2026-2027 US Soccer Age Group Change
US Soccer is shifting age group cutoffs from calendar year (Jan-Dec) to school year (Aug 1 - Jul 31). Here's what it means for your player.
Check Your Player's Age Group
Enter your child's date of birth to see how the change affects them.
Full Age Group Comparison
Side-by-side view of old (Jan-Dec) and new (Aug-Jul) birth date ranges.
| Age Group | Old System (Jan-Dec) | New System (Aug-Jul) |
|---|---|---|
| U8 | Born 2018 | Born Aug 1, 2018 – Jul 31, 2019 |
| U9 | Born 2017 | Born Aug 1, 2017 – Jul 31, 2018 |
| U10 | Born 2016 | Born Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2017 |
| U11 | Born 2015 | Born Aug 1, 2015 – Jul 31, 2016 |
| U12 | Born 2014 | Born Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2015 |
| U13 | Born 2013 | Born Aug 1, 2013 – Jul 31, 2014 |
| U14 | Born 2012 | Born Aug 1, 2012 – Jul 31, 2013 |
| U15 | Born 2011 | Born Aug 1, 2011 – Jul 31, 2012 |
| U16 | Born 2010 | Born Aug 1, 2010 – Jul 31, 2011 |
| U17 | Born 2009 | Born Aug 1, 2009 – Jul 31, 2010 |
| U18 | Born 2008 | Born Aug 1, 2008 – Jul 31, 2009 |
| U19 | Born 2007 | Born Aug 1, 2007 – Jul 31, 2008 |
What's Changing?
Starting with the Fall 2026 season, US Soccer is changing how age groups are determined. Instead of using the calendar year (January 1 - December 31), age groups will now be based on the school year (August 1 - July 31).
This change was mandated by US Soccer and applies to every youth soccer club in the United States — it is not a KC Legends decision. The goal is to better align soccer age groups with the school year, which is how most other youth sports already operate.
Old System
Birth date window: January 1 - December 31
Based on calendar year
Used through Spring 2026
New System
Birth date window: August 1 - July 31
Based on school year
Effective Fall 2026
Important Things to Know
This is a national mandate
US Soccer made this decision. Every club, league, and organization in the country is making this change. KC Legends is implementing it just like everyone else.
Most players stay with their teammates
The majority of players will remain in the same age group. Players born August through December are unaffected. Only players born January through July may see a shift.
Better alignment with school
The new system aligns soccer seasons with the school year, similar to how school sports, basketball, and other youth activities already work.
This affects the 2026-2027 season and beyond
The Spring 2026 season still uses the old calendar-year system. The new school-year system takes effect starting Fall 2026.
Grade-Level Teams FAQ
Does this mean teams will be organized by grade level?
No. The new system uses school-year age groups, not grade-level teams. While the birth date window now aligns with the school year (Aug 1 - Jul 31), teams are still formed by age group, not by what grade a player is in. There will still be players from different grades within the same age group.
Can my child play up?
Yes. Playing up is allowed if the player is developmentally ready. This is decided on a case-by-case basis between the family and coaching staff. If your player wants to stay with older teammates from their current team, playing up may be a great option.
Can my child play down?
No. Playing down is not allowed under the new US Soccer rules. Players must register in their correct age group or play up — never down.
Key Organizations
Understanding who's involved in this change.
US Soccer
United States Soccer Federation
The national governing body that mandated this age group change for all youth soccer.
USYS
US Youth Soccer
The largest youth soccer organization in the US. Implements US Soccer policies at the youth level.
KSYSA
Kansas State Youth Soccer Association
The state association that governs youth soccer in Kansas, including KC Legends.
Have Questions About the Change?
Our coaching staff is happy to walk you through how this affects your player specifically. Reach out anytime — no pressure, no obligation.