U13 Youth Soccer
U13 soccer for the 2026-27 season covers players born August 1, 2013 through July 31, 2014 under the new US seasonal-year system, playing 11v11 with a size 5 ball.
Birth windows
| Season | Birth window (US Aug 1 - Jul 31 system) |
|---|---|
| 2025-26 | August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013 |
| 2026-27 | August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014 |
Canada Soccer and MLS NEXT Homegrown use a January 1 - December 31 window. For U13 in 2026-27, that means players born in 2014.
Game format for U13
| Format | 11v11 |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Full-sided game |
| Ball size | 5 |
| Field size | 100-110 x 50-70 yd |
| Goal size | 8 x 24 ft |
| Game length | Two 35-minute halves |
| Roster | 16-18 players |
Source: US Soccer 2026-27 age group and format guidance.
What to expect at U13
- First year of 11v11.
- Positions become more defined (fullback, holding mid, striker).
- Heading returns in matches with limited training exposure.
Frequently asked questions
What birthdates qualify for U13 soccer in 2026-27?+
Players born August 1, 2013 through July 31, 2014 qualify for U13 soccer under the US 2026-27 seasonal-year system (US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, AYSO, MLS NEXT Academy).
What is the game format for U13?+
U13 plays 11v11. Full-sided game. Games are Two 35-minute halves.
What ball size is used for U13?+
U13 uses a size 5 soccer ball.
What are the U13 field dimensions?+
Recommended U13 field size is 100-110 x 50-70 yd.
How many players are on a U13 team?+
A U13 roster typically carries 16-18 players.
How is U13 different under the new US age system?+
Under the old birth-year system, U13 covered players born in one calendar year (2014). Under the 2026-27 seasonal system, U13 covers August 1 to July 31.