2026/2027 Updated Decision on Age Group Formation
Ref WYS website at: https://washingtonyouthsoccer.org/resources/age-group-formation/
Following extensive review and discussion, US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer have collectively decided to move to an age group player formation cycle that runs from August 1 to July 31, starting with the 2026-27 season/registration year.
This change was made based on additional critical feedback, data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers. Our associations feel that this age group player formation will be the most inclusive and help increase participation.
Age Group Formation Birth Year and Season Chart
Please refer to the table below for player age divisions as well as the birth year and season matrix. Washington Youth Soccer – along with US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO – will return to an age group formation based on Aug. 1-July 31, rather than Jan. 1-Dec. 31, beginning with the 2026-27 registration season.
Please note that the format “U followed by age” really means that age and younger.
2026/2027 Age Grouping Changes FAQ
When do the age group changes take effect?
For the 2026/2027 seasonal year, WYS competition age groups will be structured based on the dates August 1-July 31. Beginning on 8/1/2026 all WYS competitions will use August 1-July 31 to group players. All teams formed for the 2026/2027 seasonal year should be grouped based on these dates.
What age group will my child play in based on the new groupings?
Parents and guardians can use the table above to determine their player’s age grouping or refer to the Birth Year and Season Matrix in the Resources section of this page.
Who else will be grouping players based on August 1-July 31?
WYS and USYS have collaborated with both US Club Soccer and AYSO to mutually recognize August 1-July 31 age groupings. Additionally, MLS Next Academy Division and the Girls Academy have also adopted the August 1-July 31 age group cycle change.
What about Washington Youth Soccer State Cups?
Teams participating in WYS State Cups – Recreational Cup, Founders Cup, Presidents Cup, and State Championships – must be grouped using the dates August 1-July 31.
For the U19 age group, players born between January 1-July 31, 2007, will be allowed to participate in all WYS State Cups with an accompanying waiver confirming current enrollment in high school.
However, for teams that advance to post-season play through WYS State Championships and Presidents Cup, players born between January 1-July 31, 2007, will not be able to participate in USYS National Championships or Regional & National Presidents Cup play.
Will players who are impacted by the new groupings be given exceptions to play on their existing teams?
For WYS run competitions – Recreational Cup, Founders Cup, Presidents Cup, and State Championships – there will not be age variances granted. Players can play up in accordance with the competition rules but play downs based on the new age groupings will not be permitted.
For league-specific, age-related requirements, please check with your competition authority or league operator as rules may vary.
Additional Information
For additional information about the process behind the Age Group Formation change, visit U.S. Soccer’s Path Forward on Player Registration page at https://www.ussoccer.com/ecosystem-review/player-registration. Please find more resources, including the Birth Year and Season Matrix, in the Resources section.
For additional Age Group Formation questions, please reach out to WYS Member Services Manager, Dan Rubin, at mailto:[email protected].