2026-27 AGE GROUP FORMATION
U.S. Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) collectively announced a major update to age group formation that will take effect beginning with the 2026-27 seasonal year.
This change moves our year-round programming teams (Competitive / Junior Academy, Pre-Academy, and Academy) away from the current calendar-year (January 1 - December 31) model and moves to a seasonal-year (August 1 - July 31) model for age grouping.
Click here to read the full article presented by US Youth Soccer regarding the age-group formation.
Age Group Calculator
Enter player's birth date to calculate age group for the 2026-27 season.
Type date as MM/DD/YYYY
Player's Age Group:
WHAT TO KNOW
CFC WILL be fully implementing this change across all teams.
All players will tryout with their new age groups (August 1 - July 31).
FAQ
The US Soccer age-group cutoff date is July 31st but the School District grade cutoff date is September 10th. What happens if my players birthday is in August?
CFC will be following the cutoff date of July 31st.
8th graders with August birthdates will be eligible for the 8th grade waiver to participate in OYSA Fall Leagues. These waivers are currently NOT available. More info will be coming soon.
U18 / Seniors with August birthdates will be eligible for a waiver to participate. These waivers are currently NOT available. More info will be coming soon.
How are we going to name our teams?
We will be using a “U” (for under) before the age of the oldest player.
Example : U10 for youth born August 1, 2016 to July 31, 2017
What about kids who are in a grade that does not align with their age group? For example, my child is an 8th grader but they are eligible age group wise to play with 7th graders.
This will evaluated on a case by case basis but kids will not be allowed to play down no matter what without a waiver from each respective league (OYSA/ECNL/GA).
Players will tryout in their age group. If there is an exceptional player (top 5 best player in the age group above them), we will determine if playing up is developmentally appropriate for that player.
NEW CLARIFICATION: If a player is in the grade above the age group that they qualify for, an exception will be granted.
age groupS FOR THE upcoming 2026-2027 season -
U-8 : Born between Aug. 1, 2018 - July. 31, 2019
U-9 : Born between Aug. 1, 2017 - July. 31, 2018
U-10 : Born between Aug. 1, 2016 - July. 31, 2017
U-11 : Born between Aug. 1, 2015 - July. 31, 2016
U-12 : Born between Aug. 1, 2014 - July. 31, 2015
U-13 : Born between Aug. 1, 2013 - July. 31, 2014
U-14 : Born between Aug. 1, 2012- July. 31, 2013
U-15 : Born between Aug. 1, 2011 - July. 31, 2012
U-16 : Born between Aug. 1, 2010 - July. 31, 2011
U-17 : Born between Aug. 1, 2009- July. 31, 2010
U-18 : Born between Aug. 1, 2008 - July. 31, 2009
U-19 : Born between Aug. 1, 2007 - July. 31, 2008
FURTHER CLARIFICATION ON PLAYING UP AND DOWN
*revised May 4, 2026
Age Group Placement Policy (USYS Age Group Changes)
With the recent changes to age group formation by US Youth Soccer, Capital Futbol Club will follow age-based placement guidelines while allowing for limited, clearly defined exceptions.
1. Default Placement
Players will be placed and will try out in their official age group as defined by USYS birth year guidelines.
2. Playing Down (Younger Age Group)
Players will not be permitted to play in a younger age group than their birth year eligibility - regardless of their grade.
3. Grade-Based Exception (Clarification)
If a player is in a higher school grade than their age-based group (e.g., an 8th grader eligible by age for a 7th grade cohort), the club may grant an exception to allow the player to participate with their grade-level peers.
This exception:
Applies only to players playing up to align with grade
Does not override league rules or roster limitations
Will be evaluated and approved by club leadership
4. Final Authority
All placement decisions are made with the player’s best developmental interest in mind, while also aligning with league rules and team formation needs. The club reserves the right to make final determinations on all roster placements.
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