Youth Soccer Age Groups
Youth soccer age groups are determined by birthdate: US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, AYSO, and MLS NEXT Academy use a seasonal-year window (August 1 - July 31) starting in 2026-27, while Canada Soccer and MLS NEXT Homegrown use a calendar-year window (January 1 - December 31).
Every US age group at a glance (2026-27)
| Group | Birth window | Format | Ball | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U6 | August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021 | 4v4 | Size 3 | Four 8-10 minute quarters |
| U7 | August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020 | 4v4 | Size 3 | Four 10-12 minute quarters |
| U8 | August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019 | 4v4 | Size 3 | Four 10-12 minute quarters |
| U9 | August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018 | 7v7 | Size 4 | Two 25-minute halves |
| U10 | August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017 | 7v7 | Size 4 | Two 25-minute halves |
| U11 | August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016 | 9v9 | Size 4 | Two 30-minute halves |
| U12 | August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015 | 9v9 | Size 4 | Two 30-minute halves |
| U13 | August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014 | 11v11 | Size 5 | Two 35-minute halves |
| U14 | August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013 | 11v11 | Size 5 | Two 35-minute halves |
| U15 | August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012 | 11v11 | Size 5 | Two 40-minute halves |
| U16 | August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011 | 11v11 | Size 5 | Two 40-minute halves |
| U17 | August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010 | 11v11 | Size 5 | Two 45-minute halves |
| U18 | August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009 | 11v11 | Size 5 | Two 45-minute halves |
| U19 | August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008 | 11v11 | Size 5 | Two 45-minute halves |
Source: US Soccer 2026-27 age group rules.
By organization
- US Youth Soccer - seasonal year (Aug 1 - Jul 31) from 2026-27
- US Club Soccer - seasonal year (Aug 1 - Jul 31) from 2026-27
- AYSO - seasonal year (Aug 1 - Jul 31) from 2026-27
- MLS NEXT - Academy Division seasonal year; Homegrown Division birth year
- Canada Soccer - calendar year (Jan 1 - Dec 31)
Frequently asked questions
How are youth soccer age groups determined?+
US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, AYSO, and MLS NEXT Academy use a seasonal-year system (August 1 - July 31) starting in 2026-27. Canada Soccer and MLS NEXT Homegrown use a calendar-year system (January 1 - December 31).
What is the difference between U-groups and school grades?+
The August 1 - July 31 US soccer age system now aligns closely with US school-grade cutoffs, so most teammates share the same grade at school. Canada Soccer's birth-year system does not align with school grades.
Can my child play in a different age group?+
In most US and Canadian leagues, a player may play up (older) with a coach or director's approval. Playing down (younger) is only allowed in special medical or developmental cases.
What age is U8 soccer?+
U8 covers players who are 7 turning 8 during the season. Under the 2026-27 US system, U8 players are born between August 1, 2018 and July 31, 2019.
What age is U12 soccer?+
U12 covers players who are 11 turning 12 during the season. Under the 2026-27 US system, U12 players are born between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015.
When did US soccer change age groups?+
US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, AYSO, and MLS NEXT Academy moved from birth-year to seasonal-year (August 1 - July 31) age groups effective with the 2026-27 season.