USYS Age Group Change Information
What is changing?
U.S. Soccer and major youth soccer organizations are shifting the age-group cutoff back to a seasonal (school-year) model rather than the calendar year (birth-year) model starting with the 2026–27 soccer year (Aug. 1, 2026–Jul. 31, 2027).
Why is this change happening?
- Better align teams with school grades and support long-term player development
- Help players stay with friends and classmates
- Improve overall player experience and long-term enjoyment of the game
- Eliminate the “trapped” player between eighth and ninth grade and the left behind high school seniors
Frequently Asked Questions: 2026-2027 Age Group & Registration Changes
U.S. Youth Soccer and USYS Maryland have implemented updated age group registration windows for the 2026-2027 seasonal year. These changes affect birth year cutoffs and team formation across all age groups. We encourage all CSA families to review the official guidance from USYS Maryland before registering for tryouts.
For full details, please visit: Registration Window Changes for 2026-2027 – USYS Maryland
Age groups are determined by a player's birth year under the U.S. Soccer Federation age group matrix. For the 2026-2027 season, the cutoff date is July 31, 2027. A player's age group is based on how old they are on that date.
| Age Group | Birth Dates |
|---|---|
| U8 | August 1, 2018 – July 31, 2019 |
| U9 | August 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018 |
| U10 | August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017 |
| U11 | August 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016 |
| U12 | August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015 |
| U13 | August 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014 |
| U14 | August 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013 |
| U15 | August 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012 |
| U16 | August 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 |
| U17 | August 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010 |
| U18 | August 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009 |
| U19 | August 1, 2007 – July 31, 2008 |
USYS and Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA) have updated its registration windows to align with national U.S. Soccer Federation standards and to improve competitive balance across age groups. These changes ensure that all players are competing with and against peers of similar developmental stages.
Please review the official announcement for the full rationale and timeline: Registration Window Changes for 2026-2027 – USYS Maryland
Possibly. Depending on your child's birth date, the updated registration windows may place them in a different age group than in previous seasons. We strongly encourage families to confirm their child's age group using the chart above and to cross-reference with the USYS Maryland guidance.
If you are unsure which age group applies to your child, contact us at doc@calvertsoccer.org before registering.
Players who wish to be evaluated for an older age group must first register for their correct birth year age group, then submit a request to doc@calvertsoccer.org with the following information:
- Player name
- Date of birth
- Current team
- Requested age group
CSA technical staff will determine whether the player is approved to attend an additional tryout session based on the CSA "Play-Up" policy. Do not attend an older age group tryout without prior approval.
No. A player's official registered age group is always based on their birth date as defined by USYS. Playing up is a competitive placement decision made by the club's technical staff and does not alter a player's official age group registration.
Most players will simply shift into the new grouping without repeating or skipping a full year of soccer. Some will repeat their current developmental year providing them with extra time to work on skills. For example, a player born in September who is currently on a "younger" birth year team will likely join classmates they already know from school. CSA will not force players to drop back to a previous developmental level (ie. Currently in 9v9 and drop to 7v7.
For full details on the updated registration windows, visit: Registration Window Changes for 2026-2027 – USYS Maryland
CSA travel soccer tryouts begin May 4, 2025 for the 2026-2027 season. Tryouts are held at The Calverton School and Hallowing Point Park Fields in Calvert COunty.
Register and view the full tryout schedule at: www.calvertsoccer.org/travel/tryouts
Please reach out to us directly at doc@calvertsoccer.org and we will be happy to help clarify any questions about age group placement, the USYS Maryland registration window changes, or the CSA tryout process.
You can also review the official guidance here: Registration Window Changes for 2026-2027 – USYS Maryland