AGE GROUP FORMATION CHANGES
2026/2027 SEASON
Starting with the 2026–2027 season, US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO will transition back to school-year-based age groupings (August 1–July 31), moving away from the current calendar-year system. This change aims to align team formations more closely with players' academic grades, enhancing social cohesion and simplifying team management. (Link to US Youth Soccer Article)
While many of you may already be aware of this change, we want to provide as much information as possible, along with some FAQs below.
At FMESC, our focus continues to be to provide the best possible transition for our players—mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. All clubs nationwide are required to follow these new U.S. Soccer guidelines heading into the fall of 2026.
Our goal is to ensure a smooth, well-supported transition for everyone. Parents, coaches, and club leadership will all play a vital role in ensuring that player well-being remains the top priority.
Please know that we have already sorted current players by grade level and begun organizing the current landscape. However, there will still be some unknowns until after tryouts, or recreational registration, as new players and movement between teams will help shape the final rosters.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this change together.
Thank you for your continued support,
FMESC Board of Directors
AGE GROUP BIRTHDATE CHART
*Denotes Age Group FME currently offers Recreational level play only
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will there be exceptions to this rule?
Exceptions may apply if we are in the position where we need to combine age groups due to player numbers to form teams.
2. Can players play up?
Yes, however, players will need to go through our approval process to play up, which can be coordinated by the players’ current coach. Player development, measured by Technical/Tactical/Physical/Psychological pillars, will always remain the core of our decision-making in this process. Playing up is expected to be the exception, as we manage roster sizes across all age groups.
3. Is this an FMESC decision to change?
No. This is a U.S. Soccer–mandated change, and all clubs will be making this adjustment during tryouts. FMESC will follow these guidelines with integrity and a player-centered approach.
4. Will my child have the same coach?
Possibly. Some players may have the same coach, however each team coach is appointed annually through an application process and coaches assigned to teams can vary yearly and the age-grouping change will cause shifts of rosters formed in 2025.