CSA North Age Group Classification Update for 2026-2027

Starting with the 2026–27 seasonal year, the majority of youth soccer programs across the United States will adopt a new age-group formation model. This update applies to all organizations participating in MLS NEXT Academy Division, U.S. Youth Soccer (USYS), National Academy League (NAL), Girls Academy (GA) and all affiliated competitions that CSA North is a member of.  Please note  that MLS Homegrown will remain in its birth year.

CSA North will be compliant with this change beginning in the 2026–27 season and is committed to supporting our players, families, and coaches throughout this transition.

The 2026–27 age group changes aim to represent a meaningful step toward a clearer, more unified youth soccer pathway. While transitions can feel disruptive, the long-term benefits—clarity, consistency, and improved development environments—are expected to outweigh short-term adjustments.

What is Changing?
Beginning with the 2026–27 season, age group formations will shift from a calendar-year model (January–December) to a seasonal-year model (August–July).

Players will now be grouped based on birthdates that more closely align with school grade levels and social peer groups.

Why Is the System Changing?

Following a multi-year review, U.S. Soccer and its affiliated organizations identified challenges with the calendar-year model related to player experience and long-term development. The return to a seasonal-year (August–July) model aims to:

     - Better align players with classmates and peers
     - Reduce extreme relative age effects
     - Improve continuity during key transition years

What Happens Next?

Over the coming months, CSA will take the following steps:
      - Ongoing communication – Additional details will be shared as and when needed.
      - Seasonal-year pool trainings – Schedules permitting, players will be invited to participate in age-group pool trainings based on future seasonal-year groupings. These sessions are designed to: Introduce players to future teammates, create familiarity in a low-pressure environment and support smooth roster planning ahead of tryouts.

2026–27 Birth Year Age Group Table

Note: Some leagues may not offer all age groups or may apply additional roster rules. We will confirm roster eligibility as we receive more information

Parent FAQ regarding the Age Group Change

Will my child be forced to change teams?
Not necessarily. While age groups may shift, we will aim to keep teams as stable as possible while placing players in environments best suited for their development.

Will entire teams move together or be split?
This depends on birth years within the current team and league rules. In some cases, a full team may move together. In others, teams may be adjusted or merged to align correctly with the new age groups.

Could my child end up on a different roster than last year?
Yes, roster changes are possible. The transition year may involve roster balancing to ensure competitive and developmental consistency across age groups.

Will coaches change as teams change?
Not always, but it is possible. We may realign coaching assignments to best support the newly formed age groups.

Does playing in an older age group improve college recruiting?
Not automatically. College and professional scouts prioritize ability, game impact, consistency, and development trajectory over age or whether a player is playing “up.”

Will this affect college eligibility?
No. NCAA eligibility is not impacted by youth age group alignment or birth-year grouping.

Can my child play up or play down an age group?
Playing up is not automatic and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Decisions are based on league rules, player development needs, physical readiness, and long-term pathway considerations. When permitted, playing up is intended to support development—not status—and may not be permanent.

Is this change permanent?
Yes. The 2026–27 season is intended to establish long-term consistency across U.S. youth soccer.