Age Group Change for the 2026–27 Season   

As of this past fall, the major National Youth Soccer Associations – US Youth Soccer (USYS), American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), and US Club Soccer – have agreed to adopt an age group formation cycle running from August 1 to July 31, beginning with the 2026–2027 season/registration year.

Beginning with Spring 2026 tryouts for the 2026–27 season/registration year, Wall Soccer Club will fully adopt the new Aug - Jul age groupings for Fall U8-U13 teams. All of our teams and coaches within these age bands will be reset to comply with this change.

The end result for the fall will be a full reorganization of our coaches and teams to a new structure where players will train and compete in a format that is more aligned with school year.

The below table shows the new age groupings for the 2026–27 season.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is this change happening?
Our governing body, U.S Youth Soccer, reviewed feedback and research and made the decision to shift back to grade based age groupings. This change aims to improve player and team continuity and provide an age grouping that better reflect players’ social and developmental environments.

2. Will there be any exceptions to the new age groups?
Per our current practice, we do not expect exceptions. Wall Soccer Club intends to fully comply with the new age groups. All U8-U13 teams, coaches and players will be reorganized within the new structure.

3. How will tryouts and team selection work in spring 2026?
The Club will share spring 2026 tryout dates in the coming weeks. All U8-U13 players will register online and tryout for our teams based on the “new” age groupings.

4. Who will be my coach and team this fall?
After all of the players within the club are assigned to their teams that align with the new age standards, the Club will determine how many teams can be formed and assign coaches to the teams.

5. This seems like a big change – can you break it down simply for me?
Yes. Soccer’s age groups are changing for the fall season. Your child will tryout in the spring under the new structure and may or may not be placed on a different team in the fall. After teams have been established, then coaches will be assigned.

6. I am a coach – How is this change going to affect me?
The Club recognizes your dedication and hard work in teaching the game that we all love. We ask for your continued support as we navigate this administrative challenge. Please remain focused on teaching the game and providing a positive atmosphere. Embrace the change, cheer on your former players and welcome the new ones.

7. What about the older 11v11 age groups that are not shown on the age group chart?
The Club will evaluate our U14+ teams with the coaches in the spring to determine the right competitive and developmental fit for each team.

8. Does this change impact high school eligibility?
No. High school soccer eligibility is governed separately by school and state athletic associations.

9. Is recreational soccer also affected by this change?
Yes. All Wall Soccer Club programs will follow the new policy beginning in the fall of 2026.

-Wall Soccer Club

January 2026