Why US Youth Soccer Is Changing the Age Cutoff System
US Youth Soccer (USYS) and its partner organizations made the switch from a pure “birth-year” cutoff system (January 1 – December 31) to an “August 1 – July 31” or similar school-year-aligned system starting in the 2026-27 season. (usyouthsoccer.org)
The main reasons for the change are:
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To align team age groupings with the school grade system, so that more players can play with classmates and peers in the same school year, rather than being split across age groups. (usyouthsoccer.org)
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To reduce the number of so-called “trapped players” whose soccer age group didn’t match their school grade (for example, half of a birth year cohort graduating high school while the younger half remains in the same soccer age group). (umsconline.com)
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To support greater participation, social cohesion, and development by having players play alongside peers of the same academic year, thereby improving experience and retention. (ayso.org)
In short, USYS made the change to make youth soccer age groupings more intuitive, school‐aligned, and developmentally appropriate for kids.
Learn how this will impact teams, coaches, and players, and what you can do to help your player be prepared for tryouts.
Grade-Based Age Eligibility for May 2026 Tryouts
U= Under – U10 means under 10
|
U9 |
3rd Grade |
8/1/2017 – 7/31/2018 |
|
U10 |
4th Grade |
8/1/2016 – 7/31/2017 |
|
U11 |
5th Grade |
8/1/2015 – 7/31/2016 |
|
U12 |
6th Grade |
8/1/2014 – 7/31/2015 |
|
U13 |
7th Grade |
8/1/2013 – 7/31/2014 |
|
U14 |
8th Grade |
8/1/2012 – 7/31/2013 |
|
U15 |
9th Grade |
8/1/2011 – 7/31/2012 |
|
U16 |
10th Grade |
8/1/2010 – 7/31/2011 |
|
U17 |
11th Grade |
8/1/2009 – 7/31/2010 |
|
U18 |
12th Grade |
8/1/2008 – 7/31/2009 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will this go into effect?
This will be in effect as of tryouts in May 2026
Why was the change from grade to birth year made in the first place?
The move to Birth Year in 2017 was made to align US youth soccer with international standards and to help the US Youth National Teams compete in international competitions, which group teams by birth year.
Why is US Youth Soccer changing back to grade?
Our country’s college recruiting regulations are by grade, so it is more beneficial for players and college programs to establish team roster eligibility by grade.
What are the biggest problems with birth year eligibility?
- U15 age group — Part of the team is potentially playing with their High School team. This may be the case no matter what team roster eligibility is, as not all players make their high school team. For players who do not make their high school team there will be what is called a provisional season for them to continue to play during the HS season through the state league..
- U19 age group — Part of the team graduated
What is the age eligibility for team rosters by grade for tryouts in May 2025?
The cut-off for birthdays will be August 1st—July 31st
|
U9 |
3rd Grade |
8/1/2017 – 7/31/2018 |
|
U10 |
4th Grade |
8/1/2016 – 7/31/2017 |
|
U11 |
5th Grade |
8/1/2015 – 7/31/2016 |
|
U12 |
6th Grade |
8/1/2014 – 7/31/2015 |
|
U13 |
7th Grade |
8/1/2013 – 7/31/2014 |
|
U14 |
8th Grade |
8/1/2012 – 7/31/2013 |
|
U15 |
9th Grade |
8/1/2011 – 7/31/2012 |
|
U16 |
10th Grade |
8/1/2010 – 7/31/2011 |
|
U17 |
11th Grade |
8/1/2009 – 7/31/2010 |
|
U18 |
12th Grade |
8/1/2008 – 7/31/2009 |
Is my child allowed to play up a grade?
Yes. However, we encourage parents and players to discuss this option with their coach to see if this is what is best for the player.
