Soccer Age Group Changes for the 2026-2027 Season
Age Group Changes for the 2026-2027 Season.
Coppermine Soccer Club is committed to providing the best possible development environment for our players, and we want to keep you informed about a significant change coming to youth soccer age group registration starting with the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
After extensive feedback from clubs, coaches, parents, and players across the country, US Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, AYSO, and MLS NEXT (Academy Division) have decided to shift from the current calendar birth year system (January 1 – December 31) back to a seasonal/school-year system (August 1 – July 31). This change aims to better align soccer teams with school grade levels, allowing more players to compete alongside their classmates and reducing the challenges faced by "trapped players" (those whose birthdays cause them to be separated from grade-level peers at key transition points like 8th grade or high school senior year). In order to be eligible to participate in US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer leagues and competitions, Coppermine Soccer must be compliant with this change.
The 2025-2026 season will remain under the current birth year rules, giving everyone a full year to prepare. Starting in fall 2026, the new August 1 – July 31 cutoff will apply to most competitive leagues.
How This Affects Coppermine Teams by League
Coppermine competes in a variety of leagues, and listed below is a breakdown of how the age group change will impact leagues and age groups for the 2026-2027 season and beyond:
What This Means for Your Player
- Players born August 1 – December 31 will generally "move down" an age group.
- Players born January 1 – July 31 will generally "move up" an age group.
- Teams will now span two calendar birth years (e.g., a U12 team might include players born August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015, plus any approved play-up/play-down exceptions).
| League | Sanctioning Body | Age Group Format 2026-2027 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDP |
US Club Soccer |
August 1 – July 31 |
Switching to school-year alignment |
| EDP Futures |
US Club Soccer |
August 1 – July 31 |
Switching to school-year alignment |
| Girls Academy |
US Club Soccer |
August 1 – July 31 |
Switching to school-year alignment |
| Girls Academy Aspire |
US Club Soccer | August 1 – July 31 | Switching to school-year alignment |
| Mid Atlantic Academy League |
Regional (US Club/USYS affiliated) | August 1 – July 31 | Switching to school-year alignment |
| MLS NEXT (Academy Division) |
MLS / Independent |
August 1 – July 31 |
Switching to school-year alignment |
| National League |
US Youth Soccer / US Club | August 1 – July 31 | Switching to school-year alignment |
Age Group Chart 2026/2027 Season
| Age Group | Birth Date Range (2026-27 Season) |
|---|---|
| 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 - Jul 31, 2020 |
Age Group Calculator
Enter player's birth date to calculate age group for the 2026-27 season.
Type date as MM/DD/YYYY
Player's Age Group:
Age Group Change FAQ's
Why is this change happening?
What is changing?
Starting with the 2026-27 season, youth soccer will move from the current calendar-year (January-December) model to a seasonal-year (August-July) model for age grouping.
Current System:
Birth year (January 1 - December 31)
New System:
Seasonal year (August 1 - July 31)
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.
Where can I see exactly what age group my child will be in?
Use the age group calculator or table on this page.
We use August 1 - July 31 formation cycle,
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.
What if my child plays MLS NEXT?
MLS NEXT Academy Division (division we play in) will move to a seasonal/school year age system like the rest of the leagues.
Can my child play up an age group?
We prefer players continue to play in the appropriate age group.
Will this affect high school soccer eligibility?
No. High school eligibility is determined by your state's athletic association and school grade/age rules, not club soccer age groups.
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..
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.
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 comunicate the guidlines once they are approved.
Coppermine is already planning tryout processes, and team placements for 2026-2027. We will share detailed player-specific information in early 2026 so families can see exactly where their child will be placed.
We are excited about this return to a system that prioritizes player development, friendships, and long-term enjoyment of the game. Coppermine directors and coaches are here to answer any questions – please reach out to your age group coordinator or email info@copperminesoccer.com.
Thank you for being part of the Coppermine family!
