Upcoming Age Group Changes for 2026-2027
Beginning with the upcoming playing year, Regent SC will transition from a January-December birth year model to an August 1-July 31 seasonal year structure for team formation, in alignment with guidance from US Youth Soccer, MAYSA and WYSA.
To determine your player’s age group and their program options, use the chart below:
| Age Group | Seasonal Year |
|---|---|
| 5U | Aug. 1, 2021 – July 31, 2022 |
| 6U | Aug. 1, 2020 – July 31, 2021 |
| 7U | Aug. 1, 2019 – July 31, 2020 |
| 8U | Aug. 1, 2018 – July 31, 2019 |
| 9U | Aug. 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018 |
| 10U | Aug. 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017 |
| 11U | Aug. 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016 |
| 12U | Aug. 2, 2014 – July 31, 2015 |
| 13U | Aug. 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014 |
| 14U | Aug. 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013 |
| 15U | Aug. 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012 |
| 16U | Aug. 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 |
| 17U | Aug. 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010 |
| 18U | Aug. 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009 |
| 19U | Aug. 1, 2007 – July 31, 2008 |
Why is age group formation changing?
The following information is provided by Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA).
- Transitioning to an 8/1-7/31 age grouping is a return to the former grouping prior to 2017. Calendar birth year was mandated by US Soccer when most youth soccer was previously using school age.
- Most youth soccer is non-competitive/recreational. The benefits of youth sport participation are numerous, but USYS feels that the social elements are some of the most important.
- Using the school year grouping creates the fewest trapped players.
- USYS feels that school year grouping promotes stronger team chemistry and retention by allowing children to play with their schoolmates and closest friends.
- Grouping by school year often places players in a more consistent emotional and physical developmental environment.
- School age grouping will help college recruitment. Players of the same graduating class will be participating together in high-level tournaments and matches.
Does this impact my player?
Players born between August 1 and December 31 are impacted by this change.
Impacted players will remain in their current age group next year.
Example: Players currently in the 11U age group (birth year 2015) and who have a birthdate between August 1 and December 31, will remain in the 11U age group again for the upcoming 2026/27 playing year.
2026/2027 Age Grouping Changes FAQ
The following information is provided by Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA).
When do the age group changes take effect?
For the 2026/2027 seasonal year, USYS competition age groups will be structured based on the dates August 1 – July 31. Beginning on 8/1/2026 all USYS competitions will use August 1 – July 31 to group players. All teams formed for the 2026/2027 seasonal year should be grouped based on these dates.
What age group will my child play in based on the new groupings?
Parents and guardians can use the table above to determine their player’s age grouping or the U.S. Soccer roster formation tool.
Click the links below for more information provided by Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA).