Thursday Soccer Roundup - Birth Year to School Year, D1-or-Bust, Recruiting Tips & More!

Welcome to your Thursday soccer briefing!

Let’s dive into the latest updates, insights, and tips to help you navigate the world of college soccer recruiting.

🏆 Big Changes Ahead: Birth Year ➜ School Year Registration

US Soccer is officially transitioning from Birth Year registration to School Year registration starting in the 2026/27 cycle.

Some clubs, like the Nationals Girls Academy (@NationalsGA), are already getting ahead of the curve. At Nationals ECNL, we’ve been preparing for this change by:

Developing a structured age-group plan
Establishing clear timelines & communication
Offering internal + external evaluation opportunities (within ECNL rules)
Ensuring a smooth, player-first transition focused on development & exposure

This change is significant, but with the right preparation, it’s an opportunity to grow and thrive!

🚨 Excellent Read: The D1-or-Bust Mentality

By Erica Mulholland (@fitsoccerqueen)

Too often, I hear young players say, “I want to play D1!” But when asked why, most can’t give a genuine, in-depth answer.

Erica’s article, “Turning Down Division I College Soccer Offers Was the Best Decision I Made,” is a must-read for players and families. She shares her perspective on why the D1 path isn’t for everyone—and why that’s okay.

Every player’s journey is unique, and while D1 is amazing for some, it’s not the only path to success.

https://ericasuter.com/turning-down-division-i-college-soccer-offers-was-the-best-decision-i-made/

🧠 Recruiting Wisdom

💡 From @The901R on X:"TRUTH: After their first collegiate season, many freshmen find that Signing Day and Posting Day were the highlights of their college soccer journey."

🎯 Take Action Today

Remember: “It’s not how good you are, but who knows you’re good!”