U15 Youth Soccer
U15 soccer for the 2026-27 season covers players born August 1, 2011 through July 31, 2012 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, 2010 - July 31, 2011 |
| 2026-27 | August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012 |
Canada Soccer and MLS NEXT Homegrown use a January 1 - December 31 window. For U15 in 2026-27, that means players born in 2012.
Game format for U15
| Format | 11v11 |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Full-sided game |
| Ball size | 5 |
| Field size | 110-120 x 60-75 yd |
| Goal size | 8 x 24 ft |
| Game length | Two 40-minute halves |
| Roster | 18-22 players |
Source: US Soccer 2026-27 age group and format guidance.
What to expect at U15
- High school soccer overlaps in many US states.
- Fitness gains matter; still delivered through play where possible.
- Formation understanding deepens (4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1).
Frequently asked questions
What birthdates qualify for U15 soccer in 2026-27?+
Players born August 1, 2011 through July 31, 2012 qualify for U15 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 U15?+
U15 plays 11v11. Full-sided game. Games are Two 40-minute halves.
What ball size is used for U15?+
U15 uses a size 5 soccer ball.
What are the U15 field dimensions?+
Recommended U15 field size is 110-120 x 60-75 yd.
How many players are on a U15 team?+
A U15 roster typically carries 18-22 players.
How is U15 different under the new US age system?+
Under the old birth-year system, U15 covered players born in one calendar year (2012). Under the 2026-27 seasonal system, U15 covers August 1 to July 31.