Beginning with the 2026-2027 seasonal year, MYS will be moving to a school year calendar age grouping method for all programs including Travel and Recreation. Age groups will change from being formed by January 1-December 31 birth year to an August 1-July 31 age grouping based on school grade.
Click on the link below to learn more about the switch to School Year Calendar Age Group Formation in 2026-2027.
Why is the School Year Calendar used in youth soccer?
The school year model better aligns with academic calendars, supports social development among peers, and improves player retention by allowing teammates to progress together through both school and soccer.
How the School Year Calculation Works
To calculate your player's soccer age, determine if they fall within the birthdate ranges listed below or click here to use the U.S. Soccer age group formation tool.
For Example: In the 2026-2027 seasonal year, if your child is born in October 2016, they fall within the school year range of August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017. That places them in the U10 age group for the 2026-2027 season.
2026-2027 School Year Calendar Age Group Calculator
| Age Group | Birth Dates |
|---|---|
| U3 | August 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024 |
| U4 | August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023 |
| U5 | August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022 |
| U6 | August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021 |
| U7 | August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020 |
| U8 | August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019 |
| U9 | August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018 |
| U10 | August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017 |
| U11 | August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016 |
| U12 | August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015 |
| U13 | August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014 |
| U14 | August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013 |
| U15 | August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012 |
| U16 | August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011 |
| U17 | August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010 |
| U18 | August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009 |
| U19 | August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008 |
Travel Program FAQs
Why is this change happening?
US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, American Youth Soccer Association, Girls Academy, and MLS Next Academy Division have decided to move to an age group formation that changes from January 1-December 31 birth year player placement, to the school age group calendar of August 1-July 31 placement to better align players with their school grade peers.
When does this change take effect?
The change will go into effect for the 2026-2027 season. There is no change during the current 2025-2026 season.
How do I know my player’s age group for 2026-2027?
See the age group calculator table on our website HERE or utilize the U.S. Soccer Age Group Formation Tool.
Why was August 1-July 31 chosen as the school calendar year birthdate range?
U.S. Soccer has established the August 1-July 31 birth-year period as the most widely adopted and consistent model across the country. As a member club, we follow this national standard to ensure that our players are aligned with age groups used in leagues, tournaments, development pathways, and college recruiting across the U.S. We recognize that there is no single, universal birth-date protocol used nationwide. Different organizations and school systems follow different calendars, which can understandably create confusion, especially here in Fairfax County where the school cutoff dates do not align with the youth soccer birth-year calendar. We do understand that this may place some players - particularly those born in August and September - on teams with peers who may not match their school-grade peers. While this may feel unfamiliar at first, please know that this is a nationwide system and not a club-specific decision. All clubs in our leagues follow the same structure, so competitive balance remains consistent. Our focus is on player development, and we will work to ensure every child is placed in an environment that fits their developmental needs and long-term growth. Socially, many players adjust quickly as they meet teammates across school boundaries, which is common throughout youth sports at this level. If you have concerns about your child’s placement or need help understanding how the birth-year system applies to your player, we’re here to help.
Can a player play up an age group?
Yes, a player may be chosen to play up. The decision on player placement is made by coaching staff and technical leadership with several factors in mind - player skill level, soccer maturity, current development level, predicted future development level, and player commitment. A player who is selected to play up for one season may continue to play up during additional seasons or be placed back with their appropriate peer group at some point.
Can my child play in a younger age group?
No, players are not allowed to play down an age group. Players who were held back a grade in school will play with their appropriate age group based on their birth date.
Will my player or team be affected?
Players born in August through December may be more likely to shift age groups. Some team rosters will change with players staying at the appropriate level with their school aged peers or playing up. Players who stay at the appropriate age group per their birthdate have the benefit of gaining more confidence and leadership skills.
Will tryout registration be based on a player’s school year or DOB?
Tryout registration will be based on a player’s date of birth and not their grade level in school. Players who have been held back a year in school will not be affected.
Will tryouts for next season change?
Tryouts will be primarily for MYS recreation players or players from outside the club and will be based on the August 1-July 31 age group formation and not by birth year. Many current MYS travel players will receive rolling offers prior to tryouts and will be placed on rosters based on their performance and developmental progress throughout the 2025-2026 season. Current MYS Travel players who do not receive an offer prior to tryouts should attend the scheduled tryouts for further evaluation. More details about the tryout process will be communicated once they are finalized.
Can a player play up an age group?
As in previous years, any player who wants to attend tryouts for an older age group must get approval from MYS technical leadership to do so. They should talk to their current coach or reach out to the appropriate Age Group Manager (AGM) with their request. Approval requests will be determined by technical leadership with coaching staff input. For current MYS travel players, players will typically only play up if they are competitive and match the skill level to be placed on the top team up in any given age group or gender. Player development is unique to each player and decisions about playing up will be made by technical staff with discussions with the parent and player.
When will the 2026-2027 coaching slate be announced?
The goal is to announce the slate prior to official ID Sessions in the winter and before the start of the travel team tryouts in the spring. Typically, coaching assignments for most competitive teams are announced first - ahead of their respective ID Sessions - while assignments for the remaining travel teams are announced prior to spring tryouts.
MYS Age Group Change Town Hall Presentation
**Updated 12/12/25**
Recreation Program FAQs
What is changing with age groups at McLean Youth Soccer?
Beginning with the Fall 2026-Spring 2027 season, McLean Youth Soccer will transition to an August 1-July 31 age group system. This means your child's age group will be determined by how old they are on August 1st of each season, rather than the current January 1st cutoff. This change aligns soccer with the school year calendar and youth soccer programs across the country.
Why is this change happening?
This change is being implemented across US Youth Soccer and other national organizations to better align soccer with the school year. It allows more players to participate with their classmates and school friends, which research shows improves social development and player retention. This actually returns us to the system used before 2017 that many families preferred.
When will this change take effect?
The new age group system will begin with the 2026-2027 season. Your child will continue in their current age group through the end of the 2025-2026 season.
Impact on Your Child
Will my child be affected by this change?
Most players will continue playing with their existing peer groups. The primary impact will be on players born between August 1 and December 31, who may shift to align with their school grade-level classmates.
How do I know my player’s age group for 2026-2027?
See the age group calculator table on our website HERE or utilize the U.S. Soccer Age Group Formation Tool.
- Players born between January 1-July 31 will continue playing with the same peer group based on their birth date.
- Players born between August 1-December 31 will move to the age group aligned with their school grade year and birth date.
- U11-U19 NCSL Rec players born August 1-December 31 will have the option to continue playing with their current peer group OR move to the younger peer group.
My child was born in August-December. What does this mean for them?
Children born in these months may move to a new age group to play with their school grade peers. For example, a child born in October 2017 who is currently playing with 2017 birth year players may shift to play with players born August 1, 2017-July 31, 2018, aligning them with their school grade in Fall 2026.
What if my child is currently playing with older players due to skill level?
We will work with families individually to ensure appropriate placement based on development and social needs. Our recreation program focuses on age-appropriate play while keeping the experience fun and positive for all players. In the recreation program, players are not placed in older age groups solely based on skill.
My child was held back or accelerated a grade in school. Will they play with their birth year or their school grade classmates?
We understand that some children are placed in grades that don't align with their birth date due to academic readiness, developmental considerations, or family decisions. In our recreation program, we prioritize the social and developmental experience. If your child’s school grade placement differs from their birth date age group, we will work individually to determine the best placement that considers several factors. These factors include your child’s physical and social development, team safety, and the family’s preference.
Benefits of the Change
What are the benefits of this change for my child?
The main benefits include:
- Playing with school friends: Your child can play soccer with the same kids they see in the classroom.
- Better social connections: Help cultivate stronger friendships both on and off the field.
- Age-appropriate development: Players compete with peers at similar developmental stages based on school grade.
- Increased enjoyment: Playing with classmates helps keep kids engaged in the sport longer.
Will this affect my child's development or playing time?
The recreation program emphasizes equal playing time and development for all players regardless of age grouping. This change is designed to enhance the social experience while maintaining our commitment to player development and fun.
Recreation Program Specifics
How does this affect recreation program registration?
Registration for the 2026-2027 season will be based on the new age group system. We will provide clear guidance and registration support to ensure families select the correct age group for their child.
Will practice schedules or locations change?
Practice schedules and field assignments will continue to be based on field availability and team needs. The age group change itself will not affect practice logistics.
What about family requests to play with friends or siblings?
Our recreation program will continue to try and honor reasonable requests to keep friends together. While requests are not guaranteed, we encourage families to submit teammate requests during registration.
Will team sizes change?
Team sizes will remain consistent with our current recreation program standards appropriate for each age group.
Timeline and Communication
When will we know our child's specific team placement?
Team assignments for the 2026-2027 season will be communicated by late summer 2026, following our typical Fall season timeline. We will provide updates throughout spring and summer 2026 as we finalize rosters.
How will McLean Youth Soccer keep us informed?
We will communicate through:
- Regular email updates
- A dedicated information page on our website and FAQs
- Town hall meetings
- Direct communication from your child's current coach
- Social media updates
Who can I contact if I have specific questions about my child?
You can contact the Recreation Director Trevor Lamb [trevor.lamb@mcleansoccer.org] or the Recreation and Programs Administrator Lynne Shank (lynne.shank@mcleansoccer.org].
What Parents Should Do
What do I need to do to prepare?
Here are the steps we recommend:
- Stay informed: Read our communications and check the dedicated webpage.
- Attend a town hall: Join us for a parent information session in spring 2026.
- Talk positively with your child: Frame the change as a greater opportunity to play with school classmates.
- Register on time: Follow registration instructions for the 2026-2027 season.
Should I talk to my child about this change?
Yes, but keep it simple and positive. Focus on the fun of playing soccer with their age appropriate peers and emphasize that they'll continue learning, having fun, and playing the game they love. For most kids in recreation, the change will be seamless.
What if my child is anxious about potentially changing teams?
It's natural for kids to feel uncertain about change. Reassure them that:
- They'll still be playing with friends from the same school grade
- Coaches are focused on making everyone feel welcome.
- Making new friends is part of the fun of team sports.
- The McLean Youth Soccer community is supportive and inclusive.
If you have concerns, please reach out to us directly so we can provide individual support.
Additional Questions
Does this affect our registration fees?
No, this age group change does not affect registration fees for the recreation program.
What about tournaments or out-of-club play?
The recreation program focuses primarily on local league play. Any tournaments or special events will follow the new age group guidelines once the change takes effect.
Will coaches be informed on this transition?
Yes, all McLean Youth Soccer coaches will receive information about the age group change to ensure they can support players and answer parent questions effectively.
**Updated 11/14/25**
McLean Youth Soccer is committed to making this transition as smooth and positive as possible for every player and family. Our priority remains providing a fun, developmental, and socially enriching soccer experience for all children in our recreation program.