Playing Up Policy

KOPSC believes that most players will develop best at their age appropriate level than at an age level above. Therefore, KOPSC strong encourages play in the appropriate age group based on the age cut-offs as directed by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association. All players will be assessed at their appropriate age level during the tryout process.

The club recognizes that, although rare, a few exceptionally talented players may exist where their development age exceeds their chronological age - for example a player is physically more advanced at own age group or the player has a significantly more advanced skill level than other players at own age group.

In these circumstances the club’s Board of Directors will review such on a case by case basis whether a player’s technical, tactical, mental and physical abilities warrant consideration for playing at the next age level. When it is determined to be in the best interest of a player’s development, the club will permit the player to be evaluated with the older age group during Summer training. If the player’s assessment determines the player to be an impact-player (top 25%) of the players in the older age group then he/she earns the chance to play up, pending Board approval. Otherwise, the player will play age appropriate. 

Please note that playing up is the exception rather than the rule. It is only reserved for exceptional players who possess the skill, soccer knowledge, and the physical and emotional development of an older player. Playing up as an impact-player can have several advantages for a players development. Playing up as a depth-player does not benefit the player and may cause a player to regress.

The sole factor regarding playing up is whatever is in a player’s best interest developmentally. It should not be based upon ego, prestige or the particular best interests of any one team. Under no circumstance should coaches exploit the situation by holding players back in their quest for winning, nor should parents push their child in an attempt to accelerate their ascension to the top of the soccer pyramid. Players who ‘play-up’ are evaluated on an annual basis. A player who plays up one-year will not be guaranteed to play up the next year and prior team affiliation is not a consideration.

Any questions please contact us