 walk up fee that can be paid by credit or debit card at the check-in station.
ANSWER: No, the tryout fee paid at registration covers trying out for both our ECNL, ECNL RL and RCL teams.
ANSWER: First, you must get approval to register to play up from the Director that oversees your child’s team. We do require players to be registered with each age group they want to be considered for. This helps us track the player to ensure that the player is listed on both evaluation sheets.
ANSWER: Coaches will start reaching out to players as soon as they have finalized their selections. It is our goal to have results posted within 48 hours of completion of the last tryout for the age group.. Within 72-96 hours of completion of the tryouts, you will receive the formal registration from WPFC’s club registrar. The official registration must be completed and the initial payment made to officially secure your roster spot.