US Soccer 2026/27 Age Group Changes FAQ
What is Changing?
Age group formation will be based on a seasonal year running from August 1 to July 31, 2025 instead of birth year.
When does the change take effect
Beginning with 2026-2027 season. Registration for the season is in May/June 2026. Play starts Fall 2026.
Who does the change impact?
All McFarland Soccer Club (MSC) players and opponents. The change was adopted by US Soccer and will be observed by our governing bodies, Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) and Madison Area Youth Soccer Association (MAYSA).
Players with birthdays in August through December will remain in their current 2025/26 age group for 2026/27. For example, a current U10 player will register for U10 again in 2026/2027.
Why is the change happening?
This change reverts back to the way groupings were made prior to 2017. The structure is designed to better align soccer age groups with school-year cutoff dates, ensuring players are grouped more closely with their classmates and peers.
It reduces the number of “trapped” players compared to the current birth year system. A "trapped player" is one who plays in an older soccer age group than their school grade - for example 6th grade fall birthdays playing with 7th grade spring birthdays. These players become "trapped" in 8th grade when their teammates transition to high school soccer, leaving the younger player without a club team for half the year
US Soccer acknowledges that no age group cut-off will eliminate all trapped players or force-ups. States and counties throughout the country have widely different school year cut-offs. August 1st was chosen as the date that best balances “trapped players” and force ups.
Will registration be based on school grade?
For the most part, but not entirely. The majority of players will be grouped with players in their grade, but the groups are still determined by birth date. There will be players whose birth date falls outside the window that most closely matches with their grade.
For example, players with June or July birthdays that are “old” for their school grade will be in a cohort with the grade above theirs. Some players born in August that are “young” for their grade may be in a cohort with players from the grade below theirs.
In these cases, MSC will make an exemption to allow players to stay with the cohort that matches their grade if desired.. ALL requests to play outside of a designated age group must be submitted using thisform PRIOR to registration. “Play-down” requests for players to stay with their school grade will also require MASYA approval.
Under the new age group structure, my player does not move up. Does this mean they have to repeat an age group?
While it may appear that some players are “repeating” an age group, this realignment simply adjusts the calendar to match the school year.
As the change impacts all the opposing teams as well, players will continue to be grouped into a level of play that is aligned with their age group. Staying in an age group this season should not be viewed as penalizing.
Will my player be allowed to ‘move up’ with their current teammates if they fall into a lower age group?
Players are encouraged to play with their designated age group as determined by their birthdate. Exceptions will be considered, but playing up is intended to be an exception not the norm.
Competing with the designated age group maintains competitive integrity across teams and leagues. It emphasizes mastery of fundamentals rather than short-term competitive success. It helps ensure that training loads and expectations match the player's stage of growth and reduces gaps in social maturity amongst teammates. Selectively pulling up players from past teams can create inequity, disrupt competitive balance, and reduce opportunities for other players.
How do I request for my player to play outside their designated age group?
Every player who wishes to play outside their age group, regardless of the reason, must submit this form before registering. The playmetrics registration system is built around players birth dates and requires a manual override for every player who is approved to play outside their designated age group, regardless of reason. With more than 700 players in the club, it is essential that all requests are submitted and tracked in a consistent manner. Requests must be made at least 2 weeks before tryouts or 2 weeks before registration closes (whichever applies to their age group).
All requests must be submitted each year. 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.
For 10U and younger wanting to play up:
Complete the Request Form no later than June 6th. The request will be reviewed by the DOC and assistant DOC. You will be notified of a decision before registration ends on June 20th.
For 11U and older wanting to play up:
Complete Request Form no later than May 25th.
Players requesting to try-out to “Play-up” must attend both nights of tryouts. They will attend 1 night with their designated age group and 1 night with the older group. They must demonstrate they are among the top 5 players in the older group, with consensus from all 3 evaluators, to receive an offer to play up. U10 players trying out for U11 should attend both nights at U11.
For players born after August 1st that are young for their school grade:
If you are born in August and your designated age group is made up of players in the grade below your school grade, MSC will allow you to play up to stay with your grade. You will still need to submit a request using this form before you register.
For 8th graders with birthdays before August 1st, 2012:
8th graders with birthdays before August 1st, 2012 will be allowed to play on U14 teams, provided those teams are in MAYSA (not WYSA aka “state”) league. All White and most Blue MSC teams play in MAYSA league. Email info@mcfarlandsoccer.org if you have questions about which league your potential team might play in. Submit this Form before you register for tryouts.
For players born before August 1st that are old for their school grade:
If your designated age group is made up of players from the grade above yours, and you prefer them to stay with their grade level, submit this Form. All play down requests for U9 and up must also be approved by MASYA. Play down exemptions are not allowed for players on teams in WYSA (aka state) league. U6-U8 exemptions will be reviewed by the MSC Director and Assistant Director of Coaching.
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! Please reach out to info@mcfarlandsoccer.org or the Directors of Coaching or club president or vice president with any questions.
