U.S. Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and the Association Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) collectively announced a major update to age group formation that will take effect beginning with the 2026–27 seasonal year.
This change moves away from the current calendar-year (January–December) model and returns to a seasonal-year (August–July) model for age grouping. Please see the full article from US Club Soccer here.
This nationwide change, supported by U.S. Soccer, US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO, aims to align players more closely with their school-grade peers. NCYSA supports the transition and will provide guidance and resources to help clubs, coaches, and families adjust smoothly.
Current System: Birth year (January 1 - December 31)
New System: Seasonal year (August 1 - July 31)
- Starting with the 2026-27 Fall season, youth soccer will move from the current calendar-year (January-December) model to a seasonal-year (August-July) model for age grouping.
- This aligns age groups with the school year, placing players with their school-grade peers.
- Your player's birth date, rather than solely year of birth, will determine their division placement moving forward. Age divisions will consist of players born August 1-July 31, rather than January 1-December 31.
Players move up in age divisions in the Fall Season ONLY.
Age Division Lookup
Enter your child's birth date to find their age group for 2026-2027
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