tools to assist with the changes to age Group Registration dates
For the 2026 / 2027 seasonal year, the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association will be changing the cutoff date used for player registration to a window from August 1st to July 31st each year.
Here are tools and information that can be used to help your club facilitate smooth transition:
Quick Notes
- Clubs and leagues may not select their own registration cutoff dates (they are not member organizations of US Soccer)
- Players are still able to “play up” however, clubs may wish to implement their own internal rules to limit issues
- It is recommended that clubs begin their tryouts with the oldest age groups, as this will eliminate some issues with player acceptances
Tools for Parents and Club Admin
Age Group Calculator
Determine the required age group for the 2026 – 2027 Seasonal Year (August 1st to July 31st cutoff).
Please enter a birth date to see the age group.
Age Group Diagram
US Soccer Announces age group cutoff change for 2026-2027
For the 2026 / 2027 seasonal year, US Soccer has announced that member organizations may choose the cutoff date for age groups that they feel best fits their needs.
On March 5th 2025 US Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, and American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) shared a joint announcement that they would be shifting the birth date cutoff from January 1st (birth year) to September 1st (school year). This has since been clarified to be August 1st instead.
As a USYS member, the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association will be aligning with this change. On September 12th The Girls Academy League confirmed that they will be shifting to August 1st as well. MLS Next has not yet indicated what their registration windows will be. The Olympic Developmental Program will keep the previous cutoff date of January 1st.
Some quick notes:
- Players are still able to “play up” however, clubs may wish to implement their own internal rules to limit issues
- It is recommended that clubs begin their tryouts with the oldest age groups, as this will eliminate some issues with player acceptances
- Clubs and leagues may not select their own registration cutoff dates (they are not member organizations of US Soccer)
Age Group Change FAQ’s
Why is this change happening?
U.S. Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO agreed to this change.
The Girls Academy League and MLS Next later announced they would also make this change.
What is changing?
Starting with the 2026-27 season, youth soccer will move from the current regsitration window (January-December), to a new window (August-July) for age grouping.
Current Window:
January 1 – December 31
New Window:
August 1 – July 31
Will registration be based on a player’s school year, grade level, or DOB?
Registration will be based on a player’s date of birth and not their grade level in school. Players who have been held back a year in school, or who are a year ahead, will not be affected.
When exactly does this change take effect?
The new August 1 – July 31 system starts with the 2026-2027 seasonal year (fall 2026 tryouts and registration). The entire 2025-2026 season remains under the current birth year rules.
Where can I see exactly what age group my child will be in?
Use the age group calculator or table on this page under the tools for parents and administrators section.
Will my child have to repeat or skip an age group?
Most players will simply shift into the new grouping without repeating or skipping a full year of soccer. For example, a player born in September who is currently on a “younger” birth year team will likely join classmates they already know from school.
Can my child play up an age group?
While this decision is up to Parents, Coaches, and Technical Directors, we always recommend that players participate in the age group that is appropriate for them. For most players, this means playing on age.
Will this affect high school soccer eligibility?
No. High school eligibility is determined by school grade/age rules, not club soccer age groups.
How will tryouts and team selection work in spring 2026?
Tryouts in 2026 will form teams for the 2026-2027 season under the new age groups. Clubs will communicate exact dates and processes early in the year.
For more information on the Registration Window Changes for 2026-2027
please contact the MSYSA Technical DIrector, Gandalf French at gandalf@msysa.org.
