AGE GROUP CHANGES
US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and the Association Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) collectively announced a major update to age group formations that will take effect for the 2026–27 season.
This change moves away from the current calendar-year (January–December) model and returns to a seasonal-year (August–July) model for age grouping.
For the 2026/27 season SJEB FC is moving age group registrations from the birth year model to the school year model (Aug 1 - July 31).
This change applies to all SJEB FC levels of play and programming (Boys ECNL, Boys ECNL-RL, Girls GA, Girls NAL, Junior Academy, training programs, & camps).
WHY IS CHANGE HAPPENING?
- To better align players with their school grade peers.
- Helping to reduce “trapped” players, i.e., players (usually with birthdates in the last quarter of the year) who continue in high school after the rest of their cohort have moved on to college.
- To improve player identification for collegiate soccer.
- Better alignment with school-grade peers for social and developmental benefits.
- Increased inclusivity and participation opportunities.
- Unified approach across major youth soccer organizations.
- Back in 2017, 99% of Youth Soccer clubs did not want a change to Birth year, the
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REGISTRATION WILL BE BASED ON SCHOOL YEAR?
- YES, school grade is the main determining factor for team placement.
- The vast majority of players will play on the age group that aligns with their school grade (*only if their brith date does not restrict them - ie players can not play ‘down’ an age group).
- Selected players may be asked to play in an age group different to their school grade for developmental reasons per the Technical Staff (*only if their DOB allows this).
WHO IS IMPACTED BY THE CHANGE?
- ECNL Boys
- ECRL Boys
- Girls Academy League
- National Academy League
- EDP League
- ACELA League
WHAT PLAYERS ARE MOST LIKELY TO SHIFT AGE GROUPS?
Players with birthdays in August through December are most likely to be affected by the change, as they will probably remain in their current age group for 2026/27. For example, a player with an October 2016 birth date (current U10) will remain a U10 for the 2026/27 season.
CAN MY CHILD PLAY UP AN AGE GROUP?
- Playing up may be a good option for certain players.
- It's each players prerogative what age group they play in, always has and always will be.
- Players wanting to play up need to be aware of the pro's and con's.
- SJEB FC coaching staff and directors will discuss those pro's and con's with families of players who want to play up, and offer our advice.
WHAT PLAYERS ARE MOST LIKLEY TO SHIFT AGE GROUP?
Players with birthdays in August through December are most likely to be affected by the change, as they will probably remain in their current age group for 2026/27. For example, a player with an October 2016 birth date (current U10) will remain a U10 for the 2026/27 season.
CAN I KEEP MY JERSEY NUMBER?
- Jersey number conflicts will arise as players transition to new age groups.
- Our club is currently developing policies with our apparel vendors to address this situation and minimize the financial impact on families.
- We will communicate specific guidelines regarding jersey numbers prior to the Academy/Travel team tryouts.
