2026/27 USYS Age Policy Explained

USYS Change to Age Policy

RSL AZ West Valley 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, RSL AZ West Valley 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.

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 Alignment

Age Group Chart 2026/2027 Season

Age Group Change FAQ's

Why is this change happening?

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

When exactly does this change take affect?

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.

Will my child have to skip or repeat 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. Players will (as ever) have the ability to “play up” age groups.

Will this affect high school 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 for 2026?

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

My child has a late birthday and 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.

Thank you for being a part of the RSL AZ West Valley family!