2026-27 Age Group Formation Information
Updated – December 10, 2025
Following extensive review and discussion, US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer have collectively decided to move to an age group player formation cycle that runs from August 1 to July 31, starting with the 2026-27 season/registration year. This change was made based on additional critical feedback, data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers. The associations feel that this age group player formation will be the most inclusive and help increase participation.
The August 1 to July 31 age group player formation cycle will be used for all USYS league and Cup competitions for the 2026-27 season/registration year including: National Championships, Presidents Cup, and National League.
In order to be eligible to participate in US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, NPL, and ECNL league play & competitions, South Hills Soccer Association as well as all other clubs nationwide must be compliant with this change.
- For the 2026–27 season, the standard will shift to a seasonal model, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.
- The current birth-year model (January 1 – December 31) to define age groups, which was mandated by U.S. Soccer in 2017 to align with FIFA international standards will be discontinued.
- In collaboration to create a unified path forward in player development and age groupings, the largest youth soccer governing bodies (i.e., US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO) have collectively agreed to move to an age group formation cycle.
- The change will apply to all USYS-sanctioned league and cup competitions (National Championships, Presidents Cup, National League, etc.) and US Club-sanctioned league and competitions (ECNL, ECNL-RL, NPL, USYS, etc.).
Yes, possibly.
Because of this nationwide change, some players may be placed in a different age division than they would have been under the current birth-year system used during the 2025–26 season.
Beginning with the 2026–27 season, SHSA will use the new August 1 – July 31 seasonal year age grouping model as required by U.S. Youth Soccer and other national youth soccer organizations.
What Does This Mean for My Player?
- Some players may move to a different age division.
- Players who were previously grouped together may be placed in different divisions.
- Team formation and registration will follow the new seasonal-year guidelines.
SHSA is actively preparing for this transition and is committed to making the process as smooth as possible for our players and families.
We encourage all families to review the 2026–27 Age Group Matrix before registering for the Fall 2026 season.
We understand that changes like this can raise questions for families. SHSA is already preparing for the transition to the new seasonal-year age grouping model for the Fall 2026 season.
Throughout the coming months, SHSA will be:
- Reviewing player birth dates and age divisions to ensure compliance with the new age-group guidelines.
- Updating registration materials and league information for the Fall 2026 season.
- Providing clear communication and updates to families regarding age group placement.
- Publishing resources, including our 2026–27 Age Group Matrix and Frequently Asked Questions.
- Working with the Kanawha Valley Soccer League (KVSL) and other governing organizations to ensure a smooth transition.
SHSA will continue to share important updates, registration dates, and information as we prepare for the Fall 2026 season.
Our goal is to make this transition as simple and stress-free as possible while continuing to provide a fun, positive, and developmental soccer experience for all players.
Questions?
If you have questions regarding your player’s age group or the upcoming changes, please contact SHSA.
Website: www.southhillssoccer.com
Thank you for your continued support of South Hills Soccer Association. We look forward to another great season on the field! ⚽
