Age Group Changes Beginning Fall 2026

US Soccer Federation has made changes to youth soccer age group formation beginning in Fall 2026.

Youth soccer programs across the country will transition from the current birth-year registration model to a school-year based age grouping system.

What This Means

Starting with the 2026–27 season:

• Players will be placed into age groups based more closely on school grade/class year
• New age group labels and birthdate ranges will be introduced
• Updated registration and team formation processes will follow the new guidelines

The goal of these changes is to better align players socially and developmentally with their peers and classmates.

When Will Changes Take Effect?

The new age group structure will begin in Fall 2026 for the 2026–27 soccer season.