US Soccer 2026/27 Age Group Changes FAQ


What is Changing? 
Age groups will now be based on a seasonal year (August 1 – July 31) instead of calendar birth years.


When does the change take effect?

The new structure begins with the 2026–2027 season.

  • Registration: May 1 – June 20, 2026
  • Season begins: Fall 2026


Who does the change impact? 
This change affects all McFarland Soccer Club (MSC) players and their opponents. It has been adopted by U.S. Soccer and will be implemented by our governing organizations, the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) and the Madison Area Youth Soccer Association (MAYSA).


Why is the change happening? 
This update returns to the system used prior to 2017 and is intended to better align soccer age groups with school-year groupings. Players are grouped more closely with their classmates and peers. There are fewer “trapped players”


What is a trapped player?
A “trapped player” is someone placed in an older age group than their school grade (e.g., fall birthdays playing with the grade above). These players can be left without a team during part of 8th grade when older teammates move on to high school soccer. While no system eliminates all mismatches, August 1 was chosen as the best balance nationwide.


Will registration be based on school grade?

Not entirely. Age groups are still determined by birth date, but most players will align with their grade.

  • Players with June/July birthdays may be grouped with the grade above
  • Players with August birthdays may be grouped with the grade below


MSC will allow players to stay with their school grade cohort upon request.

  • MAYSA needs to approve requests to play with a younger division. MSC
    expects to receive approval based on the nature and number of exceptions
    we anticipate.


Is my player at a disadvantage by staying in the same level?

No. While it may look that way, this is simply a calendar realignment, not a competitive setback.


Players born in August through December will register for the same level as they are currently competing in. However, all teams are adjusting together, so players will still compete at an appropriate level for their age and development.


Can my player ‘move up’ to stay with their current teammates?
Players are encouraged to play within their designated age group or school grade.


Playing up:

  • Is considered an exception, not the norm
  • Must support long-term development, not short-term competitive advantage


Playing within the designated age group or grade:

  • Maintains competitive balance
  • Supports skill development and appropriate training loads
  • Reduces gaps in physical and social maturity

If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to review slides 21-25 from our Annual General Meeting Presentation.


How do I request my player stay with their school grade?

  • Submit this form before registration to help MSC track the requests
  • If you don’t see the option for the preferred age group, reach out to info@mcfarlandsoccer.org 


How do I request a try out for my player to “Play up” with an older age group?

Submit this form before registration


Requests to play up based on skill level must be made at least 1 week before registration ends for the age group. You do not need to wait for confirmation of this request to register.  You are able to register immediately.  

  • May 25th for U11-U14
  • June 13th for U6-U10


For players in U11-114, requests may be made up to the try out date, June 1st 2026.  For players of U6-U10, this may be made up to the registration deadline, June 20th 2026.


All play up requests must be submitted each year(Fall & Spring). Approval to play up or down in previous seasons does not automatically carry over to future seasons. 


Players may only request to play one age group above the level designated by their birth date. 


U6-U10 requests will be reviewed by the DOC and assistant DOC. You will be notified of a decision before registration ends on June 20th. 


Players requesting to try-out to “Play-up” with U11-U14 teams must attend both nights of tryouts. They will attend 1 night with their designated age group and 1 night with the older group. U10 players trying out for U11 should attend both nights at U11. Players must demonstrate they are among the top 5 players in the older group, with consensus from all evaluators, to receive an offer to play up


What if I have more questions?

MSC is committed to making this transition successful for all players. We recognize that change can raise questions and we are here to help answer them!


You can find more information on slides 21-25 from our Annual General Meeting Presentation. Reach out to info@mcfarlandsoccer.org You may also reach out to the Directors of Coaching, club president, or vice president with any questions.