US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and the Association Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) collectively announced a major update to age group formations that will take effect for the 2026–27 season.

This change moves away from the current calendar-year (January–December) model and returns to a seasonal-year (August–July) model for age grouping. CLICK HERE to access the US Club Soccer article. 

• For the 2026/27 season FC Montco is moving age group registrations from the birth year model to the school year model (Aug 1 - July 31).

• This change applies to all FC Montco levels of play and programming (Travel, Recreation, programs, & camps).

Age Group Changes FAQs:

• WHY IS THIS CHANGE HAPPENING?

  • To better align players with their school grade peers.

  • Helping to reduce “trapped” players, i.e., players (usually with birthdates in the last quarter of the year) who continue in high school after the rest of their cohort have moved on to college.

  • To improve player identification for collegiate soccer.

  • Better alignment with school-grade peers for social and developmental benefits.

  • Increased inclusivity and participation opportunities.

  • Unified approach across major youth soccer organizations.

  • Expert recommendations supporting the school-year model.

• WHO MADE THIS DECISION?

  • The governing bodies of soccer in the USA - US Soccer, USYS, US Club, & AYSO.

• WHAT IS THE AGE GROUP CHANGE?

  • Starting in the 2026/27 season, youth player age groups will be organized by school year (Aug 1- July 31) rather than by calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31).

• WHO IS IMPACTED BY THE CHANGE?

  • All Travel level players.

  • Many players will experience a shift into a different “age group” than they would under the old model. This new parameter will influence how we form our teams. 

• WILL REGISTRATION NOW BE BASED ON THE PLAYER'S SCHOOL GRADE?

  • The vast majority of players will play on the age group that aligns with their school grade (*only if their birth date does not restrict them - ie. players can not play ‘down’ an age group).

• CAN PLAYERS PLAY UP AN AGE GROUP?

  • Players with August birthdays will have the choice to play with their school year or stay with their age group. You will make this choice when you register for tryouts.

    • Whatever choice the player makes is for the entire year as rosters will be set after tryouts.

    • FC Montco highly recommends having a discussion with your current coach prior to making this decision. 

  • FC Montco has made the decision to allow current high school teams, to remain intact. All 2011 and older birth dates will be considered to play up an age group, to remain with their current team. You will make this choice when you register for tryouts. 

    • Whatever choice the player makes is for the entire year as rosters will be set after tryouts.

    • FC Montco players with a 2011 and older birth year, who decide to play with their true school year, are encouraged to have a conversation with their current coach.

  • Players that don't have August birthdays and want to be considered to play up an age level, will need to follow the current process in place by contacting the Director of Coaching and the Travel Director.

Still have Questions?  Email us at info@fcmontco.org.