Nov 29 2024
U.S. Soccer decision regarding team age group formation update
U.S. Soccer and our members are committed to growing participation and providing the best experiences to participants at all levels. U.S. Soccer has a number of initiatives focused on supporting the growth of soccer in America, and is constantly listening and learning on how to best support those bringing soccer to life all across the country.
In phase 1 of the Ecosystem Review, membership and other stakeholders highlighted several important issues that are essential to a successful and thriving soccer ecosystem. Player registration is one issue that we are reviewing collaboratively across all levels of play, specifically between birth year (January 1-December 31) and school year (August 1-July 31 or September 1-August 31) registration. U.S. Soccer facilitated informal feedback to understand how registration choice fosters growing the game and developing winning teams. We determined that this is a highly complex and important issue that merited a more formal process. Registration affects every child and handling this process with care is a top priority.
Our Process
U.S. Soccer conducted a survey with members, leagues, and clubs, while also gathering formal feedback from the broader ecosystem. We received over 15,000 responses from members, leagues, clubs, coaches, families, and participants.
Results
We’ve gotten very clear feedback: members need the flexibility to organize their player registration calendar based on what will best support soccer in their environment and communities. U.S. Soccer members want more kids to experience the joy of soccer — and to offer the optimal opportunity for each player’s desired development.
Starting in the fall of 2026, members and leagues will have reasonable flexibility to choose the best registration option for their participants. There is no registration change for the 2025-2026 season.
Next Steps
Our team, collaborating closely with members and other stakeholders, is working quickly to get you the implementation details and support to make this a smooth process. Check back to this website for more information and resources in the coming weeks and ahead of our 2025 Annual General Meeting on February 27, 2025.
Read more about the key insights and path forward below.