U16 Youth Soccer
U16 soccer for the 2026-27 season covers players born August 1, 2010 through July 31, 2011 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, 2009 - July 31, 2010 |
| 2026-27 | August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011 |
Canada Soccer and MLS NEXT Homegrown use a January 1 - December 31 window. For U16 in 2026-27, that means players born in 2011.
Game format for U16
| 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 U16
- Recruiting begins for players targeting college soccer.
- Position specialization sharpens.
- Match analysis and video review become useful.
Frequently asked questions
What birthdates qualify for U16 soccer in 2026-27?+
Players born August 1, 2010 through July 31, 2011 qualify for U16 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 U16?+
U16 plays 11v11. Full-sided game. Games are Two 40-minute halves.
What ball size is used for U16?+
U16 uses a size 5 soccer ball.
What are the U16 field dimensions?+
Recommended U16 field size is 110-120 x 60-75 yd.
How many players are on a U16 team?+
A U16 roster typically carries 18-22 players.
How is U16 different under the new US age system?+
Under the old birth-year system, U16 covered players born in one calendar year (2011). Under the 2026-27 seasonal system, U16 covers August 1 to July 31.