2026-27 Age Group Formation
U.S. Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and the Association 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 away from the current calendar-year (January–December) model and returns to a seasonal-year (August–July) model for age grouping. Please see the full article from US Club Soccer here.
We know how important consistency, community, and clarity are for our families, especially when it comes to your child’s soccer experience. As we prepare to transition our age group structure from a calendar year birth model to a seasonal and school year model for the 2026–27 season, please know that our staff and coaches are thoughtfully planning every step of the process. We are reviewing rosters, designing age group appropriate trainings and tryouts, and creating resources to help you and your player understand what lies ahead.
We also recognize that this transition may be challenging for some players and families, particularly for those who may move to a different team under the new parameters. These changes are not unique to Jacksonville FC. Clubs across the country, along with their players and families, are navigating this same shift as youth soccer aligns nationally with the seasonal and school year model. Our focus remains on supporting each player through this process and making decisions with long term development, care, and clarity at the forefront.
Our priority is to ensure this change feels as smooth, supportive, and beneficial as possible for every member of the JFC community as we move forward together. Thank you for your trust, patience, and continued support.
-
As of the 2026–27 season, the new standard will shift to a seasonal model, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.
We currently use birth-year model (January 1 – December 31) to define age groups, which was mandated by U.S. Soccer in 2017 to align with FIFA international standards.
To create a unified path forward in player development and age groupings, the largest youth soccer governing bodies (i.e., US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO) agreed to move to the “school year” model.
In order to be eligible to participate in US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, NPL, and ECNL league play & competitions, Jacksonville FC must be compliant with this change.
This change will be enacted by US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer following extensive review and discussion and made, “…based on additional critical feedback, data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers. Our associations feel that this age group player formation will be the most inclusive and help increase participation.” (US Youth Soccer)
The change will apply to all USYS-sanctioned league and cup competitions (National Championships, Presidents Cup, National League, etc.) and US Club-sanctioned league and competitions (ECNL, ECNL-RL, NPL, USYS, etc.).
-
All Recreation programs will re-align with the school-year calendar, using grade level and date of birth to determine player placement for each season.
All of our current competitive programs will be affected with the exception of our MLS NEXT Homegrown and Academy Division Programs.
Because this is a systemic change, some players will experience a shift into a different “age group” than they would under the old model. This new parameter will influence how we form our teams. We are working diligently to ensure a smooth transition for the 2026-27 season and will take all player development needs into consideration.
-
We understand that transitions like this can bring questions and concerns, and we want to assure you that our staff is already working through the details to develop the best processes to support players and families.
Our club leadership and coaching staff are:
Reviewing all current rosters and birthdates to project how the shift will affect teams at each level
Designing a process for new school year group trainings, tryouts & evaluations for the 2026-27 season
Communicating clearly and early so all families know the timeline and rationale
Providing support tools and resources, including a birth range calculator and FAQs (please see below).
Monitoring updates from US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and state associations to ensure we remain compliant with new rules and provide the best experience
We will share more information, timelines, and next steps as soon as they are finalized. In the meantime, please know that we are committed to helping every player continue to grow, develop, and thrive within Jacksonville FC.
Age Group Calculator
Enter your player’s birthdate to determine their age group.
| Age Group | Birth Date Range (2026–27 Season) |
|---|---|
| U19 | Aug 1, 2007 – Jul 31, 2009 |
| U17 | Aug 1, 2009 – Jul 31, 2010 |
| U16 | Aug 1, 2010 – Jul 31, 2011 |
| U15 | Aug 1, 2011 – Jul 31, 2012 |
| U14 | Aug 1, 2012 – Jul 31, 2013 |
| U13 | Aug 1, 2013 – Jul 31, 2014 |
| U12 | Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2015 |
| U11 | Aug 1, 2015 – Jul 31, 2016 |
| U10 | Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2017 |
| U9 | Aug 1, 2017 – Jul 31, 2018 |
| U8 | Aug 1, 2018 – Jul 31, 2019 |
| U7 | Aug 1, 2019 – Jul 31, 2020 |
| U6 | Aug 1, 2020 – Jul 31, 2021 |
| U5 | Aug 1, 2021 – Jul 31, 2022 |
Age Group Change FAQs
Important information about the upcoming shift to seasonal year age grouping
-
Starting with the 2026-27 season, youth soccer will move from the current calendar-year (January-December) model to a seasonal-year (August-July) model for age grouping.
Current System: Birth year (January 1 - December 31)
New System: Seasonal year (August 1 - July 31)This aligns age groups with the school year, placing players with their school-grade peers.
-
U.S. Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO agreed to this change based on extensive research and feedback. The key reasons include:
Better alignment with school-grade peers for social and developmental benefits
Increased inclusivity and participation opportunities
Unified approach across major youth soccer organizations
Expert recommendations supporting the school-year model
-
The following JFC Recreational and Competitive programs will be affected:
First Touch Academy
Junior Academy
Bridge
Elite & Storm
Pre MLS Academy
Pre ECNL
NPL (National Premier League)
ECNL / ECNL-RL (Elite Clubs National League)
JFC MLS NEXT Homegrown and Academy Divisions will remain BIRTH YEAR
-
Jersey number conflicts will not be an issue as we are completing our 2nd year on our current uniform cycle.
All competitive players will need to purchase new uniforms for the 2026/2027 season. These new uniforms will be used for 2 years.
-
The change will take effect for the 2026-27 seasonal year.
This means:
The 2025-26 season will continue to use the current calendar-year model
Starting August 2026, all recreational and competitive programs (except MLS NEXT Homegrown & Academy Division) will use the new seasonal-year model. We will be working towards this transition throughout the 2025-26 year by reviewing rosters & birthdates, designing processes for school-year group trainings, tryouts, & evaluations, and providing resources for our families.
-
Our club leadership and coaching staff are actively preparing for this transition:
Reviewing rosters: Analyzing all current rosters and birthdates to project team impacts
Planning tryouts: Designing new processes for school-year group trainings, tryouts, and evaluations
Clear communication: Providing early and transparent updates on timelines and rationale
Staying compliant: Monitoring updates from governing bodies to ensure we follow all new guidelines
We are committed to creating the best processes to support players and families.
-
We will continue to share updates, timelines, and detailed information as it becomes available. In the meantime:
Contact your program director: Reach out to your program director with any specific questions
Check official announcements: Read the full US Club Soccer article for comprehensive details
Watch for updates: We will provide more information as we finalize our transition plan