Beginning in the 2026/27 season, JIYSC/LUSA will follow the new U.S. Soccer Age Group model, which follows the August 1 to July 31 player registration.

U.S. Soccer is aligning youth soccer with the age-group structure used by most school systems. This helps keep more players with their classmates and creates a more consistent development pathway.

Your child may move to a different age group than previous seasons. Some teammates may shift up or down depending on birthdays.

Important: No player will be moved without thoughtful evaluation. Our focus

is ensuring that each child is placed in the most appropriate environment for

their development.

All players will participate in standard annual evaluations/tryouts, just as they always have. The new cutoff date will simply determine which age group they

attend.

We understand the importance of social connections. While teams must follow the new age-group rules, coaches will do everything possible to support players and families during the transition.

No. Placement is based on ability, development needs, and readiness, not solely on the cutoff date. Some players may play up when appropriate.

The age-group structure creates a smoother alignment with school grade level and helps players grow physically, technically, and socially within a more consistent environment.

• Staff reviewed age group projections
  
• Staff and parent education
  
• Clear communication on placement timelines (more to follow)
  
• Player evaluations that consider both ability and well-being
  
• Opportunities for players to meet new teammates before the season starts

The new August 1 – July 31 system starts with the 2026-2027 seasonal year (Fall 2026 tryouts and registration). The entire 2025 2026 season remains under the current birth year rules.

Players will be evaluated to play up on a case by-case basis and will be determined on a development-based outlook.

No. High school eligibility is determined by your state's athletic association and school grade/age rules, not club soccer age groups.

Yes! The seasonal-year alignment is designed to reduce the "relative age effect" and "trapped player" issues that have impacted many families under the birth year system.

Duplicate jersey number conflicts may happen as players transition to new age groups. We realize this may have a financial impact on families.

• JIYSC Fee Structure
• LUSA Fee Structure