2026-27 Age Group Formation Information


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. The 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.


 See full article from USYS



This tool helps determine a player’s age group based on their date of birth. After entering the player’s birthdate, the tool will display the relative age group options for three roster formation cycles: January 1–December 31, August 1–July 31, and September 1–August 31. The results are intended as a guide; please consult your club, league, or organization member to confirm the most appropriate age group for the player.

  • WHY THE CHANGE?

    In order to be eligible to participate in US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, NPL, and ECNL league play & competitions, Tennessee Soccer Club as well as all other clubs nationwide must be compliant with this change.


    For the 2026–27 season, the standard will shift to a seasonal model, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.


    The current birth-year model (January 1 – December 31) to define age groups, which was mandated by U.S. Soccer in 2017 to align with FIFA international standards will be discontinued.


    In collaboration to create a unified path forward in player development and age groupings, the largest youth soccer governing bodies (i.e., US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO) have collectively agreed to move to an age group formation cycle.


    The change will apply to all USYS-sanctioned league and cup competitions (National Championships, Presidents Cup, National League, etc.) and US Club-sanctioned league and competitions (ECNL, ECNL-RL, NPL, USYS, etc.).


  • WHAT AGE GROUP WILL MY CHILD PLAY IN?

    You can use the Age Group Look-up Tool or chart below to find out what birth date corresponds to the proper age group for the 2026-27 season.


    The simplest way to summarize the upcoming change is that on August 1st, 2026:


    Players born January 1st through July 31st will progress to the higher age group for the 26/27 season.

    Ex. Player born in June 2017;

    25/26 Season: U9

    26/27 Season: U10

     

    Players born August 1st through December 31st will remain in the same age group for the 26/27 season.

    Ex. Player born in September 2017;

    25/26 Season: U9

    26/27 Season: U9