Fall 2026 and Later Age Groups
Beginning in Fall 2026, U.S. Youth Soccer, American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), and U.S. Club Soccer will transition from birth-year age groups (January–December) to a Seasonal Year age-group system (August 1–July 31).
This national change better aligns youth soccer with high school and college age groupings and more closely matches the school-year cutoffs used across most of the country. While South Huntington SC was not involved in this decision, we are required to implement the change along with all clubs nationwide.
Recreational Program (U4–U8)
Starting Fall 2026, all recreational players will be grouped by Seasonal Year rather than birth year. As a result, some reshuffling of teams will occur to align players with the new age groupings. Moving forward, all recreational teams will be formed using this system.
Players will be discouraged from playing up an age group, as the Seasonal Year model is intended to support long-term development and consistency throughout a player’s soccer career. Implementing the change at the youngest levels helps ensure the best developmental pathway.
Travel Program (U9+)
Beginning Fall 2026, newly formed U9 travel teams will follow the Seasonal Year age-group system. Players eligible for U9 will be those born between August 1, 2017, and July 31, 2018.
Players born after July 31, 2018 may still try out for U9; however, they would be playing up an age group, and their natural travel tryout year would be Fall 2027. On the travel side, players may play up, but may not play down an age group.
For existing travel teams, players may continue with their current teams. If a player is eligible and interested in moving to a team aligned with the new Seasonal Year age groupings, they may try out at the appropriate level.
Looking Ahead
This change is being implemented at the highest levels of youth soccer in the United States and affects all clubs nationwide, including those across Long Island. We understand that adjustments like this can take time, and we appreciate your patience and understanding.
The Seasonal Year age-group model is based on extensive research and is designed to support long-term player development. While change can be challenging, this shift represents an investment in the future of your child’s soccer experience.
