2026-27 AGE GROUP FORMATION
U.S. Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) collectively announced a major update to age group formation that will take effect beginning with the 2026-27 seasonal year.
This change moves away from the current calendar-year (January 1 - December 31) model and returns to a seasonal-year (August 1 - July 31) model for age grouping.
In order to be eligible to participate in U.S. Youth Soccer, ECNL play, Girls Academy League play, and OYSA, we must be compliant with this change. This change directly impacts team formation for our Competitive, Junior Academy, Pre-Academy, and Academy teams.
Click here to read the full article presented by US Youth Soccer.
WHAT TO KNOW
CFC WILL be fully implementing this change across all teams.
Teams will tryout with the new age groups.
There will be no exceptions to this.
FAQ
The US Soccer age-group cutoff date is August 1st but the School District grade cutoff date is September 1. What happens if my players birthday is in August?
CFC will be following the US Soccer cutoff date of August 1st.
U19 / Seniors with August birthdates will be eligible for a waiver to participate in gameplay. These waivers are currently NOT available. More info will be coming soon.
We anticipate freshman who are primarily playing with 8th Graders will be provided a waiver to play in the fall leagues. We are awaiting guidance from each respective league (OYSA/ECNL/GA).
How are we going to name our teams?
We will be using a “U” (for under) either before or after the age of the oldest player. Example : U13 or 13U
What about kids who are in a grade that does not align with their age group?
This will evaluated on a case by case basis but kids will not be allowed to play down no matter what without a waiver from the governing body.
Can my player play up?
Players will tryout in their age group. If there is an exceptional player (top 5 best player in the age group above them), we will determine if playing up is developmentally correct for that player.
age groupS FOR THE upcoming 2026-2027 season -
U-8
2026-27 SEASON : Born between Aug. 1, 2018 - July. 31, 2019
U-9
2026-27 SEASON : Born between Aug. 1, 2017 - July. 31, 2018
U-10
2026-27 SEASON : Born between Aug. 1, 2016 - July. 31, 2017
U-11
2026-27 SEASON : Born between Aug. 1, 2015 - July. 31, 2016
U-12
2026-27 SEASON : Born between Aug. 1, 2014 - July. 31, 2015
U-13
2026-27 SEASON : Born between Aug. 1, 2013 - July. 31, 2014
U-14
2026-27 SEASON : Born between Aug. 1, 2012- July. 31, 2013
U-15
2026-27 SEASON : Born between Aug. 1, 2011 - July. 31, 2012
U-16
2026-27 SEASON : Born between Aug. 1, 2010 - July. 31, 2011
U-17
2026-27 SEASON : Born between Aug. 1, 2009- July. 31, 2010
U-18
2026-27 SEASON : Born between Aug. 1, 2008 - July. 31, 2009
U-19
2026-27 SEASON : Born between Aug. 1, 2007 - July. 31, 2008
