BIRTHDAYS & AGE DIVISIONS

Beginning with the 2026-2027 season, most US youth soccer organizations will group players using a seasonal-year system rather than a birth-year system. The leagues in which our teams participate have all adopted the move to this system. The new age groups for the Fall 26 - Spring 27 season and beyond will be:


BIRTHDAY & AGE DIVISION FAQs


  • Why was the change made? The national associations believe this shift will better align with school calendars, support social and individual needs of players, and ultimately enhance the youth soccer experience for families across the country. The birth year system had created a high number of 'trapped' players and aligning teams with school grades will greatly minimize that number.
  • How will TCSA players and teams be affected? This change will closely align the way competitive teams are formed with the way our recreational league teams are formed. TCSA has always formed recreational teams based on a child's grade in order to support the social dynamics of playing with grade level peers. Our club welcomes this change for our youth players as it will allow them to continue to play with their classmates in a competitive setting.
  • Does this mean that registration will now be based on a player's school grade? Not exactly. While the new age groups should closely align teams with grades in school, the age groups are still determined by a range of birthdays as listed above. Players who attend a grade that does not align with their birthday will be the exception.
  • Are players required to play within the new age groups? Are there any exceptions? Generally, players will need to play within the new age groups. The leagues will not permit players to 'play down' in a younger age division.
  • Is there any ability for a child whose birthday would place them in a younger group to compete at in an older age group with their school grade peers? Requests for players to 'play up' in order to remain with others in their same grade will be considered.


Have more questions about the age division shift? Email us: TCSA@TCSA.net