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 2026-27 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.
The August 1 to July 31 age group player formation cycle will be used for all USYS league and Cup competitions for the 2026-27 season/registration year including: National Championships, Presidents Cup, and National League. To support this transition, US Soccer has introduced a tool to help parents and guardians easily understand the age groupings based on their child’s birthdate.
| AGE GROUP | 2025-2026 SEASON | 2026-2027 SEASON |
| 6U | Born between Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 | Born between Aug 1, 2020 – July 31, 2021 |
| 7U | Born between Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019 | Born between Aug 1, 2019 – July 31, 2020 |
| 8U | Born between Jan 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018 | Born between Aug 1, 2018 – July 31, 2019 |
| 9U | Born between Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017 | Born between Aug 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018 |
| 10U | Born between Jan 1, 2016 – Dec 31, 2016 | Born between Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017 |
| 11U | Born between Jan 1, 2015 – Dec 31, 2015 | Born between Aug 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016 |
| 12U | Born between Jan 1, 2014 – Dec 31, 2014 | Born between Aug 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015 |
| 13U | Born between Jan 1, 2013 – Dec 31, 2013 | Born between Aug 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014 |
| 14U | Born between Jan 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2012 | Born between Aug 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013 |
| 15U | Born between Jan 1, 2011 – Dec 31, 2011 | Born between Aug 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012 |
| 16U | Born between Jan 1, 2010 – Dec 31, 2010 | Born between Aug 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 |
| 17U | Born between Jan 1, 2009 – Dec 31, 2009 | Born between Aug 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010 |
| 18U | Born between Jan 1, 2008 – Dec 31, 2008 | Born between Aug 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009 |
| 19U | Born between Jan 1, 2007 – Dec 31, 2007 | Born between Aug 1, 2007 – July 31, 2008 |
2026/2027 Age Group Changes FAQ
Why is the age group cut-off changing from January 1 (birth year ages)?
The August 1, age group cut-off most effectively reduces the number of “trapped players” in youth soccer and reduces negative impacts on these players at multiple stages of their career. “Trapped” players are those who, due to soccer age group cut-offs, are in an older soccer age group than their school year. Trapped players have significantly reduced competition opportunities and disrupted training experiences in 8th grade (when most of their team is in high school) and are similarly negatively impacted four years later when players from the older soccer age group, but who are still in high school, are moved down into the same soccer age group.
US Youth Soccer CEO Tom Condone addressed the adjustment to the registration process: “At US Youth Soccer, our mission is to support the development of every player. After careful collaboration with our partners and listening to our membership, 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.”
This decision to move to the Aug. 1 cut-off reverts to the same age group cut-off used prior to 2017, when U.S. Soccer mandated a Jan. 1-Dec. 31 timeframe. U.S. Soccer removed this mandate in late 2024, empowering its Organization Members to make the most appropriate age group formation decision for their members. US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer and AYSO – the three largest youth soccer organizations in the country – have remained in lockstep in making these decisions, recognizing the importance of consistency across the landscape.
Why is Aug. 1 a better age group cut-off than Sept. 1?
Initially, US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer and AYSO had determined to use a Sept. 1 age group cut-off instead of Aug. 1. After receiving significant feedback and identifying missing information in Department of Education school year cut-off lists, it has been determined that the Aug. 1 cut-off best reduces misalignment between age and school year. The Aug. 1 cut-off reduces not only the trapped player effect, but it also reduces the number of “force-ups,” a term referring to players in a younger soccer age group but older school year who must play up an age group in order to be with their school-year friends.
When do the age group changes take effect?
For the 2026/2027 seasonal year, USYS competition age groups will be structured based on the dates August 1-July 31. Beginning on 8/1/2026 all USYS competitions will use August 1-July 31to group players. All teams formed for the 2026/2027 seasonal year should be grouped based on these dates
What age group will my child play in based on these changes?
Please use the tables provided on this page, or use the US Soccer formation tool to determine which age group they belong in.