Blaine Soccer Club

As a general rule, Blaine SC players should play within their natural age group, according to birth year guidelines set by Minnesota Youth Soccer Association and USSF.

However, we recognize that in certain cases, due to:

• a player's exceptional ability,
• advanced physical or emotional development  
• a high appetite for soccer,

opportunities for that player to compete in older age groups may be appropriate. Opportunities for players to compete in an older age group will be decided by the Blaine SC Directors of Coaching, and members of the Technical Staff. As a rule, players must be ranked in the top 11 in the top team, in the age group they are playing up to. Otherwise, they will not be considered to play up. **Amended** The Top 11 rule only applies to players U17 and younger in 2016/17. The Top 11 rule therefore applies to players born in 2000 or younger.

* Players who wish to tryout to play at an older age group, must also tryout at their own age group to ensure team placement.

It is important to also keep in mind that the decision to allow a player to play up is an ongoing evaluation.

An opportunity to play up now does not guarantee future opportunities. Opportunities will be evaluated and determined on an ongoing basis. Players can always guest play up in certain tournaments and league matches.

Players trying out at an age group up must pay an additional $20 tryout fee at the time of registration.