Upcoming changes
January 26, 2026
Tony Stevenson
Upcoming Age Group Changes In US Youth Soccer
A Message for our CUSC Families
As we look ahead to the 2026–27 season, youth soccer across the United States will transition from birth-year registration to a school-year–aligned (seasonal year) model. Below is what this means for CUSC families, why the change is happening, and how we are thoughtfully preparing for it.
As we return to the pitch after the new year, we want to share an important update regarding a nationwide change that will impact youth soccer beginning in the 2026–27 season.
U.S. Soccer, in coordination with US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO, has mandated a shift from calendar birth-year registration to a seasonal year model using an August 1 – July 31 cutoff. This change is designed to better align players with their school peers and improve the overall player experience and long-term participation.
We understand that a change of this magnitude naturally brings questions. Please know that CUSC leadership and staff are working diligently to ensure this transition is smooth, thoughtful, and beneficial for every athlete in our club.
Old Model vs. New Model
The seasonal-year model better aligns players with school-year peers.
Age Groups
The table below shows how common birth ranges map to seasonal-year age groups. This is a general guide; final team placement is always determined by our DOC and coaching staff to ensure your player has the best opportunity for development and long term success.
| Seasonal Team | Birth Date Range | Typical School Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 2008–09 | Aug 1, 2008 – Jul 31, 2009 | 11th Grade |
| 2009–10 | Aug 1, 2009 – Jul 31, 2010 | 10th Grade |
| 2010–11 | Aug 1, 2010 – Jul 31, 2011 | 9th Grade |
| 2011–12 | Aug 1, 2011 – Jul 31, 2012 | 8th Grade |
| 2012–13 | Aug 1, 2012 – Jul 31, 2013 | 7th Grade |
| 2013–14 | Aug 1, 2013 – Jul 31, 2014 | 6th Grade |
| 2014–15 | Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2015 | 5th Grade |
| 2015–16 | Aug 1, 2015 – Jul 31, 2016 | 4th Grade |
| 2016–17 | Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2017 | 3rd Grade |
| 2017–18 | Aug 1, 2017 – Jul 31, 2018 | 2nd Grade |
Why This Change Is Happening
- School-Year Alignment: Players are more likely to play with classmates and friends.
- Improved Player Experience: Reduces social and physical gaps that can occur within teams.
- National Consistency: All major youth soccer organizations are aligned under one standard.
Trusting the Development Process
Over the last several months, our DOC has been working closely with all of our coaching staff and evaluating our teams. After reviewing the landscape, we are confident that this change will put our club and our players in a much stronger position.
As the club prepares for the May 2026 tryouts, we ask for your trust in our professional staff. Clackamas United sees your athletes’ skills daily and makes these placements with a long-term vision for their development. The club’s goal is to ensure every player is in an environment where they can thrive, lead, and grow.
How CUSC Is Preparing
In advance of the 2026–27 season, CUSC leadership will finalize our operational strategy in partnership with the Board of Directors. The following guiding pillars are actively being refined:
- Refining “Play-Up” Standards: To maintain competitive balance, we will be limiting the number of players playing up a grade.
- Optimized Roster Sizes: We aim to maintain appropriate roster sizes to support quality coaching and meaningful playing time, with flexibility to make adjustments when needed to best support player development.
- Grade-Level Alignment: Ensuring players are playing at their appropriate grade levels to foster social and physical chemistry.
- Fluidity & Movement: Establishing clear guidelines for players moving up or down between tiers throughout the year to reward growth and address development needs.
- Enhanced Evaluation: A three-day tryout format to ensure fair, thorough evaluations for every athlete.
What Comes Next
We will continue to communicate as additional details are finalized. Our goal is that by the time tryout registration opens, families have a clear understanding of both the nationwide change and CUSC’s thoughtful approach to managing it.
Thank you for your continued trust in CUSC and your dedication to your athlete’s journey. We are excited about what the future holds.