2026-2027 AGE GROUP REALIGNMENT

 

1. Why is this change happening?

U.S. Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO agreed to this change based on extensive research and feedback. 

MLS NEXT announcement.

2. When exactly does this change take effect?

The new August 1 – July 31 system starts with the 2026-2027 seasonal year (fall 2026 tryouts and registration). The entire 2025-2026 season remains under the current birth year rules.

3. Will my child have to repeat or skip an age group?

Most players will simply shift into the new grouping without repeating or skipping a full year of soccer. For example, a player born in September who is currently on a “younger” birth year team will likely join classmates they already know from school.

4. Can my child play up an age group?

No. We prefer players continue to play in the appropriate age group.

5. Will this affect high school soccer eligibility?

No. High school eligibility is determined by Florida’s athletic association and school grade/age rules, not club soccer age groups.

6. How will tryouts and team selection work in spring 2026?

Tryouts in 2026 will form teams for the 2026-2027 season under the new age groups. We will communicate exact dates and processes early in the year.

7. My child has a late birthday and has struggled with being the youngest – will this help?

Yes! The school-year alignment is designed to reduce the “relative age effect” and “trapped player” issues that have impacted many families under the birth year system.

8. If we move to a new team and there are duplicate jersey numbers, will I have to purchase a new jersey?

Duplicate jersey number conflicts may happen as players transition to new age groups.  We realize this may have a financial impact on families.

We are currently developing policies to address these issues and will communicate the guidelines once they are approved.

9. “But these kids have played together for years. This policy by the governing bodies of Youth Soccer doesn’t take into account my individual desire for our kids to play together!”

We hear you, and you’re not wrong to be worried. When kids have played together for years, those friendships and that chemistry matter a lot, and nobody at the club wants to break that up. That said, this age-group change isn’t a club preference or something we can opt out of. US Club Soccer, USYS, and AYSO have all moved to the new age guidelines for the 2026–27 season, and MLS NEXT is aligning its age groups as well. To register teams properly and keep players eligible, we have to follow the governing body’s age matrix.

What we can do is work with you to protect what matters most:

• We’ll prioritize keeping friend groups together when it’s allowed and appropriate.

• We’ll look at team placement options that maintain continuity and development.

• We can explore shared training opportunities, combined sessions, or guest play (where permitted) so the kids still feel connected.