What is a Trapped Player in Soccer?

A “Trapped Player” is any 8th grader who is a member of a U-15 team, which mostly consists of 9th graders.

They are considered “trapped” because most players will play for their high school in their Freshman year. Therefore, there will be no U-15 club soccer team for the fall season. They will pick back up in the spring.

These players are usually born in August or early September.

It’s a tricky situation and I feel for the kids that fall in this group.

If your club plays 10 months out of the year with a fall and spring season, there is no issue. You are no longer considered a trapped player.

But, leagues like ECNL promote playing for your high school so it may cause a challenge to trapped players.

What can you do? Here are a few options…

1. Work with your club: Sometimes clubs will let the 8th grader train with another team (different league, age group, gender, etc.). Or, depending on the league and club, you may be able to join some friendlies and tournament games.
2. Work with your schools: I’ve heard situations where an 8th grader plays for their high school team. No promises and it depends on the school board and district.
3. Go elsewhere: This is easier for the boys where leagues like MLS NEXT require players to not play for their high school. Many teams will have a mix of 8th and 9th graders at the U-15 level.

I hope this helps!

It kinda stinks being born in an odd month but you do have options!