Age Group Transition for Youth Soccer in the U.S.

At Roswell Soccer Club, like nearly every club across the country, we are preparing for the 2026/27 Team Formation cycle and the upcoming age group changes directed by U.S. Soccer and its national governing bodies (including US Club Soccer, USSSA, US Youth Soccer, and others).

These organizations are moving away from the traditional birth-year model toward a system that more closely aligns with the academic school year. Our staff is taking a thoughtful, well-planned approach to ensure this transition is clear, organized, and supportive for all families. 


We understand that this change may bring questions and uncertainty as families think about their player’s team placement for next season. Our staff is actively finalizing our approach, and we will share more detailed information with Roswell Soccer Club families throughout January. We appreciate your patience and kindly ask that families hold questions until after this information has been distributed, so we can provide clear and consistent answers. 


As a first step in this process, Roswell Soccer Club will host a series of training sessions in the spring of 2026 for current players to allow them to train with peers based on the new age group structure. Additional sessions will take place later in the spring, leading into our tryouts, and will be open to both current RSC players and players outside the club, offering broader opportunities to experience the new format. 


Session schedules will be shared once finalized. Current RSC players will receive registration details via email. 

New Age Groups

  • U7 – August 1, 2019 – July 31, 2020
  • U8 – August 1, 2018 – July 31, 2019
  • U9 – August 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018
  • U10 – August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017
  • U11 – August 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016
  • U12 – August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015
  • U13 – August 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014
  • U14 – August 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013
  • U15 – August 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012
  • U16 – August 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011
  • U17 – August 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010
  • U19 – August 1, 2007 – July 31, 2009 

Frequently

Asked

Questions 


We know the age change can be confusing and that you might have questions about it. From general inquiries to more specific questions about the impact on individual players, teams, leagues, etc., please refer to our FAQs below.

1. General Questions About the Change 


What change is happening for 2026/27? 
Starting with the 2026/27 soccer year, U.S. Soccer is expected to move from Birth-Year registration to a Grade-Year–aligned system, aligning team formation more closely with school grade levels. 


Why is this change being implemented? 
The shift is designed to: 

  • Better align soccer teams with school structures 
  • Reduce roster disruption during middle school years 
  • Improve social continuity by grouping classmates together 
  • Support long-term player development and retention 
  • Address challenges faced by players born later in the year 


Is this change optional? 
No. Once adopted by U.S. Soccer, all clubs, leagues, and sanctioned events nationwide must follow the Grade-Year structure. 


Will Roswell Soccer Club follow these guidelines? 
Yes. All Roswell Soccer Club programs will fully adopt the Grade-Year team formation model. 

 


2. Impact on Individual Players 


Will my child remain on the same team? 
Possibly, but it is not guaranteed. Teams will be reorganized based on the new birthdate alignment, which may result in some players remaining together and others joining new groups. 


Will my child move up or down compared to their current team? 
Players will be placed based on their birthdate within the new formation window, not their birth year. This may result in some players shifting relative to their current team. 


Will this impact playing time or level of competition? 
No. Player placement will continue to be based on both birthdate and ability, ensuring balanced and competitive team environments. 


Will coaching assignments change? 
Some coaches may remain with their current groups, while others may shift to accommodate the new structure. Maintaining coaching continuity remains a priority. 

 


3. Team Formation & Evaluation Process 


How will players be evaluated for new teams? 
Roswell Soccer Club uses a comprehensive evaluation process that includes: 

  • Technical ability 
  • Tactical understanding 
  • Physical development 
  • Mentality and training habits 
  • Positional needs 
  • Collaboration among directors and staff 

 

Will there be evaluations specific to the new age groups? 
  

Yes. The additional spring training sessions organized under the new registration groups will serve as part of the evaluation process. Ongoing training sessions and games with current teams are also continuously used for evaluation. In addition, our regular May tryouts will allow staff to assess players in both training and game-like environments before finalizing new teams. 


How will competitive balance be maintained? 
Players will be placed in appropriate environments to ensure teams remain competitive and developmentally aligned. 


Can players request placement with friends? 
No. For reasons of fairness, competitive integrity, and compliance with age-group guidelines, we cannot accommodate friend requests 

 


4. Social & Emotional Considerations 


Will this help players stay with school classmates? 
Yes. One of the primary goals of this change is improved alignment with school peer groups. 


How will the club support players who are anxious about change? 
Roswell Soccer Club will provide: 

  • Player and parent information sessions 
  • Staff guidance and support throughout the transition 


Can exceptions be made for social reasons? 
For reasons of fairness, competitive integrity, and compliance with age-group guidelines, birthdate-based placement must be applied consistently for all players. 

 


5. Leagues, Tournaments & Travel 


How will leagues like DPL, MLS NEXT AD, NAL, and SCCL handle this change? 
All major leagues will transition to Grade-Year divisions. Roswell Soccer Club is already working with partner leagues to ensure a smooth rollout. 


Will tournaments change as well? 
Yes. All U.S. Soccer–sanctioned tournaments will adopt the new age groups beginning in 2026/27. 


Will older age groups (U15–U19) be affected? 
Yes. The change is for all RSC member leagues in all age groups. 

 


6. Administration, Fees & Registration 


Will club fees change due to this transition? 
No fee changes are directly tied to the age-group shift. Any adjustments in fees follow our standard budgeting process. 


Will uniforms need to be replaced? 
Uniform cycles remain unchanged. Any jersey number conflicts will be handled on a case-by-case basis. 


Will families need to re-register players? 
Roswell Soccer Club will manage all roster, pass, and league updates internally. Families will complete the normal annual registration process. 

 


7. Exceptions & Special Circumstances 


Can a player “play up” a grade? 
Play-ups may be considered only if: 

  • The player is clearly advanced within their grade group 
  • Space is available on the next team 
  • Coaches & Directors approve the move based on development 

Play-ups will be rare and must comply with U.S. Soccer guidelines and our RSC Play-up Policy. 


Can players remain with their current teammates if they are in different grades? 
No. Placement must follow the birthdate-based structure consistently. 


Are goalkeepers treated differently? 
Goalkeeper-specific situations may be reviewed individually, but teams will still follow birthdate groupings. 

 


8. Communication & Support 


How will Roswell Soccer Club share updates? 
Families can expect: 

  • Detailed email communication 
  • Webinars and Q&A opportunities 


When will new team placements be announced? 
Team rosters will be released shortly after tryouts conclude. 


Who should families contact with questions?

If you have age-group–related questions that are not answered in our FAQ, please email us at doc@roswellsoccerclub.com.