US Youth Soccer Age Group change explanation

One of the most common questions we hear from families is a fair one: Why are club soccer fees set the way they are? At Elmhurst City Surf, we believe transparency builds trust. Club soccer is an investment, and families deserve to understand not just the cost—but the philosophy and planning behind it. Development Starts Early—and That Matters Our club is built on a simple belief: the most important years in a player’s development happen at the youngest ages . Those early years are when players learn proper technique, build confidence, and fall in love with the game. Because of that, we intentionally invest heavily at the lower age groups. That investment shows up in two important ways. Smaller Teams, Better Development Younger teams are designed with smaller rosters . Fewer players on a team means: More individual attention from coaches More touches on the ball Better learning environments Stronger overall development While this benefits players, it also means that the fixed costs of running a team—coaching, field time, league fees, and administration—are shared by fewer families. As a result, the per-player cost at younger ages can be higher. Many of Our Best Coaches Are With Our Youngest Players We also believe that great coaching matters most early . That’s why we place some of our most experienced, development-focused coaches with our youngest teams. Early habits, proper technique, and confidence-building don’t happen by accident—they require expertise, planning, and intention. This approach leads to stronger players, healthier teams, and a better experience as players move up through the club. It is an investment we believe pays off long-term, even though it comes with real upfront costs. What Your Fees Actually Support Club fees are carefully set each year based on the real costs of running a high-quality program. These include: Professional coaching and ongoing coach education Field rentals, lighting, and maintenance Indoor training space during winter months League and referee fees Insurance, background checks, and safety compliance Administrative and operational support that keeps everything running smoothly Many of these costs are fixed and unavoidable if we want to provide a safe, organized, and professional environment for players. Why We Ask for Deposits Another common question is why the club requires deposits and early commitments. The reality is that most club expenses are due well before the season begins . League registrations, field contracts, coaching commitments, and insurance must all be paid in advance—often months ahead of the first game. Deposits allow us to: Lock in teams and coaching assignments Secure league placement Finalize budgets responsibly Avoid passing unexpected costs on to families later Deposits are not about pressure, they are about stability, fairness, and planning. When families commit early, it allows the entire club to operate smoothly and responsibly. Balancing Quality and Accessibility We understand that club soccer represents a financial commitment for families, and we take that responsibility seriously. That’s why we continue to: Offer financial assistance and scholarships when possible Fundraise to support families in need Operate efficiently to keep fees competitive Remain open and transparent in our communication Our goal is not to be the cheapest club—it’s to provide real value while staying accessible to as many families as possible. Final Thoughts Club soccer fees reflect the cost of doing things the right way: investing early, prioritizing development, supporting great coaching, and running a stable, well-organized program. If you ever have questions about fees, deposits, or financial assistance, we encourage you to reach out. Open communication is part of who we are. Thank you for being part of the Elmhurst City Surf community and for investing in your players’ journey.