Information on New Age Group Team Formation
What is Changing, Why & When
Currently, soccer age groups are based on a player's birth year (January–December). Starting with the Fall 2026 and Summer 2027 seasons, all youth soccer clubs in the U.S., including PVU, will shift to teams formed by players’ dates of birth between August 1 and July 31 (essentially aligning with a player’s grade level).
Why - A nationwide shift
This change was made jointly by the three largest youth soccer governing bodies in the country: US Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, and AYSO. Every club in every state is making this transition simultaneously. While PVU cannot opt out, we believe this change is ultimately good for players.
This new team formation process more closely aligns soccer age groups with school grade levels. That means your child will be playing with and against kids who are in the same grade. We think that's a meaningful improvement for players and their development.
When - July Tryouts
This transition will begin with the July tryouts and will take effect starting in the Fall 2026 and Summer 2027 seasons.
The PVU Implementation Plan
Over the past year, we have carefully studied and analyzed how we will implement this at PVU. We have carefully considered the impact this change will have on individuals, families, and teams and have examined every possible scenario.
The following implementation plan, we believe, will yield a positive outcome for our families and players.
U16-U19 Teams - Team Continuity
For our current (Summer 2026) boys’ & girls’ U16 (2010) - U19 (2008/2007) teams:
We will move these teams up to the next older age group instead of splitting them by the new birthdate ranges.
For players in these older age groups who are younger and currently playing up, families have 2 options:
1 - Choose to tryout again at this age group. You still need to submit the play-up request form.
2 - Choose to have their child play in a younger age that aligns with their grade, provided their birthdate allows for it. For example, a current U17 player whose team is aging up to U18, with a birthdate in Aug-Dec 2009, can elect to have their child remain at U17 and try out with a team in that age group.
U9-U15 - Grade Alignment
For the current (Summer 2026) boys’ & girls’ U9 (2018/2017) - U15 (2011) teams:
We will implement the August 1 - July 31 birthdate model for team formation. Existing teams will have players either “age up” (move to the older age group) or stay/repeat their same age group as the 2026 summer season. Players in these age groups will now be playing with their friends and classmates from their school grade!
Tailored Implementaion
Why different approaches?
We analyzed the impact on roster sizes, developmental stages, and competitive levels to create two tailored implementaion paths.
We’re handling our current U16-U19 teams slightly differently due to roster sizes, the number of teams, and the competitive levels in these age groups.
"Age Up" or "Repeat"
For our current U9-U15 teams, based on the new August 1 cut-off:
Age Group Exceptions
Players in the new U9-U16 age groups (for Fall 2026 & Summer 2027 seasons) will play in their assigned age group, with 3 exceptions:
1) Grade-Based Exception
A Player’s birthdate would put them in a younger age group, but they’re in the same grade as players in an older group. In this case, families can petition to have their child move to the older age group by completing this form
- Players will only need to try out with the age group that matches their grade.
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This option is available only to players who request to play with others at their grade level.
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Documentation confirming grade level will be required.
2) Goalkeeper Exception
If there is no goalkeeper in one age group and an excess in the age below, a goalkeeper may be moved up.
3) Age Group Number Exception
If there are not enough players in an age group to form a team, players may be moved up to the next age group.
Note: Players cannot play in younger age groups outside their designated birthdate range as per national soccer regulations.
U9-U14 Aged Players
PVU Play-Up Policy
For families interested in having their child play in an older age group:
PVU’s philosophy is that players, especially at the pre-high school ages of U9-U14, should play in their age group as development happens best at the right level. Development research in youth sport consistently shows that learning accelerates when players are challenged appropriately, not overwhelmed.
That said, we recognize that some players may be ready to compete at an older age group due to their exceptional ability or advanced physical and/or emotional development.
Eligibility
To be considered for an older age group, a player must demonstrate the ability, readiness, and commitment to compete at that level.
Please note that a player born in December 2013 playing up would compete against players born as early as August 2012 — an 18-month difference representing a meaningful physical and developmental step.
How to Apply
1. Complete this Play-Up Application
2. If approved, try out at both your correct age group and the older age group
3. Register your child only once, at their correct age group
Review & Decisions
Applications are reviewed by the Director of Coaching, along with both current and former age-group coaches and a decision on age group placement will be made based on where we feel your child will thrive and develop best.
Please note: If a player attempts to try out at an older age group without an approved application, they will automatically be placed at their correct age group regardless of tryout performance.
Ongoing Evaluation
Approval to play up is not permanent. Placement is re-evaluated each season, and prior approval does not guarantee future opportunities.
What's My Age Group?
To find your child's age group, look at their birth month and then their birth year. That's their age group for the '26-'27 season
Tryout Process
Tryouts are open to all age-eligible players. Teams will be formed based on tryout performance and the prior year’s coach evaluation.
26/27 Age Group - Birth Date Range
U19 - August 1, 2007-July 31, 2008
U18 - August 1, 2008-July 31, 2009
U17 - August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010
We know tryouts can be unsettling in a normal year. With the new age classifications and mixed age groups, tryouts may feel unfamiliar to your child this July. Rest assured, our coaches will welcome everyone and treat all players fairly, no matter their previous level.
For the current U9-U15 groups, tryouts will take place within each child’s assigned age group, determined by the August 1 – July 31 birthdate range. During tryouts, coaches will observe players and use their evaluations to form teams.
If your child cannot attend tryouts, their team placement will be based on their coach’s evaluations from the fall season, Winter Training Program (if attended), and Summer season.
For the new U9-U16 age groups, these will be the age groups starting with the Fall 2026 & Summer 2027 seasons:
26/27 Age Group - Birth Date Range
U16 - August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011
U15 - August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
U14 - August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013
U13 - August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014
U12 - August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
U11 - August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016
U10 - August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017
U9 - August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018
U8 - August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019
FAQ's
What is Changing & When?
Beginning with the 2026-2027 season/registration year, teams will be formed based on a player’s birthdate range of Aug 1-Jul 31, rather than the current birth-year system. This will better align players with players in their grade. This will start at the July 2026 Tryouts for the Fall 2026 & Summer 2027 seasons.
Who Decided This?
It's a joint decision by the three largest youth soccer governing bodies across the nation: the US.
Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, and AYSO.
Why does this impact PVU and our local leagues in Minnesota?
PVU’s local league is Twin Cities Soccer Leagues (TCSL), which is governed by US Club Soccer. Therefore, we will be mandated by US Club Soccer and TCSL to make these changes for the 2026-2027 season/registration year and beyond.
Why move to an Aug 1 cut-off?
To better align with players playing with their grade/classmates.
Will every state/league switch at the same time?
Yes. All USYS, US Club Soccer, and AYSO state associations and leagues in the United States are adopting this beginning with the 2026-2027 season.
What does "seasonal year" mean?
"Seasonal year" refers to the Aug 1-Jul 31 cycle used to determine a player's soccer age for the season. The upcoming soccer season is 2026-2027. For PVU, this means Fall 2026 and Summer 2027.
How might this affect my player or team?
Players will either “age up” or “stay at their current age group” based on the new age-group classification (with some exceptions as mentioned above), resulting in roster and coaching adjustments across age levels.
Will my child "age up" or “stay at their age”?
As mentioned above, players currently on U15 and younger teams in the Summer 2026 season:
Players born between August 1 and December 31 will “stay at their age” and remain in the same age group next season.
For example, a player born in Sept. 2015 is playing U11 in the Summer 2026 season. They will play U11 again for the Fall 2026 and Summer 2027 seasons.
Players born between January 1 and July 31 will “age up,” meaning they will move up to the next age group.
For example, a player born in March 2015 is playing U11 in the Summer 2026 season. They will play U12 for the Fall 2026 and Summer 2027 seasons.
Can my player stay with their current team and play up or play down?
For the most part, players will roster within their new age classification.
There will be exceptions, which are:
- Players whose birthdate would have them “stay at their age group,” but their grade level in school is that of the older age group. Those players will be allowed to “age up,” but need to fill out this form.
- Players who meet the PVU Play Up Policy.
- At certain age groups, where numbers and competitive levels make it difficult to transition to the new guidelines.
It's important to note that, for example, a player born in December 2013 who plays up would compete against players born as early as August 2012 — an 18-month age difference that represents a significant step in both physical and developmental progression.
No player can play down an age group.
Will PVU help my player meet their potential new teammates and coach before tryouts?
Yes! We will be holding new-age-group training sessions in late June/early July, during which your child will get to meet players in their age group and the coaches.
Will this affect league or tournament participation?
No. All Minnesota youth clubs will be transitioning to the same structure, so there will be no disadvantage or change in competitive opportunities.
At what level will my child's team play?
We are currently working with the TCSL to determine how team placements will be applied for the upcoming 2026-2027 season for our NPL teams and any teams earning NPL or ECNL-RL status.
All other TCSL divisions (Red/White/Blue for U9 & U10 and National, Regional, State, Cities for U11+) are already self-select placement. PVU will place teams at the appropriate competitive level with consultation from PVU coaches.
Can we at PVU stop this change from happening?
No. This is coming into effect from our governing bodies, league structures, and federation.
PVU, or any club/association, has no way to influence that decision.
Will our coach change?
This will depend on your child's age group for the 2026-2027 season. Coach placements for each age group are typically announced in July before tryouts.
What if my child and another player have the same jersey number?
We already anticipated this when we assigned jersey numbers for our new uniform cycle, which began this summer. However, if there is a conflict, notify Club Manager Joe Ginsburg, and we will help resolve it.
How can I best help my child adjust?
Focus on the positive aspects and encourage them to continue to have fun of playing soccer with their peers. Emphasize that they'll continue learning, having fun, and playing the game they love. For most kids, the change will be relatively easy.
What if my child is anxious about potential changes to our team?
It's natural to feel uncertain about change. Reassure them of the following:
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They’ll still be playing with friends from the same school grade.
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They’ll soon be playing with other friends from the same school grade.
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The club and our coaches are focused on them and their development.
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Continue to make friends who share a common passion for the sport.