Williston United Soccer Club is dedicated to creating the optimal development pathway for our athletes, and we wish to update you on an important update to youth soccer age group classifications beginning with the 2026-2027 season.
Following considerable input from clubs, coaches, families, and players nationwide, US Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, and state associations have chosen to transition from the existing calendar year format (January 1 – December 31) to a school year based system (August 1 – July 31). To maintain eligibility for US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer leagues and events, Williston United Soccer Club will adopt this new structure. We will form teams using this new age group structure during our upcoming tryouts in May.
What This Means for Players
Teams will now include players from two calendar birth years (for instance, a U12 team will be composed of athletes born between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015.
Impact on Williston United Soccer Club Teams by League
Our club participates in several leagues. Here is a summary of how the updated age groups will influence these leagues starting in the 2026-2027 season:
Age Group Guide for the 2026/2027 Season
Birth Date Range (2026-27 Season)
Age Group FAQS
Why is the soccer age group system being adjusted?
U.S. Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer approved this update using comprehensive research and member feedback.
What exactly is being updated?
Beginning with the 2026-27 season, youth soccer will transition from the current calendar-year (January-December) format to a seasonal-year (August-July) structure for determining age groups.
Current Format:
Birth year (January 1 - December 31)
New Format:
Seasonal year (August 1 - July 31)
When does this update officially begin?
The new August 1 – July 31 structure launches with the 2026-2027 seasonal year (spring 2026 tryouts and registration).
How can I find my child’s specific age group?
Please refer to the age group calculator or chart provided on this page.
Is playing up an age group an option?
Our coaching staff will evaluate players in their designated age group as assigned by US Soccer. If our coaches feel a player's development would benefit more by playing on an older team than a team within the age group, the coach will discuss the opportunity with the player and parents during the tryout process. We will not take parent requests for players to play up.
Does this influence high school soccer eligibility?
No. High school eligibility is set by your state’s athletic association and its grade/age regulations, which are separate from club soccer age groups.
How will tryouts and team formation work in spring 2026?
Tryouts held in May 2026 will create teams for the 2026-2027 season using the new age groups.
Thank you for being a valued member of the Williston United Soccer Club community!
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.