Age Change FAQ

School-Year Age Groups (Starting 2026–27) — Parent FAQ


What is changing?

Starting with the 2026–27 season, U.S. Soccer organizations will move to school-year age groups. This means teams will be formed using an age cycle that runs from: August 1 to July 31


Who is making this change?

This decision was made together by:

  • US Youth Soccer
  • AYSO
  • US Club Soccer


Why are they changing it?

After extensive review, feedback from families and clubs, and expert input, the goal is to better align players with their school-grade peers.


Why is this a good thing? (Benefits)

 

1. Kids stay with their classmates

Most players will now be grouped with the kids they go to school with, which helps with confidence, friendships, and team chemistry.

2. Less roster disruption

Teams should stay more stable year to year, instead of kids constantly shifting teams because of birth-year cutoffs.

3. Better social and emotional development

Kids typically develop better when they play with peers they relate to socially and academically.

4. Easier for families

Carpooling, scheduling, and communication becomes easier when teammates are often in the same grade and school circles.

5. More consistent player development

Training and competition becomes more balanced when players are grouped in a way that more closely matches their overall maturity.


When does this start?

This change officially begins with the:  2026–27 season / registration year


Will my child change teams?

Possibly. Some players may move into a different age group than they were previously in. However, we will work to make this transition as smooth as possible and communicate clearly with families well before the season begins.


Does this affect tryouts for Lincoln FC?

Yes. Starting in 2026–27, tryouts and team formation will follow the new school-year age group model.


What if my child has been playing up or down an age group?

There may still be limited situations where a player can play up or down, but in general the goal is to keep teams aligned to the school-year age group.



Want to check your groups? Use the U.S. Soccer Age Group Calculator: 

ussoccer.com/ecosystem-review/player-registration/age-group-calculator