Starting in the 2026/27 competitive season, youth player age groups will be organized by school year (Aug 1- July 31) rather than by calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31).

Earlier this year, the governing bodies of soccer in the US - USYS, US Club, US Soccer – made the decision to shift to the Aug 1-July 31 age group classification.

To align soccer teams with the school year, helping to reduce “trapped” players, i.e., players (usually with birthdates in the last quarter of the year) who continue in high school after the rest of their cohort have moved on to college.

No, teams will remain under the calendar year system through the end of the 2025/26 seasonal year. The first Club program affected by the change will be our 2026 Summer League.

As of publication, MLS NEXT intends to remain with the current Jan-Dec age group chart; all other Loudoun Soccer leagues will transition to the new age group system.

Not exactly. While age groups will continue to be determined by birth date, the birth date window will shift from Jan- Dec to Aug-July. Players attending a grade outside of their age cohort will play in the group that corresponds to their date of birth.

Players with birthdays in August through December are most likely to be affected by the change, as they will probably remain in their current age group for 2026/27. For example, a player with an October 2016 birth date (current U10) will remain a U10 for the 2026/27 season.

Approval for play ups are a coach and technical staff decision based on what is best for the individual player. Skill level, maturity, and overall development needs are the main factors considered. Generally, play ups will be approved only in exceptional circumstances.

Again, approval for playups will be a technical staff decision made in the player’s best developmental interest. Grade alone will not guarantee a play up approval.

You can calculate your player’s age group for 2026/27 by using the Age Group Calculator provided by US Soccer. (You can also find an updated age group chart for 2026/27 below.)

Player placement for 2026/27 will follow the new age group ranges. Players and families will receive guidance and updates ahead of registration to help promote clarity.

Information on registration and tryouts will be published in early 2026.

We are here to help every family understand and feel understood. Recognizing that change can be difficult, and that families may have additional questions, please direct any further questions or concerns to agegroupchange@loudounsoccer.com.