NEW BEGINNING JULY 2026!
Age groups will be determined by school-year.
Beginning in July 2026 with the new 26/27 soccer season, age groups nationwide will be determined on a school-year cycle (which is August 1- July 31), instead of the current birth-year cycle (which is January 1 – December 31).
We are committed to clearly updating you throughout this process. Please see the FAQs below and if you have additional questions, reach out to us at salvosc@salvosoccer.org!
FAQs
This change is nationwide and will begin at Player ID in July 2026.
July 13th, 2026 – U8-U12 Player ID may begin (players born between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2019).
July 25th, 2026 – U13+ Player ID may begin (players born between August 1, 2007 and July 31, 2014).
Specific dates and times for age groups will come later this Spring.
It is a joint decision by the three largest youth soccer governing bodies across the nation (US Club, USYS, and AYSO). These governing bodies aligned through the U.S. Soccer Youth Council discussions and subsequent updates.
This is being adopted by sanctioning bodies and leagues that we participate in (e.g. TCSL, US Club, Girls Academy League, USYS, etc.)
Because we participate in leagues that are sanctioned by the organizations adopting this change.
To align age groups to the school calendar and to decrease the number of “trapped players”. Additionally, it is beneficial for collegiate recruiting (i.e. it allows coaches to watch a single age group for a single graduating class).
To align with the academic calendar.
It will adjust the age groupings, so teams may stay very similar or may change a bit!
Please attend the Player ID session for your player’s new age group (refer to the charts above). All players need to be seen with their age group peers. If play up requests are received, they will be decided on a case-by-case basis after players attend their own age group Player ID.
Yes, as soon as we approach Player ID!
Players and teams will be affected. Salvo SC will prioritize appropriate developmental placement for each player. Some players will play in the same age group for a second time, while others will move up to their next age group. Salvo SC will minimize disruption where possible, but players and families should anticipate change.
Players born between August and December will play in the same age group as they did in the 25/26 season. This is an opportunity to extend the developmental experience of these players: an extra year allows players to build more confidence, play with their classmate peers, and grow at a pace that is appropriate for them.
Players born between January and July will age up. They will now shift to being among the younger players in their new group; this will offer them valuable opportunities to develop alongside slightly older peers, build resilience, and experience a more competitive environment.
No players will age down.
High school soccer will still be present in our market; the number of “trapped players” will decrease!
This depends on your player’s birth date. If your player has a birth date between August 1-December 31, he will become the oldest player on his team, as players from the next birth year will be joining that age group for 2026-2027.
We are excited that this will allow players to play on teams with friends from their same grade in school. However, we are being thoughtful about the potential peer group disruptions this change will bring, and are planning to make the best decisions for player and team development.
Yes. We will be hosting Player ID Prep-Camps which will be an opportunity to meet players and coaches.
No, because all Minnesota youth clubs will be transitioning to the same structure so there will be no disadvantage or change in competitive opportunities. Leagues, tournaments, and governing bodies are coordinating processes together in an effort to ensure a consistent rollout. More information on team league placement, tournaments, and league structures will come as we get closer to Player ID in July.
We are currently working with the leagues to determine how team placements will be applied for the 26/27 season. There will be some level of self-selection, combined with input from our Directors of Coaching based on new rosters and player projections. All TCSL divisions (from Cities to National) are already self-selecting placement. Salvo SC will place teams at the level that is most appropriate, and will advocate for each team’s opportunity to compete at the highest level possible.
No. The team fees are set based on team and program prescriptions and will be adjusted as appropriate, but the age group change will not be a factor.
No, because this is coming into effect from our governing bodes, leagues structures, and federation. Salvo SC has no influence on the decision, and if this decision allows more children the opportunity to play the game, then we support it!
There will be temporary peer group disruption at the onset, but ultimately it will lead to most players getting to play with others in the same school grade, which aligns age and stage!
No, nothing will change with the way age groups are determined in our Recreation program. In fact, these age groups will now align with our Competitive program age groups, so will actually create a smoother transition from Recreation to Competitive.
Additional information can be found here.
The majority of leagues are making this adaptation based on the sanctioning bodies that run and operate the leagues across the United States.
Age Groups until July 2026:
| BIRTH YEAR | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2007/2008 |
| AGE GROUP | U8 | U9 | U10 | U11 | U12 | U13 | U14 | U15 | U16 | U17 | U18/U19 |
Age Groups beginning July 2026:
| AGE GROUP | BIRTH DATES |
| U8 | born Aug 1, 2018 – July 31, 2019 |
| U9 | born Aug 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018 |
| U10 | born Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017 |
| U11 | born Aug 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016 |
| U12 | born Aug 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015 |
| U13 | born Aug 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014 |
| U14 | born Aug 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013 |
| U15 | born Aug 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012 |
| U16 | born Aug 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 |
| U17 | born Aug 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010 |
| U18 | born Aug 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009 |
| U19 | born Aug 1, 2007 – July 31, 2008 |
