US YOUTH SOCCER CEO - TOM CONDONE: AGE GROUP CHANGE STATEMENT (JUNE, 2025)
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. Our associations feel that this age group player formation will be the most inclusive and help increase participation.
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.
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.”
As a reminder, under U.S. Soccer’s new policy, each Federation member can determine age group registration rules for the leagues and competitions they operate or sanction. To support this transition, U.S. Soccer has introduced a tool to help parents and guardians easily understand the age groupings based on their child’s birthdate.
Again, please note that this decision is effective beginning with each Organization Member’s 2026-27 season/registration year.
2026/27 - School Year Age Group Matrix
| 2026/27 Age Group | Date of Birth | Grade | Playing Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-4 | Aug. 1, 2022 - July, 31, 2023 | Pre-School | Story-based learning |
| Under-5 | Aug. 1, 2021 - July, 31, 2022 | Pre-Kindergarten | 4v4 |
| Under-6 | Aug. 1, 2020 - July, 31, 2021 | Kindergarten | 4v4 |
| Under-7 | Aug. 1, 2019 - July, 31, 2020 | 1st Grade | 4v4 |
| Under-8 | Aug. 1, 2018 - July, 31, 2019 | 2nd Grade | 5v5 |
| Under-9 | Aug. 1, 2017 - July, 31, 2018 | 3rd Grade | 7v7 |
| Under-10 | Aug. 1, 2016 - July, 31, 2017 | 4th Grade | 7v7 |
| Under-11 | Aug. 1, 2015 - July, 31, 2016 | 5th Grade | 9v9 |
| Under-12 | Aug. 1, 2014 - July, 31, 2015 | 6th Grade | 9v9 |
| Under-13 | Aug. 1, 2013 - July, 31, 2014 | 7th Grade | 11v11 |
| Under-14 | Aug. 1, 2012 - July, 31, 2013 | 8th Grade | 11v11 |
| Under-15 | Aug. 1, 2011 - July, 31, 2012 | 9th Grade | 11v11 |
| Under-16 | Aug. 1, 2010 - July, 31, 2011 | 10th Grade | 11v11 |
| Under-17 | Aug. 1, 2009 - July, 31, 2010 | 11th Grade | 11v11 |
| Under-18/19 | Aug. 1, 2007 - July, 31, 2009 | 12th Grade | 11v11 |
FLIGHT AGE GROUP CHANGE ANNOUCEMENTS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO THE MEMBERSHIP OF FLIGHT
- How Flight will handle the 26/27 mandated Age Group changes - 1/26 Press Release