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Understanding Age Groups for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 Soccer Seasons
Youth soccer age groups are determined by a player’s birth year, not their current grade in school. Each season has a specific birth date range that places players into an age group (U-6 through U-20). “U” stands for “Under”, meaning the player is under that age during the seasonal year.
For example:
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U-10 means the player turns 10 during the seasonal year, but is not yet 11.
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Age groups move up one year each seasonal cycle.
NEW FORMAT
Beginning with the 2026–27 season, the seasonal year shifts to an August 1 – July 31 birth date range.
Here's how it works: This aligns more closely with the school calendar and international standards.
Age Group | Birthdate Range |
|---|---|
U19 | Aug 1, 2007 – Jul 31, 2009 |
U17 | Aug 1, 2009 – Jul 31, 2010 |
U16 | Aug 1, 2010 – Jul 31, 2011 |
U15 | Aug 1, 2011 – Jul 31, 2012 |
U14 | Aug 1, 2012 – Jul 31, 2013 |
U13 | Aug 1, 2013 – Jul 31, 2014 |
U12 | Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2015 |
U11 | Aug 1, 2015 – Jul 31, 2016 |
U10 | Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2017 |
U9 | Aug 1, 2017 – Jul 31, 2018 |
U8 | Aug 1, 2018 – Jul 31, 2019 |
U7 | Aug 1, 2019 – July 31, 2020 |
U6 | Aug 1, 2020 – July 31, 2021 |
OLD FORMAT
For the 2025–26 season, birth years run from January 1 – December 31 of the same calendar year.
Here’s how it works: This format keeps all players born within the same calendar year together. 2026–27 Season Age Groups.
Age Group | Birth Date Range |
|---|---|
U19 | Jan 1, 2007 – Dec 31, 2007 |
U18 | Jan 1, 2008 – Dec 31, 2008 |
U17 | Jan 1, 2009 – Dec 31, 2009 |
U16 | Jan 1, 2010 – Dec 31, 2010 |
U15 | Jan 1, 2011 – Dec 31, 2011 |
U14 | Jan 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2012 |
U13 | Jan 1, 2013 – Dec 31, 2013 |
U12 | Jan 1, 2014 – Dec 31, 2014 |
U11 | Jan 1, 2015 – Dec 31, 2015 |
U10 | Jan 1, 2016 – Dec 31, 2016 |
U9 | Jan 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2017 |
U8 | Jan 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2018 |
U7 | Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019 |
U6 | Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 |
Why the Change?
The shift from a calendar year (Jan–Dec) to a school-year format (Aug–July):
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Aligns players more closely with classmates
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Reduces grade separation within teams
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Matches many international youth development models
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Creates clearer developmental pathways long term
How to Find Your Child’s Age Group
The shift from a calendar year (Jan–Dec) to a school-year format (Aug–July):
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Look at your child’s birthdate.
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Find the corresponding date range for the correct seasonal year.
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Match it to the “U” age group listed.
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If you are unsure, please contact the club registrar and we will gladly assist you.
Important Notes for Parents
The shift from a calendar year (Jan–Dec) to a school-year format (Aug–July):
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Your child’s placement is determined strictly by birth date.
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Grade level does not determine age group eligibility.
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Each year, players move up one age group at the start of the new seasonal year.
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Clubs may evaluate players for appropriate placement based on development, but eligibility follows the official birth date guidelines.
Age Group Changes
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