General Information
Q: When does this change happen?
A: The change officially begins with the 2026-2027 season (Fall 2026). The 2025-2026 season will be the last one using the current birth year system.
Q: Why is this change happening?
A: The main goal is to better align soccer age groups with school grade levels across the majority of US school districts. This allows kids to play with their classmates, improves the social aspect of the game, and reduces the issue of “trapped players” (players who are an older soccer age than their school grade).
Q: Who is making this change?
A: The decision was made by US Soccer and then adopted by Wisconsin Youth Soccer (WYSA). All clubs who are a part of WYSA and East Central Soccer (our district) will now follow these new age guidelines.
Q: Will registration now be based on my child’s school grade?
A: Not exactly. Age groups will still be determined by a specific date range of birth dates, but that window is shifting from January-December to August-July. This new date range generally corresponds to the school year for most children.
Player and Team Impact
Q: Will my child still be on the same team?
A: It depends on your child’s birth date.
In general, players born January 1 and July 31 will move up to the next age level. Players born between August 1 and December 31 are most likely to stay with their current age group/grade level.
Q: Under the new age group structure, my player does not move up. Does this mean they have to repeat an age group?
A: The updated age group 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. While it may appear that some players are “repeating” an age group, this realignment simply adjusts the calendar to match the school year. In fact, the additional time in an age group can be highly beneficial – it allows players to further develop their skills, confidence, and leadership before moving to the next level.
Players with birthdays in August through December will be affected by the change, as they will remain in their current age group for 2026/2027. For example, a player with an October 2016 birth date (current U10) will remain a U10 for the 2026/2027 season.
Q: Will my child “move up” or “move down” in an age group?
A: No player will move down an age group. Players will move up to the next age group if they are born before August 1. Those born after August 1 will remain in their current age group for another season. A player born in September might find themselves one of the older players in their new age group, while a player born in January might be one of the younger ones.
Q: Can a player “play up” with an older team (e.g., their older sibling’s team or former team)?
A: River Surge FC will continue to follow the same play-up policy we always have. The complete policy can be found on our website. All competitive players must try out for their true 2025-26 season age group. A player may also then tryout for the next age group up if they feel they would fit better at that level. River Surge FC will make the decision that is best for that player’s development. Please see this page for more information: https://riversurgefc.org/river-surge-fc-play-up-policy/
Q: If my child is born after August 1, what are the benefits of playing in the same age group for another season?
A: In the past those born near the end of the year have been the youngest on the team. Now they will be in the middle or on the older end.
Often those kids had to play with kids in the grade above them. Now they won’t have to.
In the past, when older kids played with younger kids, they would often be a struggle to create a team when older teammates would move to HS (9th grade). This left the younger kids without a team. This will not happen as often with this change.
Q: What if my child does not want to try out for a competitive team? Does this affect other programs also?
A: Yes, the new age groups do affect all programs. Programs without try outs, like Recreational and Academy soccer, will follow the new age groups also. In these programs, you will automatically be put in the correct age group upon registration.
Q: Is there anything coaches should be aware of with this change?
A: Coaches may find more success in bringing new players to their teams that are classmates of their current players. It is highly encouraged for coaches within the same club to collaborate with each other to consider which players may potentially be adjusting to a new team with new teammates.
Q: I have more questions, who should I contact?
A: If you have questions please reach out to [email protected]