Age Division Changes – 2026–2027 Seasonal Year | AYSO Region 84
Age Division Changes for the 2026–2027 Seasonal Year
What’s Changing
New for the 2026–2027 Seasonal Year
All U.S. soccer, including AYSO, is adopting a new age division structure aligned with US Soccer. Divisions will now be based on a
seasonal year running August 1 – July 31, instead of the previous January–December birth year system.
This nationwide update is designed to align youth soccer with the school year, helping players participate alongside classmates and simplifying age groups across all programs.
If your child was born between August and December and played this past year, they are the most likely to see a change in their assigned division. When you register, the system will automatically place your child in the correct division.
How to confirm your child’s division
Simply refer to the age division matrix below. It lists every division and the exact birthdate range for the 2026–2027 seasonal year.
Why This Matters for Your Family
- Most families won’t need to do anything special. Registration will assign the correct division automatically.
- Friend requests and team formation still follow Region 84 guidelines.
- Players stay with peers close to their grade level. This helps with social comfort and team continuity.
- All AYSO programs follow the same national rules. This ensures consistency across Core, Extra Play, and other divisions.
2026–2027 Age Division Matrix
Based on the August 1 – July 31 seasonal year.
| Division | Birth Range |
|---|
| 4U (Playground) | Aug 2022 – Jul 2023 |
| 5U | Aug 2021 – Jul 2022 |
| 6U | Aug 2020 – Jul 2021 |
| 7U | Aug 2019 – Jul 2020 |
| 8U | Aug 2018 – Jul 2019 |
| 9U | Aug 2017 – Jul 2018 |
| 10U | Aug 2016 – Jul 2017 |
| 11U | Aug 2015 – Jul 2016 |
| 12U | Aug 2014 – Jul 2015 |
| 13U | Aug 2013 – Jul 2014 |
| 14U | Aug 2012 – Jul 2013 |
| 16U | Aug 2010 – Jul 2012 |
| 19U | Aug 2007 – Jul 2010 |
Division availability may vary by season. Some divisions may be combined depending on enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is AYSO making this change?
US Soccer removed its nationwide calendar‑year mandate, allowing youth organizations to return to a school‑year model. AYSO, US Youth Soccer, and US Club Soccer adopted the August–July structure to align divisions with grade levels.
Does this apply to all AYSO programs?
Yes. The new age matrix applies to all AYSO programs — Core, Extra Play, and all other divisions.
Can Region 84 make exceptions?
No. Age cutoffs are set nationally and apply to all regions. Play‑up requests follow AYSO Section 11 guidelines.
Where can I learn more?
Questions? Contact AYSO Region 84 at [email protected].