Youth Soccer Age Group Change - What is coming?
Over the past couple of years, US Soccer and the governing bodies of youth soccer in our country have been looking at, and reviewing, the decision made in 2017 regarding the age group formation, or rather the dates determining the starting point for forming teams for competition in youth soccer.
A finalized revision of this decision was announced to move the current “calendar year” (January 1 - December 31) age group formation to the “school year” (August 1 - July 31) timeframe. This new age group setting will be implemented for the 2026-27 season/registration year, beginning with the tryout period in June 2026. Please note that “school year”
does not refer to grade level. Player age groups will be determined by date of birth within the August 1 – July 31 parameter, not the grade level they are in. As we mention below, while this will allow the vast majority to play with the same grade, it is not a certainty as some players with a date of birth within these ranges will still be in a different grade.
At Sporting Springfield, we have been reviewing our club structures, and the impact this decision will have across the organization as we look to implement this new decision in the upcoming season, and answer some key questions that have been shared with us, and other important information regarding this decision:
What does this mean for Sporting Springfield?
With all Sporting Springfield teams competing in leagues that have made the change to the age range calendar, all Sporting Springfield teams for the 2026-27 season will align with this new age group calendar of August 1st - July 31st. This allows all teams to continue competing at the same base level in these sanctioned leagues, as we continue to provide a competitive opportunity for players across all levels.
We at Sporting Springfield believe this will have a positive long-term impact on the club and its players. The key areas this will improve will be:
- College recruitment opportunities - allow players pursuing collegiate opportunities to showcase themselves against fellow graduates and allow the Directors/coaches to provide general recruitment guidance/support collectively to all team members, rather than each individual.
- Minimizing “trapped” players - this change will mean the need for a “trapped” team of 8th, or 12th grade players is minimized as the number of players on the older end is lessened. These teams/players occurred due to the disconnect between birthdates and grade levels. This will help the logistics for the club in creating/managing these teams and increase opportunities for players to have a more well-rounded experience with “their” team. Again, it will not fully eliminate the situation but lessens it greatly.
- Social/Team Connection - Teams and players now have a more social alignment with school year, the ability for social connection within teams will be improved and minimizes situations of teams having dynamics stretching across multiple levels.
- Club Development Alignment - At Sporting Springfield, we view this change as an opportunity to strengthen our player pathway. Aligning by August – July supports our holistic development approach - connecting social, academic, and athletic environments so that players can grow together on and off the field.
While the club does recognize the larger long-term benefits of this change, we realize that the short-term impact can be less positive, and creates a difficult dynamic in some scenarios with this change. "We believe in and support the decision to move away from the birth year model to align more closely with the August 1 – July 31 age group dates as a positive step forward for the long-term growth of the game and increased participation at all levels. Change is inevitable and embracing that change allows for it to be more calming and better understood. We are confident that our club is taking the necessary steps to ensure that all families, players, and coaches are well informed and well prepared for the change ahead” Sporting Springfield Executive Director, Eric Sorlie.
We want every family to have clear accessible information around this decision, as well as the opportunity for communication between parents/players and club staff. Our aim is to ensure we provide a supportive and inclusive environment as we navigate this change. To begin this process of information sharing, here are some general questions that we have been asked regarding this change:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who will this age group change impact?
This announced change will impact all Sporting Springfield teams from our youngest in our Juniors Program all the way up to graduating seniors.
When does the age group change get implemented?
It starts with the tryout period in June 2026, to begin play in the fall season of 2026 and onward. This will mean registration for tryouts will also be adjusted to be in these new respective age groups.
What do the new age-groups look like for the 2026/27 season?
The 2026/27 season will be the first season with this new age group parameter which will look like this:
Beginning with tryouts in June 2026, all Sporting Springfield teams will define age groups moving forward by these new dates/age-groups. This will be adjusted through registration for all club programs, and ensure players will be placed in the correct new age group.
What does this mean for unique opportunities for players (i.e. playing older)?
Currently the club is planning for this age group range change to be implemented across all ages and to all players. However, we acknowledge that there are significant implications and circumstances from a developmental and competitive standpoint. Any conversations regarding unique opportunities for players will be on a case-by-case basis and be in consultation with the player’s Coach and program Director to ensure we are aligning decisions with both the club and player’s development in mind.
What if I do not want my player to play "down"?
It is important to note that players are not moving up or down. The new age group formation is sliding to new months to begin in August, not January. That is the change. We will not refer to it as “up” or “down” as that gives a connotation that is not intended when explaining to others, especially kids. The starting point for team determination will be the date of birth and where it falls within the guidelines going forward. Players will then be evaluated on a case-by-case basis (as stated above) on playing in an older age group. That conversation will be with the player, family, coach, and Director to determine the best course of action.
Why now?
Due to the national governing bodies approving this change for the 2026/27 season, Sporting Springfield must align our teams to these new age group ranges for the Fall 2026 season to ensure we remain in compliance and eligible to participate within MLS Next, ECNL, ECNL-RL, SDL, Heartland, LCS and other competition structures.
Where should I direct my personal questions on the age group change to?
If you have personal/individual questions regarding your player and the impact this age group change has, the best place to direct your questions is to a) your current team head coach, b) your current program Director, or c) both individuals. Our club’s coaches have already been made aware and knowledgeable that players will be impacted by this age group change, however we do not always know the full picture of your players’ situation and impact of this age group change.
In summary, change is coming to us all. The leadership you have entrusted to guide your soccer experience currently will be the same going forward. We will take the same care and purpose in navigating this as anything else we do as we seek to develop elite competitors on and off the soccer field. Sporting Springfield will continue to support its players & families, providing access to the highest competitive platforms, professional coaching staff and facilities, and be a club that represents Springfield and Missouri in regional and national level opportunities. We as a club recognize that change can feel uncertain, but it is necessary for progress to happen. This shift ensures our players continue to grow in the right environments - socially, developmentally, and competitively. Thank you for trusting Sporting Springfield to guide this transition with clarity. We thank all our players and families for believing in the mission and vision of the club and want to ensure that with the ever-changing landscape of youth soccer, including this decision, we provide the best level of support and guidance to families as we navigate this together as the Sporting Family.
