AGE CHANGE INFO


2026-27 AGE GROUP FORMATION INFORMATION

At AFC Union, we are committed to providing a complete development experience - helping every player reach their full potential within a supportive, competitive environment.

AFC Union will form teams using the school-grade year based calendar (“grade-level”) as decided by US Youth Soccer for the 2026/2027 season and beyond. This groups players that are born between August 1st and July 31st of the following year together, aligning with school enrollment. Players must register to tryout with their age group. "Playing Up” may be granted by the DOC on a case by case basis where it is needed for competitive balance, team composition, or if a player would be a major contributor on an older level team. (Current MWC Players will be allowed to try out for their current teams.) 


AFC Union understands that this new age group formation might disrupt pre-existing team formations. Information from USYS, WYSA, and other clubs indicates that this will be the most beneficial for development, participation, and long-term growth. As we grow, this will also allow AFC to form competitive level teams at every age group as required by many higher-level leagues. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this change together.

COMMON QUESTIONS

  • WHY THE CHANGE?

    In order to be eligible to participate in US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, N1 League and WYSA league play & competitions, AFC Union as well as all other clubs nationwide must be compliant with this change.


    • For the 2026–27 season, the standard will shift to a seasonal model, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.
    • The current birth-year model (January 1 – December 31) to define age groups, which was mandated by U.S. Soccer in 2017 to align with FIFA international standards will be discontinued.
    • In collaboration to create a unified path forward in player development and age groupings, the largest youth soccer governing bodies (i.e., US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO) have collectively agreed to move to an age group formation cycle.
    • The change will apply to all USYS-sanctioned league and cup competitions (National Championships, Presidents Cup, National League, etc.) and US Club-sanctioned league and competitions (ECNL, ECNL-RL, NPL, USYS, etc.).

  • WHAT AGE GROUP WILL MY CHILD PLAY IN?

    You can use the Age Group Look-up Tool or chart below to find out what birth date corresponds to the proper age group for the 2026-27 season.

    The simplest way to summarize the upcoming change is that on August 1st, 2026:


    Players born January 1st through July 31st will progress to the higher age group for the 26/27 season.

    Ex. Player born in June 2017;

    -25/26 Season: U9

    -26/27 Season: U10


    Players born August 1st through December 31st will remain in the same age group for the 26/27 season.

    Ex. Player born in September 2017;

    -25/26 Season: U9

    -26/27 Season: U9

  • WILL MY CHILD BE AFFECTED?

    • The RASA Recreation program will remain unchanged from its current age
    • All of our current Academy and Competitive programs will change to the new age group model
    • Because of the mandated change nationwide, some players will experience a shift into a different “age group” than they would in the 2025-26 birth year model. This new mandate will determine how we form our teams. We are currently working diligently to ensure a smooth transition for the 2026-27 season.

  • Does the change apply to all age groups, or are existing Competitive age groups "grandfathered in"?

    This change affects all age groups and all teams.  "Playing Up” may be granted by the DOC on a case by case basis where it is needed for competitive balance, team composition, or if a player would be a major contributor on an older level team. (Current MWC Players will be allowed to try out for their current teams.) 

  • WHAT COMES NEXT?

    We understand that transitions like this can bring questions.  Our staff has been forward thinking and working through the best processes to support players and families.


    Throughout this year, our club leadership, Directors of Coaching, Directors, and coaching staff are:


    • Reviewing all current rosters and birth dates to project how the shift will affect teams at each level in preparation for tryout season
    • Planning and preparing age group training opportunities, tryouts & evaluations for the 2026-27 season
    • Communicating with clarity so our families stay informed with important updates
    • Providing support tools and resources, including the Age Group Change Tool and Q & A (please see below)
    • Monitoring updates from US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and state associations to ensure AFC remains prepared to provide the best experience for our membership.

    AFC will continue to share information, important dates, and the next steps as the year progresses. We remain committed to providing the best possible experience of every player throughout the AFC/RASA Player Developmental Pathway.


    If you have any current questions, please contact the AFC Director of Coaching, Academy Director,or Executive Director.


    Thank you for your continued support and trust in us as we Commit to the Process.

EMAIL QUESTIONS TO THE

AFC DOC, ACADEMY DIRECTOR,

OR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR