Additional questions may be sent to chathamunitedreg@gmail.com but please only contact us after you have read the FAQ in full. Thank you.
REGISTRATION & TRYOUTS
2026 Age Group Cut-Off Change FAQs
What is the age group cut-off for team registration for 2026 and how is it different?
Taking effect with the 2026/2027 season age group cut-offs will shift to August 1 - July 31. This is a shift from the previous age group cut-off based on birth year.
What age group will my player be in next season and when are tryouts?
| AGE GROUP | FIELD SIZE | CHATHAM UTD TRYOUT DATES |
| U7: August 01, 2019 - July 31, 2020 | 5 v 5 | n/a |
| U8: August 01, 2018 - July 31, 2019 | 5 v 5 | n/a |
| U9: August 01, 2017 - July 31, 2018 | 7 v 7 | Week of April 13 |
| U10: August 01, 2016 - July 31, 2017 | 7 v 7 | Week of April 13 |
| U11: August 01, 2015 - July 31, 2016 | 9 v 9 | Week of April 13 |
| U12: August 01, 2014 - July 31, 2015 | 9 v 9 | Week of April 13 |
| U13: August 01, 2013 - July 31, 2014 | 11 v 11 | Week of April 13 |
| U14: August 01 2012 - July 31, 2013 | 11 v 11 | Week of April 13 |
Why are the Age Group Cut-Offs Changing?
- US Club Soccer (US Club) and US Youth Soccer (USYS) are implementing this change with the goal of increasing participation at younger age levels.
Keeping more kids in the game as they progress through high school. - Align better with the nationwide youth soccer season (August 1 – July 31).
- Better match school calendar years, allowing more children to play with classmates, enhancing both the social and developmental experience of youth players.
- More information can be found here: https://www.usyouthsoccer.org/news/2025/06/10/updated-decision-on-age-group-formation/
And here: https://www.njyouthsoccer.com/news/age-group-formation/
What players are most likely to shift age groups?
Players with birthdays in August through December are most likely to be affected by the change, as they will remain in their current age group for 2026/27. For example, a player with an October 2016 birth date (current U10) will remain a U10 for the 2026/27 season
How is Chatham United preparing for the change to ensure all players are placed appropriately?
The Club is working diligently to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for all players. We are taking the following steps to prepare for the change:
- Internally auditing all rosters to confirm which age group each player will fall into next year.
- Scheduling a series of age group training sessions with the new age groups to help players and coaches get familiar with the new player pools. These will occur in the pre-season for Spring 2026.
- Ensuring players have multiple opportunities to train and be evaluated within their new age groups prior to tryout As always, our goal is to place players in the teams that best fit their skill level and individual player development needs.
What is the purpose of the in-house age group training sessions? When will schedules be released?
In-house age group training sessions are designed to provide all of our Chatham United players with multiple opportunities to train with the player pool that they will try out with for the 2026 season. The sessions will help the players begin forming bonds within their new age group to help ensure smooth transition with the natural roster changes. The sessions are also an opportunity for Chatham United coaches to work with the new player pools in advance to ensure that all players are appropriately placed following tryouts.
We will begin holding the age group training sessions in the Spring of 2026. Dates, times, locations and additional details will be communicated via your coaches as soon as Chatham United is allocated field space by the town.
When will coaching assignments for 2026 be released?
We are working to finalize coaching assignments ahead of our typical timeline. The intent is to finalize and publish coaching assignments shortly after Fall 2026 teams are announced and registrations are closed.
What is the club policy on players “playing up?”
Our club policy on “playing up” remains unchanged. All players will try out for their specific age group, and will be placed on teams in their age group, except in rare circumstances when there is a player fit, based on the professional assessment of the Director of Coaching, and a specific team need.
Regardless of age group cutoffs, opportunities to “play up” will continue to be considered on a case by case basis and will be at the discretion of the Director of Coaching based on our professional assessment of what is in the best interest of each individual player and the individual team needs.
- We are auditing all rosters to understand which age group each player will fall into next year and to guide decisions regarding which age group will be the best fit for each individual player and will benefit the teams as whole.
- We believe the vast majority of players will benefit most from playing in their true age group. This philosophy is based on physical, social and psychological factors. Age-appropriate training and games provide the best conditions to foster development in youth players.
- We understand there are unique situations - such as players born after August 1st who are in a higher grade level at school. However, all requests to “play up” will continue to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the head coach and club directors, based on what is determined to be in the best interest of the individual player.
Will repeating a year hurt my child’s development?
No, there are several benefits for those children remaining in their age group.
- Promotes Technical Development: Players have more ball contact per game on a smaller field, playing with lower numbers, providing more opportunities to strengthen individual technique. For 7v7 and 9v9 players, this improves preparation for 11v11.
- Physical Benefits: Places late developers who were previously at a physical disadvantage in a more appropriate environment, providing better opportunities to improve in all aspects of their game.
- Confidence Boost and Social Benefits: Repeating a year can improve confidence and encourage leadership skills for players who already have a year of experience at the age group. Creates a supportive learning environment for every member on the team.
FALL 2026 TRYOUTS AND TEAM FORMATION
Can my child try out for multiple age groups?
Players are required to try out for their true age group based on the August 1 - July 31 cut-off unless coaches have pre-approved the player to try out in an older age group. Players are not allowed to play down in a younger age group as this is a violation of league rules.
Will I have to purchase a new uniform?
The two-year uniform cycle ends Spring 2026, therefore, all players will be ordering new uniforms for the next two year cycle in Summer 2026.
How will jersey numbers be assigned next year with the change?
Because of the re-organization of rosters and numerous duplications of numbers, all players will be given the chance to select numbers in their new age group. This will occur around the time of team formation. Fortunately, this age group change coincides with the start of a new two-year uniform cycle, so all children will need a new uniform that will have the new numbers.
Can I watch the try outs?
No. For the consideration of all the players attending the try outs, all parents must remain away from the fields while the try out sessions are being conducted.
Are walk-ins accepted on the day of the try outs?
No.
What should my child wear/bring to the try out?
Cleats and shin guards are required. Bring a water bottle.
What if I cannot make it to a try out session?
Players trying out are expected to make it to tryout sessions. If you are unable to make it to a session, please email chathamuniteddoc@gmail.com to schedule an ID session with the Director of Coaching. You must still be registered for the try out.
If a player is not placed on a team after try outs, do we refund the try out registration fee?
No, the try out registration fee is non-refundable. A child that is not offered a position with Chatham United will not be expected to pay any additional fees.
How big are the travel rosters for each age group?
We expect the 7v7 age groups (9U-10U) to have rosters of 12-14 players, the 9v9 age groups (11U-12U) to have rosters of 13-16 players, and the 11v11 age groups (13U-14U) to have rosters of 16-18 players.
How many teams do you expect to form for each age group/gender?
This depends on final registration numbers and on negotiations with the town (since we have to make sure there is enough field space for practices/games). However, for 9U-12U we expect to form 2-3 teams per gender in each age group. For 13U-14U the roster sizes are larger and we typically form 1-2 teams per gender in each age group.
When will we know what team my child is on?
Team announcements have been changed from prior years. In mid May, all children that attended try outs will be informed what team they made for the upcoming Chatham United Travel season. Players will have 7 days from the announcement to accept their spot by paying the Travel Program fees invoiced through TeamSnap.
How are players placed on teams?
Chatham United’s professional coaching staff, led by the Director of Coaching, make all determinations regarding the skill level of players and compose the various teams at each age group. More information can be found HERE.
COSTS AND FEES
How much does the Travel program cost?
For the 2026-27 season, Chatham United has simplified its fee structure.
First, prior to tryouts, a child must register with Chatham United and pay a $95 registration fee.
Second, if a child is informed that they have been given a position with Chatham United Travel for the upcoming season, they will accept their position by paying the Travel Program fee for the 2026/2027 season. The fees have not been finalized but will be no more than 5% higher than last year's fee of $1290.
What does the Travel Program Fee cover?
The Travel Program Fee includes pre-season training week (the week before school starts); practices and games in the Fall; practices and games in the Spring; professional coaching fees; league registration fees; and referee fees for all games.
Can the Travel Program Fee be paid in installments?
The fee will be invoiced once teams are announced in mid May. For those that want to break up payment, 50% can be paid upfront and the remaining 50% will be invoiced on August 1 through Team Snap. No player may start training with their team before the balance is paid in full. Please contact cutreasurer07928@gmail.com for more information.
Are there additional costs to play for Chatham United?
Yes. Children must purchase new uniforms for the upcoming season. We are on a 2-year uniform cycle and players are required to purchase new uniforms every other year. Also, registration and program fees do not include optional programs, such as additional clinics and training sessions or winter training sessions.
What about tournaments?
The Club endeavors to have every Chatham United team play in at least two tournaments during the Fall Season. Chatham United cannot guarantee that all tournament fees will be covered by the registration fee, but in prior years the Club was able to cover certain tournament costs for teams.
Do Travel Program fees have to be paid on TeamSnap?
Yes. In order to streamline the operations of our volunteer program, Chatham United has invested in TeamSnap for all registration functions. Chatham United does not accept cash, credit cards, checks or other forms of direct payment for registration fees.
Why does TeamSnap charge fees?
Chatham United has no control over the processing fees charged by TeamSnap. However, we are working to limit the processing fees through direct discussions with TeamSnap.
Why are you able to charge less than outside clubs?
Playing for an in-town non-profit club is cheaper than playing for an outside club for the following reasons. We have no need to generate a profit.
Club and team organization is carried out by many volunteers who collectively donate 1000's of hours to the club. At for-profit clubs much of the organization is carried out by paid staff.
We can use the many fields in Chatham for a nominal fee per player.
Please note that the price differential does not reflect a difference in training. We hire professional trainers with the same licenses as the outside clubs.
What is the Chatham United refund policy?
The initial registration fee is non-refundable, unless Chatham United is informed, in writing, 7 days prior to the try out date that a child is choosing not to attend try outs.
Travel program fees will be invoiced once a child is informed they have received a spot on a Chatham United travel team. Payment of the travel program fee or qualification for a payment plan (if offered by Chatham United) shall be completed no later than 7 days of receipt of notice that a child has received a spot on a Chatham United travel team.
Registration fees will be fully refunded in very limited circumstances:
(1) Documented medical reasons, approved by the Chatham United Board; or
(2) Relocation of a child’s residence out of Chatham prior to the start of the Fall Season, upon receipt of appropriate documentation and approval by the Chatham United Board.
Except for a medical reason, as set forth above, fees are NON-REFUNDABLE, in any portion, for any reason, once Fall season commences, which is by the first practice or first pre-season training day, whichever is sooner (usually held the week before the School District of the Chathams’ academic year commences).
Refunds will not be considered as a result of team placement of your child or changes in trainers/training organizations.
CHATHAM UNITED IS A FALL AND SPRING COMMITMENT AND THERE IS NO OPTION FOR PARTIAL PAYMENT OF TRAVEL PROGRAM FEES.
Refund requests may be sent to chathamunitedreg@gmail.com. We would like to stress that the refund deadlines are for player-initiated withdrawal from the program. Any player that tries out but is not placed on a team will not be responsible for the travel program fee.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
How are practices organized?
Every team is assigned a professional coach, who is supervised by the Director of Coaching. The Director of Coaching provides a comprehensive, season long training program, tailored for every age group that is followed by coaches.
How are coaches hired?
The Director of Coaching hires Chatham United coaches, and continuously evaluates their performance. Currently, Chatham United coaches come from various acclaimed private clubs, including PDA.
What are the expectations and commitment required of a Chatham United player?
During the Fall and Spring seasons, teams will have two practices during the week after school, and play approximately 8-10 league games on weekends (one or two a weekend). In addition, teams may play in one or two weekend long tournaments in the Fall.
Chatham United is committed to player and team development. In order for each child to realize his/her full potential as a player and member of a team, commitment is required from both players and parents.
Player development and improved team play cannot occur if players and parents are not committed to participate in the activities of the team. If players miss practices, then team concepts cannot be reviewed and practiced to the benefit of the team.
What position will my child play?
At the younger ages, children should play some reasonable mix of offensive and defensive positions. In order for players to develop, CU does not want players below the 12U level constantly playing the same position. For the older age groups some players may start to find their best position and spend the majority of their playing time there.
Is it possible for my child to focus on goalkeeping?
For the 9U and 10U age groups CU believes that every player should spend some time in goal. For older ages, players should voice an interest with coaches so an evaluation can be made. Chatham United also offers goalkeeper clinics for players to develop outside of normal practice times.
When are the games/tournaments/practices?
Depending upon which league your team plays in, games are generally held on Saturdays or Sundays for ten weeks in the fall and ten weeks in the spring. In the fall, teams will typically practice twice each week; in the spring, practices once or twice a week depending on team preference.
Each team is expected to participate in at least two tournaments in the Fall season, including a Labor Day or tune-up tournament. Labor Day or tune-up tournaments are the primary game experience used to get each team ready for Fall league play. Teams may play in additional tournaments and state cup competitions to be agreed upon in the parent team meetings.
How many minutes will my child play in a game?
Players at the 10U level and below should have roughly equal playing time in games. Players at the 11U through 14U level have the reasonable expectation to play at least 33% of each game. Playing time at the 11U level and above will also be determined by participation in practices, player attitude and commitment.
What is your policy regarding "secondary carding" into Chatham United from another club?
When a player is placed on a youth soccer team, a card is created identifying that player as a member of the team. “Secondary carding from outside the club” would occur if a player has a primary card for a team outside Chatham United but also has a secondary card that allows them to play games with a Chatham United team when there is no conflict with their primary team. Chatham United believes that it is inappropriate in general for a “secondary carding” player to take a roster spot away from a player that wishes to play for Chatham United only. The club has therefore adopted the following policy regarding secondary carding:
- In line with NJYS regulations, secondary carding is not allowed at 9U and below.
- At the 10U-14U age levels, secondary carding from outside the club will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances and with prior approval of the Chatham United Board. In general this will only be allowed if an additional player is required to fill out the roster of a team (and hence no other Chatham United player is being displaced). We anticipate that this will only happen in rare circumstances.
Please note that the above policy does not affect secondary carding within Chatham United (i.e. between two CU teams). We shall continue to do that at 10U and above as one way to address turnout issues caused by multi-sport conflicts in the Spring.
PARENTS and PARENT VOLUNTEERS
What responsibilities do parents have?
Generally, parents MUST ensure their children arrive at practice and games on time (at least 30 minutes early for games), communication absences or tardiness to coaches and/or parent managers, and ensure children have appropriate uniforms and equipment on for each practice and game.
Parents MUST routinely check and respond to practice and game availability on TeamSnap. TeamSnap is the primary means of communications for all Chatham United teams. Regular and timely responses regarding availability for practice and games on TeamSnap is absolutely required to ensure games and practices can be held and run smoothly. Failure to timely mark availability on TeamSnap for games can lead to forfeits, which negatively impacts the entire team and the standing of Chatham United in certain leagues.
Are there any open volunteer positions available in Chatham United?
Each team is required to have a parent manager and a parent administrator that will support the coach in scheduling games, communicating with parents, and providing on-field assistance, if needed.
Chatham United is always looking for Club volunteers. For a list of volunteer positions go here.