Starting August 2026, SoDak Spurs SC, under the direction of U.S. Youth Soccer, will move to an August 1 – July 31 age-group formation cycle.

Following extensive review and discussion, the three major youth soccer organizations in the United States — U.S. Youth Soccer, American Youth Soccer Organization, and US Club Soccer — have agreed that this approach will be more inclusive and help increase participation across youth soccer.

Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, the August 1 – July 31 age-group cycle will be used for all U.S. Youth Soccer sanctioned leagues and national competitions, including:

• US Youth Soccer National Championships

• US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup

• US Youth Soccer National League

In Simple Terms

• Teams will now be formed by school-year age, rather than calendar birth year.

• Some players will experience a one-time shift in their age group, after which the system will stabilize.

• The change helps reduce the number of “trapped players” in club soccer environments — players who have nowhere to play because a large portion of their team moves into a high school soccer season.

• Players are more likely to play with friends and classmates.

Example

Under the new system:

A player born in August 2014 will play with players born:

• September–December 2014

• January–July 2015

This grouping more closely reflects school grade cohorts.

Q & A

1. Why are the age groups changing?

The three major youth soccer organizations — U.S. Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and American Youth Soccer Organization — have agreed to move to an August 1 – July 31 age group cycle.

This better aligns soccer teams with school grades, helping players stay with classmates and improving participation.

2. When does the change start?

The new age group structure begins with the 2026–2027 season, starting August 2026.

3. Will my player stay with their teammates?

In many cases yes, but some teams may see small adjustments as players shift into the new age group ranges.

4. Will my player move to a different age group?

Some players will experience a one-time adjustment when the new system begins.

After that, age groups will progress normally each year.

5. Can players stay with their current team if they wish?

In certain circumstances, this may be possible. The club may allow players to remain with their current team when it supports:

• Proper team formation (ensuring teams have enough players)

• The development of an individual player or group of players

Any and all such decisions will be made by club coaches, under the guidance of the DOC  on a case-by-case basis, with the goal of supporting both player development and team stability.