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For parents

Should my child play up?
what to think about

By Gabe Ramos · U.S. Soccer Coach Educator · Updated November 2026

Playing up means joining an older age group. It can be a great challenge for the right child. It can also mean less fun and less playing time. Here is how to think it through.

What the rules usually allow

A child can usually play up one age group, with the club’s approval. Playing down is not allowed in registered play except for documented developmental reasons. Ask your club before you assume either.

When it can help

• Your child is clearly not challenged where they are.
• They will get real playing time on the older team.
• They are ready physically, not just skilled.
• They want to do it, and have friends or feel welcome there.
• The new age group plays a format that suits them.

When it can hurt

• They will sit on the bench. Minutes teach more than a higher age group.
• It moves them into a bigger format too early.
• It is mostly the parent’s idea.
• They lose the friends who keep them coming back.
• They go from standing out to struggling, and their confidence drops.

Mind the format jump

Pay extra attention if playing up means a new format. A U8 playing up to U9 goes from 4v4 to 7v7, with a bigger field, a size 4 ball and offside. A U12 playing up to U13 goes to 11v11 and a size 5 ball. Those are big jumps, and they arrive soon enough anyway.

Questions to ask the coach

• How much will my child play?
• What will they learn there that they cannot learn here?
• What happens if it is not working?
• Can they do it for part of the season, or just train with the older group?

A middle option

Ask if your child can train with the older team sometimes and keep playing games with their own age group. They get the challenge without losing their minutes, their friends or their confidence. Many coaches are open to this.

Questions parents ask

Age groups by birth year ›Is my child behind? ›Rec or travel? ›