Age Group Changes 2026/27
Age Group Formation for 2026-27
San Francisco Seals are committed to providing the best possible development environment for our players, and we want to keep you informed about a significant change coming to youth soccer age group registration starting with the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
After extensive feedback from clubs, coaches, parents, and players across the country, US Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, AYSO, and MLS NEXT (Academy Division only) have decided to shift from the current calendar birth year system (January 1 – December 31) back to a seasonal/school-year system (August 1 – July 31). This change aims to better align soccer teams with school grade levels, allowing more players to compete alongside their classmates and reducing the challenges faced by "trapped players" (those whose birthdays cause them to be separated from grade-level peers at key transition points like 8th grade or high school senior year). In order to be eligible to participate in US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer leagues and competitions, Seals must be compliant with this change.
Starting in fall 2026, the new August 1 – July 31 cutoff will apply to most competitive leagues.
How This Affects Seals Teams by League
Seals competes in a variety of leagues, and listed below is a breakdown of how the age group change will impact leagues and age groups for the 2026-2027 season and beyond:
FAQs
Why Is This Happening?
Based on extensive research U.S. Youth Soccer (SAY soccer), U.S. Club Soccer, and AYSO collectively announced a major update to age group formation that will take effect in 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.
What is changing?
Starting with the 2026-27 season, youth soccer will move from the current calendar-year (January-December) model to a school-year (August-July) model for age grouping.
What Does This Mean for Players and Families?
In order to be eligible to participate in U.S. Youth Soccer, U.S. Club Soccer (NorCal) and NPL league play and tournaments, SF Seals must be compliant with this change.
- Players born August - December are the most likely to shift into a different age group.
- Team formation will look different for the 2026/27 year.
- Tryouts and team placements for 2026/27 will use the new August 1 - July 31 school year registration system.
Is registration based on your grade in school?
No. It is still based on your date of birth, which determines the age group you will play.
How are Seals leadership preparing?
Seals leadership is working diligently to ensure a smooth transition for the 26/27 season, and will take all player development needs into consideration.
In preparation for the new soccer season, club leadership are (1) working with our partners at BYGA and Seals coaches by reviewing all current rosters and birthdates to project how the shift will affect teams at each level, (2) designing a process for new school year group trainings and tryouts for the 2026/27 season, and (3) communicating clearly and early so families know the timeline and rationale.
If we move to a new team and there are duplicate jersey numbers, will I have to purchase a new jersey?
Duplicate jersey number conflicts may happen as players transition to new age groups. The club’s 2-year contract for uniforms expires and all players -returning and new- will be required to purchase a new uniform. The club will have uniform ordering instructions and player numbers organized early in June.
What resources will Seals provide?
- Seals will provide transparent communication regarding the age group formation and be available to answer questions about individual circumstances.
- Seals will host an Informational meeting before Tryouts that will include time to answer parent questions related to the age group formation.
