Age Group Changes - Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Season

 The governing bodies of youth soccer announced a nationwide update to age group formation. This change moves away from the current calendar year (January 1 – December 31) to season year (August 1 – July 31) age grouping.  

The key reasons for the change include: 

• Eliminate the current “trap year” 8th graders requiring U14/15 teams (24 month U14/15 teams)
•  A unified national approach for league, cup and tournament competitions. 
• Reduce the number of players “forced to play up” a grade.

Under the new model, a player’s soccer age group will be determined by their birthdate between August 1 of one year and July 31 of the next.  This will impact how we form teams.

Below is the annual birth-year chart showing the new ranges for each “U” age group.

We are working diligently to communicate the change and ensure a smooth transition as possible. We encourage you to discuss the upcoming changes with your current head coach. To help families prepare for the change we developed a series of Q&As:

Who will be impacted?

All competitive players on Travel, Premier, ECNL, Girls Academy and MLS Next Academy teams will be impacted. This is a broad, systemic, nationwide change required to participate in youth soccer. Many players will shift into a different “age group” than they would under the old model.

What players will shift age groups? 

Players born in August through December will normally remain in their age group and move from the youngest players in an age group to the oldest. Players born in January to July will move up an age group and now play against older players. These changes will impact tryouts, team placements and playing time. 

Will player tryouts be based on the player’s age or grade level in school?

Players tryouts continue to be based on age/birth date. Players born August 1, 2012 thru December 31, 2018 are eligible to tryout with the FSC.

Can my player remain with their current team? 

FSC has always had returning players re-tryout every year for team placement. Last year, 400 players attended tryouts. Given the magnitude of the age change and number of players attending tryouts, there likely will be significant movement between “U” level ages and A & B teams.

Why do player’s birthdate and school grade not align? 

The new national soccer August 1st age cutoff, more closely aligns with the CT school system’s September 1st, school age-grade cut off. The soccer age change allows many players to now play with their classmates and eliminates “trapped players”. However, some player’s, especially those with August birthdays, grade may not align to the new soccer age cutoff. That said, no national soccer age cutoff date could be 100% align to school grade because school grade eligibility dates vary by state. It is even more difficult in CT because many local school districts offer optional September to December grade entry exceptions.

Can my child tryout to “Play up” an age group?   

We strongly encourage players to play in their age group. Players who play with and compete against players of the same age benefit from team placement, playing time, gaining confidence and leadership skills critical to their development. “Play up” tryout requests are normally only approved in exceptional circumstances. 

Will FSC provide current returning players born in August extra consideration?

In consideration of the 9/1 CT school grade cutoff and proximity to the new age ranges (13th month), FSC will be offered to choose a one-time, non-revokable August Birthdate Tryout Age Exception to current returning FCS players. If elected prior during tryout registration by May 22, 2026, these players will be moved to and only attend the upcoming older age group tryout. Those electing this exception will not be considered for placement with their younger age group in order to ensure timely and fair team formation. Being eligible to tryout does not guarantee selection or placement in the older group, even if they were previously on that team.  

Can my player “Play down” in age?

Players are not allowed to play down an age group by CJSA rule. 

My player is on a current U14/15 team, can they play U14 again next year?

Players born August 1,2012 to July 31,2013 can tryout for the new U14 age group. (CIAC restricts high school soccer players from playing club soccer during the fall season, but allows playing in the spring)

Does FSC allow U8 players to tryout for U9 teams?

The older U8 Players born August 1st - December 31st, 2018, may tryout for a combined U8/U9 team. Please note that if U8 player are selected to a combined U8/U9 age group team, they would repeat U09 for the following season, and will thereafter play with their appropriate age group.

When will tryouts be for 2026-2027 Season?

We anticipate tryouts will begin after Memorial Day.