U6 Youth Soccer
U6 soccer for the 2026-27 season covers players born August 1, 2020 through July 31, 2021 under the new US seasonal-year system, playing 4v4 with a size 3 ball.
Birth windows
| Season | Birth window (US Aug 1 - Jul 31 system) |
|---|---|
| 2025-26 | August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020 |
| 2026-27 | August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021 |
Canada Soccer and MLS NEXT Homegrown use a January 1 - December 31 window. For U6 in 2026-27, that means players born in 2021.
Game format for U6
| Format | 4v4 |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | No goalkeeper |
| Ball size | 3 |
| Field size | 25-35 x 15-25 yd |
| Goal size | 4 x 6 ft (mini) |
| Game length | Four 8-10 minute quarters |
| Roster | 6-8 players |
Source: US Soccer 2026-27 age group and format guidance.
What to expect at U6
- Focus on fun, ball contact, and basic body coordination.
- Every player has a ball; scrimmage in tiny 3v3 groups.
- No positions, no offside, no goalkeeper.
Frequently asked questions
What birthdates qualify for U6 soccer in 2026-27?+
Players born August 1, 2020 through July 31, 2021 qualify for U6 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 U6?+
U6 plays 4v4. No goalkeeper. Games are Four 8-10 minute quarters.
What ball size is used for U6?+
U6 uses a size 3 soccer ball.
What are the U6 field dimensions?+
Recommended U6 field size is 25-35 x 15-25 yd.
How many players are on a U6 team?+
A U6 roster typically carries 6-8 players.
How is U6 different under the new US age system?+
Under the old birth-year system, U6 covered players born in one calendar year (2021). Under the 2026-27 seasonal system, U6 covers August 1 to July 31.