Youth Soccer Age Group Changes: What You Need to Know
The youth soccer landscape is evolving to better align with international standards and optimize player development. This transition ensures that players compete in environments that are developmentally appropriate for their school year, fostering growth, safety, and competitive balance across all age groups.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, U.S. Soccer will shift to a school calendar age grouping system (August–July) from the birth-year system (January–December) for forming teams. This nationwide change, directed by U.S. Soccer and adopted by most youth leagues across the country, is designed to better align youth soccer with the school calendar, keep most teammates together as classmates, reduce the “trapped player” issue, improve college identification for recruiters, and create a clearer, more consistent experience for players and families.
While this may result in players moving to different age groups or playing with new teammates, the core objective remains the same: providing a high-quality soccer experience that emphasizes skill acquisition, teamwork, and a lifelong love for the game. We encourage all members to review the updated chart below to understand how these changes specifically impact their child's placement for the 2026-27 season and beyond.
Age Group Change Chart
Birth Year
U6
U7
U8
U9
U10
U11
U12
U13
U14
U15
U16
U17
U19
2025-2026 Season
Born between Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020
Born between Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019
Born between Jan 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018
Born between Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017
Born between Jan 1, 2016 – Dec 31, 2016
Born between Jan 1, 2015 – Dec 31, 2015
Born between Jan 1, 2014 – Dec 31, 2014
Born between Jan 1, 2013 – Dec 31, 2013
Born between Jan 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2012
Born between Jan 1, 2011 – Dec 31, 2011
Born between Jan 1, 2010 – Dec 31, 2010
Born between Jan 1, 2010 – Dec 31, 2010
Born between Jan 1, 2007 – Dec 31, 2007
2026-2027 Season
Born between Aug 1, 2020 – July 31, 2021
Born between Aug 1, 2019 – July 31, 2020
Born between Aug 1, 2018 – July 31, 2019
Born between Aug 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018
Born between Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017
Born between Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017
Born between Aug 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016
Born between Aug 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015
Born between Aug 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014
Born between Aug 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013
Born between Aug 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012
Born between Aug 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011
Born between Aug 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010
Born between Aug 1, 2007 – July 31, 2008
BENEFITS OF THE AGE GROUP CHANGE
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Aligns players in their appropriate age group with their
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peers and player development needs.
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Transparent and fair evaluation for all players.
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Early engagement and reduced uncertainty for current
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players and parents.
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Long term vision for player development.
Following extensive review and discussion, US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer have collectively decided to move to an age group player formation cycle that runs from August 1 to July 31, starting with the 2026-2027 season/registration year. This change was made based on additional critical feedback, data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers. Our associations feel that this age group player formation will be the most inclusive and help increase participation.
-- usyouthsoccer.org June 10, 2025
PLAYING “UP” AN AGE GROUP
*This section pertains to our Travel Program players only.
Playing up is always a developmentally-based decision, not based on convenience or preference. A player may be chosen to play up if they are identified by technical staff to have:
- Exceptional technical skill
- Advanced tactical understanding
- Strong physical readiness
- Positive attitude, leadership, consistency, and commitment
Technical staff will evaluate a player's level of development using:
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Player evaluations
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Player statistics
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Coach recommendations
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Technical staff determination - through direct observation or
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VEO footage