February 2, 2026
Age Group Classification Statement
Updated Decision on Age Group Formation
What is changing?
U.S. Soccer and major youth soccer organizations are shifting the age-group
cutoff back to a seasonal (school-year) model rather than the calendar year (birth-year) model starting with the 2026–27 soccer year (Aug. 1, 2026–Jul. 31, 2027).
Why is this change happening?
- Better align teams with school grades and support long-term player development
- Help players stay with friends and classmates
- Improve overall player experience and long-term enjoyment of the game
- Eliminate the “trapped” player between eighth and ninth grade
