COMPETITIVE TRYOUT FAQs

Q: What is actually changing? 

A. Starting with the 2026–27 season, US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO are moving from the current birth-year cutoff (Jan 1–Dec 31) to a seasonal-year cutoff (Aug 1–Jul 31). This is not a switch to grade-based registration in the literal sense — players are still grouped by birth date — but the new window is designed to more closely mirror school-year cohorts.

Q: Why is this happening?

A. The Jan 1–Dec 31 system, in place since 2017, created "trapped players" — kids whose birthdays put them in a soccer age group different from their school grade. This was most disruptive for grades 8 and 12. The new cutoff reduces (but not eliminates) how many players are affected.

Q: When does this goes into effect?

A. The change applies starting with the 2026–27 season beginning with July tryouts. 

Q: Is this a Fusion SC decision?

A. No, this decision has been made at the national level and is subsequently being adopted by our league (TCSL). All TCSL member clubs will follow the new guidelines.

Q: My child has a summer birthday (July/August) — what happens? 

A. As in the past, players will be placed according to where their birthday fits in the age group matrix (see above). Players born in July are not eligible to play in the younger age group that might align with their school grade. Players born in August (or later) will be placed at their assigned age group (unless they meet the play up criteria).

Q: Can my child "play up" to an older age group?

A. All players should attend the tryout session of their respective age group. Opportunities for players to compete in an older age group will be decided by request ONLY from the Fusion SC Directors of Coaching and Age Group Directors. It is important to also keep in mind that the decision to allow a player to play up is an ongoing evaluation. An opportunity to play up in one year does not guarantee future opportunities. Opportunities will be evaluated and determined on an ongoing basis.

Q: My child is a U15 for the 2026-27 but cannot play for their HS program. What options do they have for fall soccer? 

A. Reach out to your child’s Age Group Director after tryouts and they will look to integrate with our U14 teams.

Q: Why can’t Fusion form teams using the prior birth year designations? 

A. As always, our goal is to form teams with players of similar abilities that can be competitive in the leagues and tournaments in which they participate. With the 5-month shift in player registration windows, it would be disadvantageous for our players and teams to be competing against teams that were 5 months older.

Q: Do I have to register if I can't attend Tryouts?

A: YES. All players MUST register online for Tryouts in advance, regardless of attendance at Tryouts. You will not be considered for placement on a team if you are not registered. There is a section in the registration where you can enter details if you will miss tryouts.

Q: Do I have to register/pay twice to attend both the TFE and FUSION tryouts for my age group?

A: YES. You need to register and pay for TFE tryouts if your player is trying out for TFE. In addition, if your player wants to play on a Fusion team if they don't make TFE, please also register for Fusion tryouts now. If your player makes a TFE team Fusion will refund your Fusion registration fee. 

Q: What should I wear & bring to Tryouts?

A: Any comfortable t-shirt. A reversible pinnie will be handed out tryouts with a pre-assigned number. Pinnies will need to be returned at the end of tryouts. Shinguards are required. 

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Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and an inflated soccer ball of the appropriate size. 

Q: What if I am injured and cannot participate in Tryouts? 

A: Players who are injured and unable to participate in tryouts must register for Tryouts and indicate a medical reason for non-participation. Previous season coach and AGD evaluations will be used to place players on teams.

Q: Can my child "play up" to an older age group?

A: All players should attend the tryout session of their respective age group. Opportunities for players to compete in an older age group will be decided by request ONLY from the Fusion SC Directors of Coaching and Age Group Directors. It is important to also keep in mind that the decision to allow a player to play up is an ongoing evaluation. An opportunity to play up in one year does not guarantee future opportunities. Opportunities will be evaluated and determined on an ongoing basis. 

Q: Can my player move to a higher level team during the year?

A: As always, Fusion will adjust player movement, when appropriate, during the early months of winter training as players continue to grow and develop. Players may be moved up (or in some cases down) prior to the start of the summer season if there’s a team with a better fit for their skill level.

Q: Will everyone that tries out make a team?

A: While every effort is made to place each player on a Competitive team, TCSL has roster size restrictions, and the number of players trying out at an age group may prevent placement of every player. All players must be evaluated for placement on a team.

Q: Can I watch my child's tryout? 

A: Parents are not allowed to be near the tryout fields, to coach from the sidelines, or to engage in conversation with evaluators.

Q: Is it possible to play Fall Season only?

A: No. The teams are a full year commitment.

Q: Is it possible to not play the Fall Season? 

A: If you are eligible for HS soccer you are not required to play Fall soccer. Otherwise, Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer are required.

Q: Will my 8th Grader on a U15 team have a fall team to play on?

A:  For U15 players who are not participating on a high school team, we offer training opportunities through our U14 teams, as well as private or small-group sessions at our INFINITI Training Facility.