Age Group Change

There is an important change coming that will take effect at the start of team formation for the 2026–27 seasonal year (August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027).

Youth soccer programs across the country will adopt a new age-group cut-off date of August 1 instead of January 1.

Why the Change?

  • Reduce the number of “trapped players” (those separated from classmates due to the calendar-year cutoff).

  • Better align youth soccer teams with the school-year cycle. The majority of players will play with others in their grade / classmates.

  • A more effective solution for player development and team balance. Likely to improve participation across youth soccer.

  • This decision was made jointly by three of the major soccer governing bodies including US Club, US Youth Soccer and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

How Does this impact Apex?

All Apex teams at every level will align with this new age group change of August 1 through July 31.

This will NOT impact teams for the Spring of 2026!

All Apex Rec, Apex Academy (9U-10U) and Apex Select teams will be impacted for the Fall 2026 season.

We believe this change has a positive long-term impact for the players. While we recognize the larger long-term benefits, we realize our Apex families will have questions on what team formation might look like for the 2026-2027 teams. Scroll below to see the Age Group Chart to determine what age group your player will be in effective August 1 2026.

Please review the FAQs below that may help answer many of your questions.

Age Group chart for 2026-2027 Season

faqs - AGe Group change

  • This will NOT impact Spring 2026 teams.

    This will begin for the Fall 2026-Spring 2027 soccer year.

    Tryouts in May/June will be set up to evaluate players on the new age group change for Fall 2026-Spring 2027 year.

  • See the age group chart above or click here to view.

  • Not necessarily. The updated age group structure is designed to better align soccer age groups with school-year cutoff dates, ensuring players are grouped more closely with their classmates and peers.

    While it may appear that some players are “repeating” an age group, this realignment simply adjusts the calendar to match the school year. In fact, the additional time in an age group can be highly beneficial — it allows players to further develop their skills, confidence, and leadership before moving to the next level.

  • We generally encourage players to participate within their designated age group to ensure appropriate development, competition balance and alignment with the new age group cutoff dates. However, we understand every circumstance is different. Requests for players to "play down" or “play up” with a different age group will be reviewed on an individual basis and considered in collaboration with coaches and club leadership.

  • Yes. We understand that some 8th graders with earlier summer birthdays may fall into the older age group under the new structure. There will be opportunities for these players to participate in the spring season. We are currently awaiting additional details and guidance from the leagues we participate in regarding what will be permitted for spring play, and we’ll share updates as soon as that information is available.

  • Yes. High school seniors who fall into the U19 age group will be eligible to play under the new age group calendar. We will provide additional information from the leagues we participate in as it becomes available, including any guidance or restrictions regarding U18 versus U19 participation.

  • Requests for players to “play up” will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In general, all players should attend the first tryout with their designated age group based on the new age group guidelines.

    Coaches and club leadership will review individual circumstances and communicate directly with players and families if a player is recommended to try out with an older age group.

  • If you have questions about your individual player or family situation, please direct questions to your select Head Coach or the Academy or Rec program directors. You can also reach out to Mark Gavin, Director of Coaching at mark@apexsocceracademy.com