Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are youth soccer age groups changing?
A: Beginning with the Fall 2026 season, U.S. youth soccer organizations are moving from calendar-year age groups to school-year age groups (August 1 through July 31). This change is intended to better align players with classmates and school peers. 

Q: How will age groups now be determined?
Players will now be grouped based on an August 1 to July 31 birthdate range instead of the previous January 1 to December 31 system.

Q: Will my player move to a different age group?
A: Possibly. Some players may move up or down depending on their birthdate under the new system. Families should review the updated age group chart before registering. 

Q: Why was this change made?
A: The change is designed to better align soccer teams with school-year classmates, improve player experience, and reduce situations where players are separated from their peers due to birth month differences. 

Q: Does this change begin with Fall 2026?
A: Yes. The updated age group structure takes effect beginning this fall. To find out more, including our HYSC Age Chart, please visit our news article: Big Changes Coming to Youth Soccer: The Shift to School-Year Grouping.