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Age Group Changes for 2026–2027 Season

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:47:10 GMT

Age Group Changes for 2026–2027 Season

In 2016, U.S. Soccer implemented a significant change by moving from school-year-based age groupings (August–July) to a calendar-year system (January–December). This shift was designed to align American youth soccer with international standards set by FIFA, ensuring consistency in player development and national team selection. While the change had long-term benefits, it also created considerable short-term disruption across youth soccer nationwide.

The Impact of the 2016 Change
One of the most notable challenges was the disruption of established teams. Many players were separated from long-time teammates and placed into new age groups, impacting team chemistry and development continuity. Coaches were required to overhaul rosters and adapt training strategies. Although the change helped U.S. Soccer better integrate with global standards and encouraged clubs to focus more on individual development than physical maturity, the feedback from players, parents, and coaches has been clear: the calendar-year model often didn’t align well with school or social structures that significantly influence a young athlete’s experience in the sport.

A New Direction for 2026/27
After thorough review and feedback, U.S. Soccer has announced a return to the school-year age group system beginning with the 2026/27 season. This adjustment, aligning with a August 1 - July 31 age cutoff, is intended to reunite players with classmates and restore the cohesion many teams enjoyed prior to the 2016 shift.

In alignment with this decision, and to ensure eligibility for competition within U.S. Soccer, US Club Soccer, NPL, and ECNL leagues and events, Sporting Club Tallahassee will adopt the school-year age group model beginning with the 2026/27 season for both our Boys and Girls programs.

What This Change Means for Our Club
Key Benefits:

Greater Team Cohesion: Players will now have more opportunities to stay with classmates, enhancing both social bonds and on-field chemistry.
Improved Player Retention: The 2016 change led some players to leave the sport due to disruptions. We anticipate that returning to school-year groupings will help retain more players, especially in younger age groups where friendships are crucial.
Reducing 'Trapped Players': The new August 1 cut-off mitigates the number of trapped players, such as 8th graders playing on a team that is mostly high school players. When high school soccer season starts, those 8th graders are left without a team.

Anticipated Challenges:

Roster Realignments: As with any structural change, teams will need to adjust. Players may switch age groups or teams, and coaches will adapt their plans accordingly.
Temporary Disruptions: Some players may face another round of age group transitions. Our coaching staff is committed to minimizing any negative impact and supporting each player through this process.

We believe this return to school-year alignment will bring long-term stability and a better overall experience for players and families alike. It allows players to stay with their peers throughout their soccer journey, which we hope will help nurture their passion for the game and keep them playing longer.

Looking Ahead
This spring and prior to tryouts we will host informational sessions to answer your questions, explain what the transition means for your child, and provide support during this adjustment. In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Heading to Nationals

Mon, 19 May 2025 17:34:37 GMT

Three Sporting TLH teams heading the Nationals!

Our 2009G NPL team are the NPL State Champions and are heading to Nationals in Denver!

Joining them at NPL Finals are our 2010G and the 2008B are heading back to Denver in National Cup.

Three teams heading to Nationals is nothing any other club in the region can compare to... WE ARE SPORTING TALLAHASSEE!

Girls Promoted to ECNL RL

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:01:27 GMT

Florida Elite Tallahassee Girls Program Earns Promotion

to Elite Club National League - Regional League for 2025-2026 Season

Tallahassee, FL – Florida Elite Tallahassee is proud to announce that its competitive girls program has been promoted from the National Premier League (NPL) to the Elite Club National League - Regional League (ECNL RL) for the 2025-2026 season. This prestigious promotion marks a historic achievement for the club, establishing the ECNL RL as the highest level of competitive youth soccer available for girls in Tallahassee. As part of an exciting new chapter, Florida Elite Tallahassee will now be known as Sporting Tallahassee, reflecting its partnership with the Sporting Club Jacksonville (Sporting JAX) and providing a full pathway for talented players to pursue soccer at the professional level.

This promotion is an extraordinary honor for Sporting Tallahassee, showcasing the dedication, talent, and hard work of its players, coaches, and staff. It represents the best possible advancement for girls soccer in Tallahassee, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth, competition, and exposure on a regional stage.

“This promotion to the ECNL RL is a tremendous honor for our club and a testament to the relentless effort of our players, coaches, and families.” says Lee Blenman, Sporting Tallahassee’s Director of Coaching. “Rebranding as Sporting Tallahassee alongside this milestone elevates girls soccer in our community to new heights, and we’re excited to compete at this elite level while giving our athletes the best opportunities to succeed.”

Nellie Flury, 2009 Girl says: "I’m so proud of our team for achieving this. Advancing to ECNL RL and becoming Sporting Tallahassee is huge for us, allowing us to play a much higher level of competition! I also want to thank our coaches for preparing us to be better players and a more complete team. I’m so excited for the opportunity to play with my teammates against the best teams and to keep pushing myself to be the best player I can be."

Join the Journey

Registration for tryouts for the Sporting Tallahassee girls program opens this week, offering aspiring players the chance to join this elite team as it embarks on its ECNL RL journey. Additionally, an information session for the girls program on the ECNL RL will be held soon, providing families with details about this exciting new chapter. Stay tuned for dates, times, and registration details on our website.

For more information about Sporting Tallahassee and its programs, please visit www.tallahasseesoccer.com or contact lee@floridaelitesa.com

Here comes Sporting TLH!

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 11:48:04 GMT

Florida Elite Tallahassee/TTHFC to become Sporting Tallahassee...

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Effective for the 2025-26 soccer season, Florida Elite Tallahassee/Tallahassee Tottenham Hotspur Futbol Club will become Sporting Club Tallahassee Soccer Academy, an official partner of Sporting Club Jacksonville.

Starting immediately, Florida Elite Tallahassee will begin the transition to the Sporting TLH brand, which will include a uniform redesign for the 2025-27 uniform cycle to align with Sporting JAX’s team colors.

On November 25, 2024, Florida Elite Soccer Academy announced a groundbreaking new partnership with Sporting JAX Foundation, the not-for-profit wing of Sporting JAX. As part of Florida Elite with our own identity in Tallahassee we continue to work toward the same goals. This partnership provides the highest level of service to the Tallahassee soccer community.

“Any youth player, male or female in the area now has the pathway to progress to the professional level through Sporting Tallahassee,” says Lee Blenman, Florida Elite Tallahassee’s Director of Coaching. “The enhanced resources and upcoming Residential Academy make Sporting Tallahassee the only club in the region to play for.”

Florida Elite Executive Director, Sean Bubb, added: “We have worked hard over the past 10 years to grow Florida Elite Soccer Academy. It is now one of the best youth soccer organizations in the US and since 2018 Tallahassee has been a big part of our success. Our partnership with Sporting JAX creates unprecedented access for all players in North Florida.”

We will be holding a Town Hall meeting with full details. More information will follow soon.

About Florida Elite Tallahassee/TTHFC

Florida Elite Tallahassee/Tallahassee Tottenham Hotspur Futbol Club is part of the largest and most successful youth soccer club in the United States operating boys and girl’s programs from ages 3 to 19. Our roots date back to Top of Florida (formed 1982), Capital Soccer Association (formed 1987) and Tallahassee United Futbol Club (formed 1997). In 2014, we became Tallahassee Tottenham Hotspur Futbol Club, and in 2018 we partnered with Florida Elite Soccer Academy to become Florida Elite Tallahassee. For more information on us visit www.tallahasseesoccer.com .

About the Sporting JAX Foundation

Sporting JAX Foundation, Inc. is the charitable arm of Sporting Club Jacksonville (Sporting JAX) dedicated to empowering youth through the unifying force of sports and promoting the benefits of soccer in the communities it serves. Guided by the club’s motto, “Lift Every Voice,” the North Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit is committed to creating opportunities where access to soccer and sport is limited or nonexistent while building stronger, more inclusive communities. Through innovative educational programs, soccer-focused initiatives and athletic facilities, the foundation strives to build stronger, more inclusive communities while promoting healthy living, building character and inspiring the next generation to reach their full potential. For more information, visit https://foundation.sportingjax.com or email foundation@sportingjax.com.

About Sporting Club Jacksonville (Sporting JAX)

Sporting Club Jacksonville, or “Sporting JAX,” was established in 2020 by a passionate group of Jacksonville-based owners and is driven by a bold vision to elevate the area’s soccer scene. Renamed in collaboration with the First Coast community in 2023, the club is committed to launching a women’s professional USL Super League club, a men’s professional USL Championship club and USL Youth Academy in Northeast Florida. Through work with city and county officials, Sporting JAX will spearhead the development of a 15,000-capacity community stadium and training facilities, positioning the First Coast as a premier destination for soccer excellence. The ownership group is led by prominent entrepreneur Ricky Caplin, alongside sporting legends Tim Tebow and Fred Taylor, seasoned pro soccer executive Steve Livingstone and local community innovator Tony Allegretti. Additionally, renowned UF women’s soccer coach Becky Burleigh leads Sporting JAX’s efforts as a consultant to the women’s pro team. For more information, visit www.sportingjax.com .

2011B ECNL RL NORTH CHAMPIONS

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 22:08:20 GMT

A MASSIVE congratulations to our 2011 Boys for finishing as Champions of the ECNL RL North Division!

The team finished with a record of 14 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw! With a goal difference of +51!!!! It’s an outstanding achievement. They proved that they’re the best 2011 team in the Panhandle, and one of the best 2011 teams in the state!

A huge round of applause for Coach Jacob and all the boys! We are so proud!

FSI 2024

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 21:54:53 GMT

FSI 2024 is a huge success!

The Florida State Invitational is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2024. Starting out as a small event we are now established as one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in North Florida. This year we hosted over 160 teams from Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi making it the biggest non-college related event in town.

TOC Renews for 2024

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:46:04 GMT

Florida Elite Tallahassee is excited to announce Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic (TOC) has become the official sponsor of our Recreation Program. TOC is the region’s premier orthopedic provider and is committed to empower every patient, from all ages and skill levels, to regain and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. (2021)

"We have worked with TOC for many years and are extremely happy to formalize our relationship. Our organizations share similar values of excellence, compassion, integrity, accountability and commitment. This sponsorship will help provide additional playing opportunities for our local community." Lee Blenman, Director of Coaching

This sponsorship will help lower the cost for recreation soccer and allow us to continue instilling the love for soccer in more kids throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding areas.

2008 Boys Reach Elite 8

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 16:46:03 GMT

An AMAZING season comes to an end for our 2008 Elite Boys. They played their hearts out today, but ultimately fell short in the NPL National Quarterfinals.

These boys represented our city, state and club incredibly well all year long. We are so proud of them!

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/21092/schedules?group=166708

08B Recognized by City!

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:40:16 GMT

Our 2008 Elite Boys were recognized by the City of Tallahassee with a proclamation for winning the Florida Club League!

Our 2008 Elite Boys were recognized by the City of Tallahassee with a proclamation for winning the Florida Club League and their overall outstanding leadership.

You can now watch the video of our boys receiving the proclamation on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dax5NBUiaFE

Cate moves to Nashville!

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:40:15 GMT

Congrats to Cameron Cate for being selected to join Nashville SC’s Academy!

“This is an outstanding opportunity for Cameron to join one of the top MLS clubs in the country. We are really proud of him and the hard work he has put in to get here. It was clear when he started playing for us at age 5 he was a special talent, and it has been a pleasure to watch him develop into a fine player. We wish him and his family the best of luck in Nashville.” – Lee Blenman, Director of Coaching

Cameron will be a full-time player on Nashville SC’s U13 MLS Academy team beginning this fall. He is the third player from Florida Elite Tallahassee currently playing in an MLS academy.

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 12:40:15 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that we are joining the ECNL Regional League!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 31, 2023

Florida Elite Tallahassee Joining ECNL Regional League in 2023-24

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida Elite Tallahassee is the first club from the Florida Panhandle to join the ECNL Regional League (ECNL RL). The league made the announcement today and attributes Florida Elite Tallahassee’s success in the National Premier League as a primary reason for selecting the Tallahassee-based club as its newest member.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for players in our area of the state to compete in one of the nation’s best soccer leagues,” says Lee Blenman, Florida Elite Tallahassee’s Director of Coaching. “Our advancement to the ECNL RL is a recognition of our players’ drive to be the best and our coaches’ commitment to helping them reach their goals. Now is the time to take our game to the next level.”

Florida Elite Tallahassee’s boys teams, from U13 to U19, will begin play in the ECNL RL at the start of the 2023-24 season in August. These teams have dominated the National Premier League (NPL) for the last two seasons in Florida, highlighted by a championship won by Florida Elite Tallahassee’s 2009 Elite Boys team last July at the NPL East Playoffs in North Carolina.

“Our Tallahassee teams can go head-to-head with any team in Florida,” says Sean Bubb, Florida Elite Soccer Academy’s Executive Director. “Playing in the ECNL RL will give them a chance to show their excellence in a league that’s closely watched by college scouts while providing more opportunities than ever to get national recognition.”

“Our boys earned their spot in the ECNL RL and our girls are ready to do the same,” added Blenman. “We are completely focused on pushing our girls program forward and are heavily invested in making that happen. Their pathway starts in the fall as part of the NPL.”

ABOUT THE ECNL RL

ECNL Boys Regional Leagues are operated and managed so as to ensure a consistent environment and level of professionalism across all leagues, facilitating more club connectivity between levels of play and providing a path for more players within each Member Club to reach their fullest potential. Each league allows for coordination and collaboration between the teams of different levels within ECNL clubs, or opportunity for teams and players in other clubs to develop through regular high-level competition.

The ECNL Boys Regional Leagues will offer a pathway to the ECNL Boys Regional League Finals, held in conjunction with the ECNL Boys Playoffs.