U.S. Soccer recently removed its nationwide calendar year age mandate. Earlier this year, US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer collectively decided to return to a school year calendar, Aug 1 to Jul 31, for all divisions. This shift aligns youth soccer with school grade levels and helps simplify age groups across programs.

The decision was made at the national level by the three major governing bodies of U.S. youth soccer. It was not a Region 84 decision and it applies nationwide to all youth soccer programs, including recreational, club, and Extra Play teams.

• US Youth Soccer
• AYSO
• US Club Soccer

The new school year age matrix applies to all youth soccer players in the United States, regardless of program or competition level. That includes AYSO’s Core, Extra Play, and Club programs.

The new divisions will officially start with the 2026 to 2027 soccer year. Region 84 Extra Play tryouts this season will already use the school year matrix to help make a smooth transition.

No. Region 84, along with all 64 regions in AYSO Section 11, must follow AYSO National’s age division policy and Section 11’s play up guidelines. Local regions are not allowed to make exceptions.

In most cases, no. AYSO Section 11 has limited play up approvals to only two specific situations:

• Players currently on 13U Extra teams who will rise to 14U next year.
• Players whose school year age group does not have an Extra team.

All other players will need to try out for, and if selected, play in their natural age division under the school year framework.

This upcoming season will be a transition year. Some players and coaches may move to new divisions, but our core mission remains the same. We want to provide a positive, competitive, and developmental environment where every player can grow in skill, confidence, and character.