Starting with the 2026-27 season, the U.S. Soccer Federation will provide youth soccer governing bodies with flexibility in determining their player registration and age group formats.

There has been ongoing discussions between U.S. Soccer and some of its key members – such as US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, AYSO and others – in determining which registration format is most effective. While the change from School Year (Aug. 1 – July 31) format to Birth Year (Jan 1 – Dec. 31) format was made back in 2017, there has been a recent push by many members to change back again over to School Year.

Instead of choosing one or the other, U.S. Soccer has announced plans to allow governing bodies to create their own plans.  See below for the full announcement from U.S. Soccer, outlining the new path forward for how youth soccer age groups will be structured in the future.

U.S. Soccer Federation Update on Player Registration Path Forward

U.S. Soccer and our members are committed to growing participation and providing the best experiences to participants at all levels. U.S. Soccer has a number of initiatives focused on supporting the growth of soccer in America, and is constantly listening and learning on how to best support those bringing soccer to life all across the country.

We’ve gotten very clear feedback: members need the flexibility to organize their player registration calendar based on what will best support soccer in their environment and communities. U.S. Soccer members want more kids to experience the joy of soccer — and to offer the optimal opportunity for each player’s desired development.

Starting in the fall of 2026, members and leagues will have reasonable flexibility to choose the best registration option for their participants. (more…)