Age Group Changes for the 2026–2027 Season
Beginning with the 2026–2027 soccer season, U.S. Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and AYSO will transition from the birth-year age group system (January–December) to a school-year age group system (August 1 – July 31).
This update is designed to better align youth soccer age groups with school grades, allowing more players to participate alongside classmates and friends. The change also helps reduce the number of “trapped players” — players who previously had limited opportunities due to the birth-year structure — while improving the overall social and developmental experience for young athletes.
2026-2027 Season Age Croup Chart
Your child’s new age group will be determined by their birthdate using the August 1 – July 31 age group cycle.
| Age Group | Birthday |
|---|---|
| Pre Travel PDP | August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021 |
| Pre Travel PDP | August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020 |
| Pre Travel PDP | August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019 |
| U9 | August 1, 201 - 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 |
What This Means for
Delmarva Rush
Starting with the 2026–2027 season, Delmarva Rush Soccer Club will transition all age group registrations to the new School-Year Age Group Model (August 1 – July 31).
This change will apply across all Delmarva Rush programs, including:
- Travel teams
- Pre-Travel / PDP programs
- Recreational programs
- Club events and competitions
We are excited about this shift, as it helps create an environment that supports
player development, friendships, and long-term enjoyment of the game.
Age Group Change FAQs
Why is youth soccer moving to the school-year age group system?
U.S. Soccer and the major youth soccer organizations are moving to a school-year age group system (August 1 – July 31) to better align soccer teams with school grades. This allows many players to participate with classmates and friends, improves the social environment for younger players, and helps reduce the number of “trapped players” who previously had limited playing options under the birth-year system.
When does this change take effect for Delmarva Rush?
The new age group structure will begin with the 2026–2027 soccer season. All Delmarva Rush programs—including Travel, Pre-Travel/PDP, and Recreational teams—will follow the August 1 – July 31 age group model starting with that season.
Will my child’s team or age group change?
Possibly. Because the system is shifting from birth year to school year, some players may move to a different age group than they played in previously. In many cases, players will now be grouped more closely with their school grade peers, which helps strengthen team relationships and development.
If this change significantly impacts your child’s team placement, the club will connect directly with those families to discuss options and ensure the best possible player experience.
How will team placement work for the upcoming season?
Players should still register for tryouts or programs based on their age group for the 2026–2027 season. After evaluations and tryouts are completed, families will receive an offer letter with team placement and a commitment deadline, just as in previous years.
What if my child wants to play with their current teammates or grade?
The new system is designed to help many players naturally align with their school grade and social group. However, Delmarva Rush will continue to follow league rules and prioritize player development and appropriate competition levels when forming teams. Coaches and club leadership will evaluate players during tryouts to determine the best placement.
Title or Will my child be “moved down” or “moved up” because of this change?Question
No. Players are not being moved up or down based on ability. The change simply shifts how age groups are organized—from a birth-year system to a school-year system (Aug 1 – July 31).
Because of this adjustment, some players may appear to move to a different age group compared to previous seasons. However, the goal of this change is to better align players with their school-grade peers and social groups, which can create a stronger developmental and team environment.
Delmarva Rush will continue to prioritize appropriate player development, competitive balance, and positive team experiences when forming teams. If the transition significantly impacts your child’s placement, the club will work directly with those families to determine the best path forward.
