SWM Academy Includes players in U6, U7 and U8 Age Groups.

Parent FAQ – August 1 Cutoff Transition

Q: Why is the cutoff changing?

• A: To maximize player development and align soccer age groups with school years, keeping classmates together.

Q: Who is most affected?

• A: Players with birthdays between August–December will repeat an age group.

Q: Will my child lose a year of development?

• A: No. Players still play every year – they just shift groupings.

Q: Can my child play with classmates?

• A: Yes, this change makes that easier, but the cutoff is still by birthdate and not grade.

Q: How many players will potentially be impacted?

• A: Approximately one-third of the club (150 kids).

Q: Will coaches give input?

• A: Yes, every coach will submit an evaluation and recommendation for each player who has submitted a playoff evaluation request.  We will communicate back to the player by the end of April which group to tryout for.

Q: Will SWM force my player to change age groups?

• A: Players birth year 2015 and younger will all be encouraged to play by the new age groups.  We will be balancing fielding age-appropriate teams to ensure we are not at a competitive disadvantage and our values as a community-based club.

Q: Are there going to be different decisions for different levels of play, age groups, and genders?

• A: Older teams that are playing 11v11 (2014 and up) will have more flexibility.  Younger teams that have been together for a season or two will have a more rigid play-up approval process.

Q: Will there be a play-up process?

• A: Yes.  It is in two phases.  The first phase is due March 31^st, so we know who is interested in being evaluated for playing up.  The second phase and final phase will occur when players sign up for tryouts in May.

Q: What is the play-up policy?

• A: The Play-up Policy can be found on the SWM Kickers Website. https://swmkickers.org/play-up/

Q: Will my current team exist after the age group change?

• Whether the current team remains intact depends on various factors; most will stay, but some may not.

Q: Will my player have a spot on an SWM team after the age group change?

• A: There is no way to guarantee your player will have a spot.  As is the case every year, tryouts determine who makes a team. We find a spot for most players but unfortunately, based on numbers at tryouts there are some that have no team.  

Q: Will all players on the team after age group change be the same grade?

• A: No. The new age groups will have players from Aug 1 through July 31. This is more aligned to school grade, but it is still date of birth and not grade that determines the players age group.