Youth Soccer Age Divisions

US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and AYSO player age classifications.

Important Format Change: US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and AYSO use age-based divisions. Beginning with the 2026-27 season, all organizations will return to an August 1 - July 31 birth year format (instead of January 1 - December 31).
Birth Year Requirements by Division
Division 2025-26 Season (Jan 1 - Dec 31) 2026-27 Season & Beyond (Aug 1 - July 31) Ball Size
U-6 Jan 1, 2020 - Dec 31, 2020 Aug 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021 Size 3
U-7 Jan 1, 2019 - Dec 31, 2019 Aug 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020 Size 3
U-8 Jan 1, 2018 - Dec 31, 2018 Aug 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019 Size 3
U-9 Jan 1, 2017 - Dec 31, 2017 Aug 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018 Size 4
U-10 Jan 1, 2016 - Dec 31, 2016 Aug 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017 Size 4
U-11 Jan 1, 2015 - Dec 31, 2015 Aug 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016 Size 4
U-12 Jan 1, 2014 - Dec 31, 2014 Aug 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015 Size 4
U-13 Jan 1, 2013 - Dec 31, 2013 Aug 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014 Size 5
U-14 Jan 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012 Aug 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013 Size 5
U-15 Jan 1, 2011 - Dec 31, 2011 Aug 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012 Size 5
U-16 Jan 1, 2010 - Dec 31, 2010 Aug 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011 Size 5
U-17 Jan 1, 2009 - Dec 31, 2009 Aug 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010 Size 5
U-18 Jan 1, 2008 - Dec 31, 2008 Aug 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009 Size 5
U-19 Jan 1, 2007 - Dec 31, 2007 Aug 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008 Size 5
Format Comparison
Current Format
Jan 1 - Dec 31
  • Based on calendar year
  • Used through 2025-26 season
  • Birth year determines division
New Format (2026-27+)
Aug 1 - July 31
  • Aligns with school year
  • Easier team formation
  • Starts 2026-27 season
What This Means for Players
Summer Birthdays (June-July)

Players born in June or July may move to a different age group under the new format. Check both columns to see which division applies for each season.

Playing Up or Down

Many leagues allow players to "play up" one division with coach approval. Check with your local league for their specific policies.

Registration

Always verify your child's division with your league during registration, as some leagues may have additional requirements.

Ball Size by Division
3
U-6 to U-8
4
U-9 to U-12
5
U-13 and up
View Full Ball Size Guide
Major Youth Soccer Organizations
US Club Soccer

Provides a unified registration platform for youth clubs. Focuses on competitive play and player development.

US Youth Soccer

The largest youth sports organization in the US. Registers over 3 million players annually across recreational and competitive programs.

AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization)

Emphasizes participation, balanced teams, and positive coaching. "Everyone Plays" philosophy ensures all players get game time.

Tips for Parents
Know Your Cutoff Date

Birth date relative to the cutoff determines which division your child plays in. This changes in 2026-27.

Development Over Winning

At younger ages, focus on skill development and fun rather than competition results.

Talk to Your League

If you have questions about placement or the format change, contact your local league directly.