US Youth Soccer age groups (2026-27)
US Youth Soccer determines age groups for 2026-27 using a seasonal-year system: players born August 1 through July 31 of the same period share an age group, replacing the calendar-year system used from 2016 through 2025-26.
Full 2026-27 chart
| Group | Birth window | Format |
|---|---|---|
| U6 | August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021 | 4v4 |
| U7 | August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020 | 4v4 |
| U8 | August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019 | 4v4 |
| U9 | August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018 | 7v7 |
| U10 | August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017 | 7v7 |
| U11 | August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016 | 9v9 |
| U12 | August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015 | 9v9 |
| U13 | August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014 | 11v11 |
| U14 | August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013 | 11v11 |
| U15 | August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012 | 11v11 |
| U16 | August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011 | 11v11 |
| U17 | August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010 | 11v11 |
| U18 | August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009 | 11v11 |
| U19 | August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008 | 11v11 |
Source: US Soccer 2026-27 age matrix.
Frequently asked questions
How does US Youth Soccer determine age groups for 2026-27?+
US Youth Soccer uses a seasonal-year age system (August 1 - July 31) starting with the 2026-27 season. A player's age group is the U-number matching the season-ending year minus the effective cohort year (August 1 boundary).
When did US Youth Soccer change to a seasonal-year age system?+
US Youth Soccer moved from calendar-year (January 1 - December 31) to seasonal-year (August 1 - July 31) age groups effective with the 2026-27 season.
What sanctioning body governs US Youth Soccer age groups?+
US Soccer sanctions US Youth Soccer along with US Club Soccer and AYSO. All three organizations moved to the seasonal-year system for 2026-27.
Can US Youth Soccer players play up an age group?+
Yes, with coach and league approval. Playing up is common for elite players and for former trapped players adjusting to the new system.
What game format does each US Youth Soccer age group play?+
U6-U8 plays 4v4, U9-U10 plays 7v7 with a build-out line, U11-U12 plays 9v9 with a build-out line, and U13+ plays 11v11.
Where can I find the official US Youth Soccer age chart?+
US Youth Soccer publishes the seasonal age chart on its member state association pages. Youth Soccer Answers mirrors the same chart above.