US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and the Association Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) collectively announced a major update to age group formations that will take effect for the 2026–27 season.

This change moves away from the current calendar-year (January–December) model and returns to a seasonal-year (August–July) model for age grouping. CLICK HERE to access the US Club Soccer article. 

• For the 2026/27 season FC Montco is moving age group registrations from the birth year model to the school year model (Aug 1 - July 31).

• This change applies to all FC Montco levels of play and programming (Travel, Recreation, programs, & camps).

Age Group Changes FAQs:

• WHY IS THIS CHANGE HAPPENING?

  • To better align players with their school grade peers.

  • Helping to reduce “trapped” players, i.e., players (usually with birthdates in the last quarter of the year) who continue in high school after the rest of their cohort have moved on to college.

  • To improve player identification for collegiate soccer.

  • Better alignment with school-grade peers for social and developmental benefits.

  • Increased inclusivity and participation opportunities.

  • Unified approach across major youth soccer organizations.

  • Expert recommendations supporting the school-year model.

• WHO MADE THIS DECISION?

  • The governing bodies of soccer in the USA - US Soccer, USYS, US Club, & AYSO.

• WHAT IS THE AGE GROUP CHANGE?

  • Starting in the 2026/27 season, youth player age groups will be organized by school year (Aug 1- July 31) rather than by calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31).

• WHO IS IMPACTED BY THE CHANGE?

  • All Travel level players.

  • Many players will experience a shift into a different “age group” than they would under the old model. This new parameter will influence how we form our teams. 

• WILL REGISTRATION NOW BE BASED ON THE PLAYER'S SCHOOL GRADE?

  • YES, school grade is the main determining factor for team placement.

  • The vast majority of players will play on the age group that aligns with their school grade (*only if their birth date does not restrict them - ie. players can not play ‘down’ an age group).

  • Selected players may be asked to play in an age group different to their school grade for developmental reasons per the Technical Staff (*only if their DOB allows this).

• WHAT PLAYERS ARE MOST LIKELY TO SHIFT AGE GROUPS?

  Players with birthdays in August through December are most likely to be affected by the change, as they will probably remain in their current age group for 2026/27. For example, a player with an October 2016 birth date (current U10) will remain a U10 for the 2026/27 season.

• CAN MY CHILD PLAY UP AN AGE GROUP?

  Academy/Travel:

  • Playing up may be an option for select players, for developmental reasons only.

  • These ‘select’ players will be contacted by the Technical Staff.

Still have Questions?  Email us at info@fcmontco.org.