Lower numbers in 2009 age group (or just an excuse)?

I heard two different G09 coaches mention that there is a lower number of 2009 players and it has been difficult to form teams. It definitely "feels" that way with our local area clubs fielding less teams compared to the 2008's. So I decided to count the number of girls U10 teams in SCDSL fall league for the past 3 years:

Age / F1 / F2 / F3 / Total
09's (2018) / 15 / 30 / 32 / 77
08's (2017) / 17 / 27 / 46 / 90
07's (2016) / 14 / 30 / 26 / 70

So it does look like there is a significant uptick in teams for the 08 age group...but 09's have more teams compared to 07's at the same U10 age in 2016. I guess we should expect a downtrend in number of U10 teams when looking at the decline of US births since the great recession?

2016-Update-Slides.jpg
 
You are right, I did some research and noticed the same trend in Socal. For example in LA County, the 2009 age group has the smallest number of students going to public schools. It just means more recruiting and fewer teams for this age group. You add that to the fact that customers (Parents) are beginning to get smarter about club soccer and you will see consolidation at all levels. Kids are too focused on other activities outside of sports.
 
For the state cup tournament, there were 345 2009 teams (boys and girls) this year but for comparison last year there were 394 2008 teams.
 
This Might explain why so may 09 teams have to work extra hard in order to complete their rosters.
There might even be some teams at risk of not having enough players...
 
By simple virtue of supply/demand , having a very good 09 player is like having a 2010 Brunello di Montalcino, it keeps on appreciating...
 
I heard rumors that Slammers Newport might not have all 6 09 teams any longer. Which team is the casualty? Anybody knows?
 
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