Important Upcoming Change to Youth Soccer Age Groups
What River Surge FC Families Need to Know
River Surge FC would like to share important information about a nationwide change in how youth soccer players are grouped by age. This change is being directed by U.S. Soccer and U.S. Youth Soccer, and has been adopted by Wisconsin Youth Soccer (WYSA) and East Central Soccer, affecting all clubs—including River Surge FC.
Our goal is to help families understand what is changing, when it takes place, and how to prepare, while ensuring a smooth and positive experience for every player.
When Does the Change Happen?
- No changes for Spring 2026. River Surge FC will continue to use the current calendar‑year (Jan 1 – Dec 31) age group system through the 2025–2026 season.
- The new age group system begins with the 2026–2027 season, starting in Fall 2026 (August 2026).
What Is Changing?
Currently, players are grouped by birth year (January–December). Beginning in Fall 2026, age groups will shift to a “soccer year” model:
- New age group cutoff: August 1 – July 31
- This structure better aligns soccer age groups with school year grade levels, which U.S. Soccer believes improves social connection, development, and long‑term player retention.
Why Is This Change Being Made?
According to U.S. Soccer and WYSA, the goals of this change are to:
- Align teams more closely with school classmates
- Improve the social experience for players
- Reduce the number of “trapped players” (players who are older by soccer age but younger by grade)
This seasonal age model was previously used in U.S. youth soccer and is being re‑implemented nationwide.
How Will This Affect My Player?
- No player ever moves down an age group.
- Players born before August 1 will move up to the next age group as expected.
- Players born between August 1 and December 31 will likely remain in their current age group for an additional season beginning in 2026–2027.
While this may look like a player is “repeating” an age group, it is actually a calendar realignment that often results in:
- Increased confidence
- More leadership opportunities
- Better physical and emotional balance within teams
Does This Affect All Programs?
Yes. The new age group structure applies to all River Surge FC programs, including:
- Competitive (Classic)
- Academy
- Recreational soccer
In non‑tryout programs, players will automatically be placed into the correct age group during registration.
Tryouts and Playing Up
River Surge FC will continue to follow its existing play‑up policy:
- Competitive players must attend tryouts for their true age group
- Players may also request to try out for the next age group up
- Placement decisions will always be made in the best interest of player development
New Age Group Breakdown (Example)
For the 2026–2027 season:
- U10: Born August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017
- U11: Born August 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016
- (This pattern continues across all age levels)
Full age breakdown is available HERE.
Helpful Links and Resources
- River Surge Letter to Membership About Age Change
- Frequently Asked Questions
- River Surge FC Play‑Up Policy
- U.S. Soccer – Player Development Information
- U.S. Youth Soccer
- Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA)
Questions?
We understand that every family situation is unique. If you have questions, please reach out to: 
[email protected]
[email protected]River Surge FC is committed to supporting players and families throughout this transition while continuing to provide a positive, development‑focused soccer environment.