Everything you need to know about the approaching age group change

What’s Changing in Youth Soccer

For the upcoming 2026/2027 season, major youth soccer organizations, including US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and AYSO, will shift from “birth-year” age groups to “school-year” age groups. This update aligns soccer more closely with school grade levels, aiming to improve inclusivity, reduce mismatches, and support player development and participation.

The New Age Group System

Since 2017, these organizations have formed teams based on the calendar year, using birthdays from January 1 through December 31. After gathering feedback and conducting research, youth soccer teams will now be formed based on a seasonal age-group cycle from August 1 through July 31. As US Youth Soccer CEO Tom Condone explained, “We believe this shift to an August 1 player formation cycle better aligns with school calendars, supports social and individual needs, and ultimately enhances the youth soccer experience for families across the country.” US Youth Soccer emphasizes its commitment to supporting the development of every player, and this adjustment is intended to further that goal.

Why the Change Matters

This change is important because with the current birth-year age groups, there are players who get “trapped” (US Club Soccer), which leads to mismatches in training, competition, and social development. For example, a player who is in eighth grade but has teammates playing in high school soccer may have fewer training and game opportunities. Similarly, some high school senior players must move down an age group, because many of their teammates will have already graduated. Changing to age groups that align better with school years will help reduce the number of “trapped” players. This shift also supports overall youth soccer participation. Evidence suggests that age groups aligned with school-grade cohorts lead to higher enrollment and better long-term player retention (US Club Soccer). Kids are more likely to experience a smoother balance between sport, school, and social life. Overall, this change will make youth soccer more inclusive, socially aligned, and developmentally appropriate.

Who Will Be Impacted?

All youth soccer players, families, and clubs will be affected by this transition, as every roster will be updated for the 2026/2027 season. Some players may move up or down an age group, join new teams, or gain new teammates. Clubs will need to reorganize rosters and reassign coaches based on the new cutoff dates. It is expected that nearly every team will be impacted in some way.

How to Prepare



To be prepared for this change, it’s most important to stay in communication with your child’s club and coach. Check their new age group, follow tryout information, anticipate roster changes, and ask questions as needed. Being proactive will help ensure a smooth and positive transition into the new season!

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