2026-2027 New Age Group Formation
per U.S. Youth Soccer, AYSO, and U.S. Club SoccerLegion Futbol Club wants to share an important update regarding how Youth Soccer players will be grouped by age for the upcoming soccer seasons and how our play-up policy will be applied moving forward. Our goal is to be transparent, consistent, and focused on what is best for long-term player development.
Following extensive review and collaboration, U.S. Youth Soccer, AYSO, and U.S. Club Soccer have collectively approved a new age group formation cycle. Beginning with the 2026–27 season, (May 2026 Tryouts) teams will transition to a school-year-based age grouping system (August 1 – July 31).
This mandatory change was based on additional critical data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers. U.S. Youth Soccer, AYSO, and U.S. Club Soccer feel that this age group player formation will be the most inclusive and help increase participation.
Updated Decision on Age Group Formation - US Youth Soccer
Age group cut-off update for 2026-27 season - US Club Soccer Website
- The current birth-year system (January 1 – December 31) will be discontinued.
- Age groups will now be based on August 1 – July 31.
- This Age Group model will apply to all leagues and competitions, including:
- National Championships
- Presidents Cup
- National League
- ECNL / ECNL-RL
- NPL
- USYS & US Club Team and competitions
In order to be eligible to participate in US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, NPL, and ECNL league play & competitions, Legion Futbol Club as well as all other clubs nationwide, must be compliant and is required to adopt this Age Group change.
Age Grouping Model
Beginning this Fall 2026 season (May 2026 Tryouts), Legion Futbol Club will follow the Nationally recognized school-year age grouping model, which aligns with US Club, U.S. Soccer and all competitive leagues across the country.
Under this New Age Group model:
Players are grouped by birth dates from August 1 through July 31 (See New Age Group Chart below)
What Age group will my child play in:
The simplest way to summarize the upcoming change is that on August 1st, 2026:
Players born January 1st through July 31st will progress to the higher age group for the 26/27 season.
Ex. Player born in June 2017;
25/26 Season: U9
26/27 Season: U10Players born August 1st through December 31st will remain in the same age group for the 26/27 season.
Ex. Player born in September 2017;
25/26 Season: U9
26/27 Season: U9Will my child be affected:
Yes. All of Legion Futbol Clubs programs will adhere to the Age Group rule change.
Recreational, Soccer Development Academy, and all competitive programs will align with the nationwide change.LEGION FUTBOL CLUB Play-Up Policy
Legion FC play-up process/policy ensures decisions are made in the best interest of the player’s development.
To be considered for playing up:
- Player must be considered an impact player in the above age group
- Any play-up consideration is evaluated by our coaching staff and technical leadership during tryouts
- To be placed on an older team, the player must project as:
- Top half of the roster or
- A consistent starterEvaluations are based on:
- Technical ability
- Tactical understanding
- Physical readiness
- Emotional and social maturity
***It is very important for players and parents to understand that “playing up” is often not the best decision for the long term development of that player.***
Please email Jason Kirk at doc@legionfutbolclub.com for any questions or concerns regarding the play-up policy. All cases will be looked at on an individual basis.
Our Commitment
We are committed to:
- Transparency in communication
- Consistency across all teams
- Prioritizing long-term player development
Legion Futbol Club is committed to working through this age group adjustment with our players and families. Our directors have been preparing and meeting regularly to make this transition as smooth as possible and every decision is made with the player’s best interests in mind.
We appreciate your trust and partnership as we continue to build a positive, development-focused environment for all players.
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