Beginning with the 2026/2027 season AYSO and other youth soccer organizations are changing to a more school year like age division system. Following extensive review and discussion, AYSO, US Youth Soccer, and US Club Soccer have collectively decided to move to an age group player formation cycle that runs from August 1 to July 31, starting with Membership Year 26, the 2026-27 season/registration year. This change was made based on additional critical feedback, data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers. AYSO feels that this age group player formation will be the most inclusive and help increase participation.
AYSO’s National Rules and Regulations define AYSO’s Standard Age Divisions, consistent with US Soccer’s Player Development Initiatives, AYSO’s Age-Appropriate Coaching methodologies, and in the best interest of the player. From time to time, Regions may receive requests from parents for their child to be placed in an age division other than their standard division. These requests for an exception should be handled on a case-by-case basis annually and considered in the context of what is in the best interest of both the specific child as well as those children affected by the exception. Requests for an exception to “play down” an age division may be considered if doing so would be of genuine benefit to the child socially, developmentally, as well as athletically. Similarly, requests to “play up” in the next older age division may be considered if doing so would be of genuine benefit to the child socially, developmentally, as well as athletically as long as:
1. The Region secures formal written consent from the parents for their child and confirming that they believe their child is developmentally ready for that age division. Parents should acknowledge that, if approved, this exception does not guarantee that future exceptions will be granted.
2. The Region determines that the child is developmentally able to safely play and compete in the next division.
Please email requests to [email protected].
Requests will not be considered if received after June 30, 2026, due to the amount of time it takes to create and finalize teams.