School-Year Age Group System
In June 2025, US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer announced that beginning with the 2026–2027 registration year, age group formation will shift to an August 1–July 31 cycle.
This change aligns with the academic calendar used by most school districts across the United States and also eliminates the “trapped player” situation during high school entry and exit years. To read the official announcements by US Club and USYS click here and click here.
Below is information on the age change as well as practical guidance, structured considerations, and suggested framework to discuss with your coach and/or club directors.
Age Group, Grade, and Birthdate Chart for the 2026-2027 Season
| Age Group | Typical School Grade | Eligible DOB Range |
|---|---|---|
| U8 | 2nd grade | Aug 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019 |
| U9 | 3rd grade | Aug 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018 |
| U10 | 4th grade | Aug 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017 |
| U11 | 5th grade | Aug 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016 |
| U12 | 6th grade | Aug 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015 |
| U13 | 7th grade | Aug 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014 |
| U14 | 8th grade | Aug 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013 |
| U15 | 9th grade | Aug 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012 |
| U16 | 10th grade | Aug 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011 |
| U17 | 11th grade | Aug 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010 |
| U18 | 12th grade | Aug 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009 |
| U19 | 12th grade & college | Aug 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008 |
Guidance on Playing Up or Staying Within Your Age Group
With age-group changes transitioning to a seasonal-year group cycle starting with the 2026-2027 season, the decision whether a player should compete playing up an age group or stay with their own should match where they are developmentally. The decision should be a collaborative decision between the club directors and families.
A well informed, development focused decision is critical for long-term growth and enjoyment.
"TKO Premier is one of the largest youth soccer organizations is southwest MI, fielding teams across every age group and competitive platform. No need to stress about the new age change–we’ve got the depth to welcome new and returning players and to maximize our development pathways. We can’t wait to see you at tryouts."
Rich Labadie, Director of Coaching
"This shift to a seasonal year formation cycle is about putting players first, creating a more predictable, family friendly rhythm that aligns with school calendars and reduces scheduling conflicts. We are committed to the long-term development and enjoyment of the game for every participant."
Neil Ridgway, Technical Director
Key Considerations for Parents/Guardians
1.Development vs. Battle for Playing Time
Competing against players a school grade level older can accelerate physical and tactical development, but it can also reduce meaningful playing time if your child isn’t ready. Aim for a balance where your child is challenged without experiencing constant diminishment of confidence.
Example to consider: If your child usually plays most of the game, suddenly isn't getting meaningful minutes or becomes consistently buried on the bench, they’ll need strategies to handle adversity and accountability. If your child isn’t mentally prepared to compete with older players, they may lose confidence and their love for the game.
2. Physical and Mental Readiness
Competing against players a school grade level older often means a faster pace, greater physicality, and players with a high vertical jump.
Assess whether your child can handle reduced time on the ball, stronger opponents, and a higher training load.
3. Technical and Tactical Foundation
Does your child have the necessary ball control, decision making, and understanding of tactics to contribute positively competing against players a school grade level older.
4. Confidence and Love of the Game
If your child consistently enjoys the game and gains confidence from positive experiences, that’s a strong indicator to stay within their own age group cycle.
5. How to Engage with Coaches and Directors
Initiate a conversation with your child’s coach and/or director to share your vision and ask for their informed opinion on what is the best for your child.
Suggested Conversation Framework
+ Share your child’s goals and what you hope to gain from playing up or staying in their own age group.
+ Ask for the coach’s assessment of readiness (physical, technical, tactical, mental).
+ Discuss playing time expectations and how playing up may affect growth and confidence.
What to avoid
These examples illustrate approaches that can hinder a child's development:
Example #1: Indecisive, passively, curious “Let’s see how it goes and go from there”
Why this is risky: If the player cannot handle the physical and mental aspects of playing up against older players, confidence can suffer, play time can dwindle, development may stall and enthusiasm for the game can decline.
Example #2: Preference for one coach “My child only wants to play for her/her current coach whether he/she is coaching a team playing up or my child’s own age group”
Why this is risky: Relying on a single coach can limit exposure to diverse coaching styles and constructive feedback. Development often benefits from various perspectives and coaching approaches.
Example #3: Emotional, team-focused decision “I want my child playing up because we love the coach, parents and players”
Why this is risky: It treats the team as a whole rather than focussing on each individual player’s development. Parents should be focused on their child’s individual growth instead of the benefits of the team, which are often driven by emotion.
Player Evaluation & Selection
The club, under the direction of the Coaching Director and Technical Director and Coaching Staff will place players on teams they feel best suits
the player’s ability level. Player performance will be evaluated by observing under the pressure of practices, scrimmages, games and on tryout placement days.
Players are evaluated primarily in these four areas:
1. Psychological (attitude, character, discipline, maturity, leadership, etc.)
2. Physical (size, strength, speed, endurance, etc.)
3. Technical (dribbling, shooting, heading, ball handling skills, etc.)
4. Tactical (runs, reading the game, decision making, etc.)
Quick Q & A...
Q: Will this affect players already in a birth year track for 2025-2026?
A: No. The 2025-2026 season will continue under the Birth Year cycle. The new seasonal year cycle starts with registrations and team formations in June 2026 for the 2026-2027 season.
Q: How will tryouts be impacted?
A: Team formations for 2026-2027 will be initiated during tryouts, in line with the new August 1 start date.
Q: Will this apply to all TKO Premier SC programs?
A: Yes. The transition covers ECNL, NLC, MSPSP, DA, and WMYSA leagues.
Q: When are tryouts?
A: June 13, 2026 for all MSYSA programs. ECNL ID sessions will be posted soon.
What To Do Next
1. Do your homework.
2. Talk to your child and explain all aspects of the change.
3. If you decide you want to tryout up, send an email to Rich Labadie (rich.labadie@tkopremier.org) and Neil Ridgway (neil.ridgway@tkopremier.org) to request permission. No player will be allowed to tryout up unless given permission.
4. Focus on the current spring season and we will see you at tryouts.
NOTE: If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Rich or Neil.