U14 Youth Soccer
U14 soccer for the 2026-27 season covers players born August 1, 2012 through July 31, 2013 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, 2011 - July 31, 2012 |
| 2026-27 | August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013 |
Canada Soccer and MLS NEXT Homegrown use a January 1 - December 31 window. For U14 in 2026-27, that means players born in 2013.
Game format for U14
| 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 U14
- Solidify 11v11 principles across the season.
- Begin position-specific technical work.
- Introduce basic set-piece routines.
Frequently asked questions
What birthdates qualify for U14 soccer in 2026-27?+
Players born August 1, 2012 through July 31, 2013 qualify for U14 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 U14?+
U14 plays 11v11. Full-sided game. Games are Two 35-minute halves.
What ball size is used for U14?+
U14 uses a size 5 soccer ball.
What are the U14 field dimensions?+
Recommended U14 field size is 100-110 x 50-70 yd.
How many players are on a U14 team?+
A U14 roster typically carries 16-18 players.
How is U14 different under the new US age system?+
Under the old birth-year system, U14 covered players born in one calendar year (2013). Under the 2026-27 seasonal system, U14 covers August 1 to July 31.