US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO Return to School-Year Age Groups in 2026
The three largest youth soccer organizations in America are returning to a school-year based age grouping system starting in 2026, allowing more children to play with their classmates instead of being divided by birth year.
TL;DR:
A Major Shift for Youth Soccer in America
This collaborative decision by US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and the American Youth Soccer Organization represents a significant reversal of the 2016 policy that moved youth soccer to calendar-year age groupings.
The change will impact millions of young players across the country, returning to a system that prioritizes social connections over international standards.
Why This Matters for Players and Families
The return to seasonal-year age groupings (September 1 to August 31) addresses a common frustration among youth players and parents.
Under the current calendar-year system, children often can’t play with their school friends if they happen to be born in different calendar years, despite being in the same grade.
In my opinion, this change rightly prioritizes the social aspects of youth sports over rigid adherence to international standards. Soccer at this level should foster friendships and connections, not necessarily split up natural peer groups.
The Decision-Making Process
The change stems from a late 2024 U.S. Soccer Federation policy that empowered member organizations to make their own decisions regarding age groupings for competitions they sanction or run.
The organizations cited extensive feedback and U.S. Census data showing that approximately 68% of school districts nationwide use a September 1 cutoff date.
Transition Timeline and Flexibility
The current registration parameters will remain in place for the 2025-26 season, with the new system taking effect in August 2026.
Players born before September 1st will have opportunities to “play up” with older age groups according to their club’s rules.
This flexible approach seems sensible to me, as it allows clubs and leagues sufficient time to adjust their systems while providing options for players who might benefit from competing at higher levels.
A United Front for Youth Soccer
USYS Board Chair Tina Rincon, US Club Soccer CEO Mike Cullina, and AYSO National President Doug Ryan released a joint statement emphasizing the collaboration: “The three organizations coming together to put our nation’s youth soccer players first is a positive move. Soccer, regardless of the level of competition, is meant to be fun – and it is more fun when players can play with their friends and classmates.”
