Every June, we conduct player evaluation sessions (i.e. try-outs) to align our teams for the upcoming Fall Season.

AGE GROUP CUTOFF CHANGES

As noted in prior communications, US Soccer has mandated a transition from “Calendar Year,” to “School Year” groupings, where, a player’s month and year of birth determine the youngest age group they are eligible to play in.

While this change better aligns ‘school grade’ and ‘sports year’ this creates challenges in our area, where school year cut-offs are typically around December 1st. Players born in August, September, October, November & December may find themselves in a different soccer age group than their classmates.

To provide flexibility, players born during these months will have the option to either:

• Try-out for their prior age group, (where they played in Spring, 2026) or

• Remain with their new age group (if there is a better soccer fit).

‍ ‍

REGISTRATION

‍When you register your player for try-outs, you may either choose the higher age group or stay in the new age group. If you registered and need to correct the age group, please contact registrar@manhassetsoccer.com

Players can play on multiple teams, whether it be the teams in their age group or age-up.

‍ ‍

PLAYER EVALUATIONS

‍All players will be evaluated by the Royal Training Staff. Although trainers may be familiar with some of our current players, we strongly recommend players attend both try-out sessions as there may be additional evaluators on hand and new players attending. Team placement will be based on each player’s skill level and prioritization of the player’s development. Remaining on the same team is not guaranteed.

‍ ‍

TEAM NAMING

The new team naming conventions for our teams began 2 years ago.

‍Orange - Highest team in age group

Blue - Next highest team in age group

White - Lowest team in age group

Grey will be used if we have a fourth team in an age group

‍ ‍

POST EVALUATION - REGISTRATION

Feedback on team placement will be provided within 48-96 hours after completion of the tryouts. After notifications, parents will have 96 hours to register their players on their assigned teams or forfeit their spot.

• ‍If players are moved to a lower-level team, a representative from Royal, along with a Board Member, will contact you to explain the reasons for the new team placement.

‍ ‍

TEAM SIZES

To ensure optimal training & playing experiences, team size limits will be implemented.

• ‍Teams in the 7v7 format (U8/9/10) - the min. team size will be 10 & the max. will be 12;

• Teams in the 9v9 format (U11/12), the min. team size will be 12 & the max. will be 15;

• Teams in the 11v11 format (U13 & older), the min. team size will be 18, without a max.

If we have more than the max number of players, but not enough to make multiple teams, the additional players will be offered slots as ‘practice players.’ These players will practice with the team, but will be rostered for games as needed. Players may also be ‘wait-listed.’

‍ ‍

OUR ACADEMY

The club has entered into a new strategic partnership with Royal Training to establish the Royal Manhasset Soccer Academy, as part of the Manhasset Soccer Club. This Academy will serve as an Elite-level program.

‍If your player has a desire to play at a more competitive level, we encourage you to consider trying out for the Royal Manhasset Soccer Academy, in addition to Manhasset’s town offering.

‍ ‍

IN CLOSING

Should you have any questions or comments or recommendations, we ask you to share them with us at info@manhassetsoccer.com

If you have multiple suggestions, we ask you to come join us on the soccer board.

Thank you in advance for your support and participation in Manhasset Soccer.‍ ‍