Beginning with the 2026-2027 season/registration year (starting in August 2026), major U.S. youth soccer organizations – including US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer and East Central Soccer – will transition to a seasonal “soccer year” age group cycle, where age groups are defined from August 1 to July 31. This adjustment shifts the age grouping structure to align more closely with the school year, helping promote developmental and social cohesion among players who are in the same grade or school year.

For more information about the change, click HERE.