Understanding the U.S. Soccer Age Change!
- PDA SOUTH STAFF
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
The recent changes in U.S. Soccer’s age group classifications have sparked a lot of conversations among parents, coaches, and players. These adjustments affect how youth players are grouped for competitions and training. See the press release below:
How the Age Change Works
U.S. Soccer is shifting from calendar-year (Jan 1–Dec 31) to school-year (Aug 1–July 31) age groups for youth players starting with the 2026–2027 season. This change aims to align team rosters with school grades, reducing the number of "trapped" players. The adjustment applies to U.S. Soccer, US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and AYSO.
This change affects:
Player eligibility for tournaments and leagues
Team formations and rosters
Competition levels within age groups
FAQ:
WHO DOES THIS AFFECT?
Players in ECNL, ECNL-RL, GA, GA-Aspire, DPL, EA, MLS Next Academy, and State Leagues.
WHEN DOES THIS CHANGE BEGIN?
Change will begin for this upcoming 2026-2027 season
WHY MAKE THE CHANGE TO SCHOOL YEAR vs BIRTH YEAR?
This change aims to better align soccer teams with school grade levels, allowing more players to compete alongside their classmates and reducing the challenges faced by "trapped players" (those whose birthdays cause them to be separated from grade-level peers at key transition points like 8th grade or high school senior year)
Improve the recruiting experience and provide easier identification for college soccer
HOW WILL THE CLUB HANDLE CURRENT ROSTERS?
Players will be moved to align with the new registration rules in accordance with U.S. SOCCER.
CAN MY DAUGHTER STAY WITH HER CURRENT TEAM?
Players will be moved to align with the new registration rules in accordance with US SOCCER. The club will allow identified players to play "up" a year for developmental reasons ONLY. These decisions will be made by the coach and PDA SOUTH staff.
This WILL NOT be initiated by the player or parent.
WHAT IS THE CLUB DOING TO PREPARE FOR THE UPCOMING CHANGE?
Coaches and PDA SOUTH staff are reviewing their current rosters
Assessing the current player pools to see how we currently align with the upcoming change
Tryouts dates are being drafted
Coaches will be engaging with players and families to address the upcoming changes. Clear communication to support players and families during this transition.
Comments