kb - 2026-2027 Season Division Mappings
2026-2027 Age Group & Division Mappings
As we prepare for the 2026-2027 soccer season, it’s important for families to understand how players are assigned to age groups. Following US Soccer and US Club Soccer standards, age groups are determined by the player’s birth year (January 1 – December 31).
As announced at the February U.S. Soccer Youth Council meeting, the National Associations – US Youth Soccer (USYS), American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), and US Club – have agreed to adopt an age group formation cycle running from August 1 to July 31, beginning with each Organization Member’s 2026-2027 season/registration year. As a reminder, there are no age formation cycle changes for the upcoming 2025-2026 season.
How Divisions Work
U6 - U8: Primarily focused on technical development in a 4v4 or 5v5 small-sided format.
U9 - U10: Transition to 7v7 play, introducing goalkeepers and more structured positioning.
U11 - U12: 9v9 play, further developing tactical understanding and positional roles.
U13 and Up: 11v11 full-field play.
Birth Year Chart for 2026-2027
The following table shows which age group your player will fall into for the upcoming season based on the new school-year (Aug 1 – July 31) alignment:
You can also check the US Soccer - Player Registration Age Group Calculator which will provide the three options, we are using the Aug 1 - Jul 31 option.
| Birth Date Range | Age Group |
|---|---|
| Aug 1, 2020 – July 31, 2021 | U6 |
| Aug 1, 2019 – July 31, 2020 | U7 |
| Aug 1, 2018 – July 31, 2019 | U8 |
| Aug 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018 | U9 |
| Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017 | U10 |
| Aug 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016 | U11 |
| Aug 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015 | U12 |
| Aug 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014 | U13 |
| Aug 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013 | U14 |
| Aug 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012 | U15 |
| Aug 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 | U16 |
| Aug 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010 | U17 |
| Aug 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009 | U18 |
| Aug 1, 2007 – July 31, 2008 | U19 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child wants to play up an age group?
Decisions to “play up” are made on a case-by-case basis by our coaching staff, taking into account the player’s physical, technical, and social development.
Can my child play down an age group?
No, US Club Soccer regulations generally do not allow players to play down in a younger age group for competitive play. In some circumstances we will work with other clubs and get approval for players to play down for friendlies and non-tournament games.
When does the 2026-2027 season officially start?
The registration year runs from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027. Most competitive teams will begin training in August 2026.
If you have any questions about where your child fits, please reach out with questions.
