Why is this change happening?
US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, American Youth Soccer Association, Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), Girls Academy, and MLS Next Academy Division have decided to move to an age group formation that changes from January 1-December 31 birth year player placement, to the school age group calendar of August 1-July 31 placement to better align players with their school grade peers.
When does this change take effect?
The change will go into effect for the 2026-2027 season. There is no change during the remainder of the current 2025-2026 season.
How do I know my player’s age group for 2026-2027?
U.S. Soccer Age Group Formation Tool.
Why was August 1-July 31 chosen as the 'optimal' school calendar year birthdate range?
U.S. Soccer has established the August 1-July 31 birth-year period as the most widely adopted and consistent model across the country.
As a member club, we follow this national standard to ensure that our players are aligned with age groups used in leagues, tournaments, development pathways, and college recruiting across the U.S.
We recognize that there is no single, universal birth-date protocol used nationwide. Different organizations and school systems follow different calendars, which can understandably create confusion, including here in Iowa, where the school cutoff dates do not align with the youth soccer birth-year calendar.
We do understand that this may place some players - particularly those born in August and September - on teams with peers who may not match their school-grade peers. While this may feel unfamiliar at first, please know that this is a nationwide system and not a club-specific decision. All clubs in our preferred leagues follow the same structure, so the competitive balance should remains consistent.
Regardless of the competitive balance, our focus is on player development, and we will work to ensure every child is placed in an environment that fits their developmental needs and long-term growth, to the best of or ability. Socially, many players adjust quickly as they meet teammates across school boundaries, which is common throughout youth sports at this level. This is particularly accurate at a club like FC United, where playing, and training, across age groups up or down a year, has not been a rarity. If you have concerns about your child’s placement or need help understanding how the birth-year system applies to your player, we’re here to help.
Can a player play up an age group?
Yes, a player could discretionarily be placed in an alternate age group. This move is often temporary, based on the relative growth and experience of that player. The decision on player placement is made by the coaching staff and must be approved by the club's Technical Director or technical leadership with several factors in mind - player skill level, soccer maturity, current development level, anticipated future development level, player commitment, and our past experience with many other players who were in similar situations in prior years. We have the benefit of some data that has helped form current policies and procedures.
A player who is selected to play up for one season may continue to play up during additional seasons or be placed back with their appropriate peer group at some point at the discretion of the club and based on the needs of the player at that particular time.
Can a player try out for another age group?
As in previous years, any player wanting to attend a tryout with any other age group, must also attend the tryout for their stated age group.
Players must have pre-approval from the club's Technical Leadership to participate in a tryout, other than the one designated for their stated age group. Player development is unique to each player and decisions about playing up will be made by technical staff with discussions with the parent and player.
Can my child play in a younger age group?
From a compliance standpoint, players who were held back a grade in school are tied toe their projected age group based on their birth date.
However, although a player may not 'formally' compete in a younger age group within certain league(s) there are times where playing down will benefit some players in the short term. These decisions are managed on a case by case basis and these could include training with another age group and ultimately competing with another age group, with the consent of the league, event, and the careful consideration of the factors driving that decision.
Athletic development, as well as child development, can be very independent. Developing as a soccer player is not solely determined by relative age, it's determined a multitude of experiences and more highly impacted by the training environment, the curriculum necessary as a foundational building block for playing the sport, and a number of other factors including family support and encouragement.
Will my player or team be affected?
Players born in August through December may be more likely to shift age groups. Some team rosters will see some change with players staying at the stated level with their school aged peers or playing up. Players who stay at the stated age group per their birthdate have the benefit of gaining more confidence, leadership skills, and find themselves progressing on the same timeline as their school/grade peers.
Will tryout registration be based on a player’s school year or DOB?
Tryout registration will be based on a player’s date of birth and not their grade level in school. Players who have been held back a year in school will not be affected. Use the updated birth band to determine their projected tryout and player registration.
Any and all exceptions must be approved at the discretion of the club's technical development leadership.
Will tryouts for next season change?
Tryouts will be based on the August 1-July 31 age group formation and not by birth year.
Some current travel players will receive rolling offers and may be placed on rosters based on their performance and current as well as optimal developmental progress.
All players should attend their 'stated' and projected age group tryout. The club's technical leadership will make a determination on player placement following evaluations. More details about the tryout process will be communicated once they are finalized.
When will the projected 2026-2027 coaching slate be announced?
The goal is to announce the slate prior to official ID Sessions and before the start of the projected team formations in the spring. Typically, coaching assignments for oldest teams are announced first.
**Updated 12/27/25**