Back Line (4) 1 – Goalkeeper 2 – Right Back 3 – Left Back 4 – Center Back 5 – Center Back Midfield (5) 6 – Defensive Midfielder 8 – Box-to-Box Central Midfielder 10 – Attacking Midfielder 7 – Right Midfielder / Winger 11 – Left Midfielder / Winger Forward (1) 9 – Striker Position Roles & Responsibilities (Attacking & Defensive) 1 – Goalkeeper Attacking - Starts buildup with feet (short or long distribution) - Supports possession as an outlet - Quick restarts to exploit numbers up Defensive - Shot stopping - Organizes back line - Controls space behind defense (sweeper role) Defense 2 – Right Back Attacking - Provides width on the right - Overlaps and supports wide midfielder - Delivers crosses when space allows Defensive - Defends opposing left winger - Maintains compact back line - Recovers quickly on turnovers 3 – Left Back Attacking - Provides width on the left - Supports buildup and overlapping runs - Delivers crosses into the box Defensive - Defends opposing right winger - Tracks runners and recovers quickly - Maintains defensive shape 4 – Center Back Attacking - Initiates buildup with clean passing - Steps into midfield when space is available - Supports set pieces offensively Defensive - Primary defender vs striker - Strong in aerial duels - Maintains defensive line and clears danger 5 – Center Back Attacking - Helps circulate possession - Switches the point of attack - Supports set pieces Defensive - Covers space behind the back line - Organizes and communicates - Provides cover for partner center back Midfield 6 – Defensive Midfielder (Holding Mid) Attacking - Acts as the pivot in buildup - Keeps possession with simple passes - Drops between center backs when needed Defensive - Shields the back four - Breaks up attacks and wins second balls - Screens passing lanes 8 – Central Midfielder (Box-to-Box) Attacking - Links defense to attack - Makes late runs into the box - Supports wide areas and central play

1 – GoalkeeperShot-stopper, organizer, last line of defense. 2 – Right BackDefensive first, supports wide attack. 3 – Left BackMirror of the right back, often overlaps. 4 – Center BackStrong defender, wins tackles & headers. 6 – Defensive Midfielder (Holding Mid)Protects the back line, breaks up play. 8 – Box-to-Box MidfielderEngine of the team—defends and attacks. 10 – Attacking Midfielder (Playmaker)Creative hub, vision, goals + assists. 7 – Right WingerSpeed, dribbling, crosses, cutting inside. 11 – Left Winger Width, creativity, goal threat. 9 – StrikerPrimary goal scorer, holds up play.

Youth Soccer Age Group Change — What Parents Need to Know Starting with the 2026–27 season (beginning August 1, 2026), youth soccer age groups in our club will change to a new system. This aligns teams with the school year (August 1–July 31) instead of the old calendar year model (January 1–December 31). 🧠 Why the Change? This change matches soccer age groups with the school year, which: - Keeps teammates closer by age and grade - Helps kids train and compete with peers at similar stages of physical and emotional development - Creates more consistent training environments throughout the year - Makes the transition between school levels smoother 📅 What Is Changing? Old System: - Age groups were based on calendar year birthdates (Jan 1–Dec 31). - New System (2026–27 Season): - Age groups are based on August 1 – July 31 birthdays - Teams may be reorganized based on this new system - Players may move to a different age group to align with school-year peers 📌 What This Means for Your Child - Your child may be on a different team than last season - No one will be moved without careful evaluation by coaches - Annual tryouts/evaluations will still happen placement is based on ability and development, not just age - Coaches will work with families to minimize disruption and answer questions 📍 How It Helps Players Kids will benefit because the new system: - Adds stability in training groups - Encourages confidence as players compete with kids closer in age - Makes long-term development planning easier - Helps with smoother school and social transitions 📆 Example — 2026/27 Age Groups Age Group Birthdate Range U19Aug 1, 2007 – Jul 31, 2009 U17Aug 1, 2009 – Jul 31, 2010 U16Aug 1, 2010 – Jul 31, 2011 U15Aug 1, 2011 – Jul 31, 2012 U14Aug 1, 2012 – Jul 31, 2013 U13Aug 1, 2013 – Jul 31, 2014 U12Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2015 U11Aug 1, 2015 – Jul 31, 2016 U10Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2017 U9Aug 1, 2017 – Jul 31, 2018 U8Aug 1, 2018 – Jul 31, 2019