Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA)(2026/2027)

2026/2027 Updated Decision on Age Group Formation


Following extensive review and discussion, US Youth Soccer (USYS), AYSO, and US Club Soccer have collectively decided to move to an age group player formation cycle that runs from August 1 to July 31, starting with the 2026/2027 season/registration year.

This change was made based on additional critical feedback, data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers. Our associations feel that this age group player formation will be the most inclusive and help increase participation.



What’s Changing?

Starting with the 2026/2027 season: Age groups will be formed using August 1 – July 31 dates.

Effective Date: August 1, 2026

Why the Change to August 1 – July 31?

  • Transitioning to an 8/1–7/31 age grouping is a return to the former grouping prior to 2017. Calendar birth year was mandated by US Soccer when most youth soccer was previously using school age.



  • Most youth soccer is non-competitive/recreational. The benefits of youth sport participation are numerous, but USYS feels that the social elements are some of the most important.


  • Using the school year grouping creates the fewest trapped players.


  • USYS feels that school year grouping promotes stronger team chemistry and retention by allowing children to play with their schoolmates and closest friends.


  • Grouping by school year often places players in a more consistent emotional and physical developmental environment.


  • School age grouping will help college recruitment. Players of the same graduating class will be participating together in high-level tournaments and matches.

Frequently Asked Questions (USYS / National Guidance)

  • When do the age group changes take effect?

    For the 2026/2027 seasonal year, USYS competition age groups will be structured based on the dates August 1 – July 31. Beginning on 8/1/2026, all USYS competitions will use August 1 – July 31 to group players. All teams formed for the 2026/2027 seasonal year should be grouped based on these dates.

  • What age group will my child play in based on the new groupings?

    Parents and guardians can use the applicable age group table (if provided by your club/association) or the U.S. Soccer roster formation tool.

  • Who else will be grouping players based on August 1 – July 31?

    USYS has collaborated with both US Club Soccer and AYSO to mutually recognize August 1 – July 31 age groupings.

  • What about National Championships and Presidents Cup?

    Teams participating in National Championships and Presidents Cup (National Qualifiers and Nationals) must be grouped using the dates August 1 – July 31.

  • Will players who are impacted by the new groupings be given exceptions to play on their existing teams?

    For USYS-run competitions, there will not be age variances granted. Players can play up in accordance with competition rules, but playing down will not be permitted.


    USYS State Associations can grant age variance under USYS Policy 105 for state sanctioned play.


    Rule 105. STATE VARIANCES


    A State Association may permit variances in Rules 104 and 205 of this policy in the best interest of developing the sport within the jurisdiction of the State Association. Those variances do not apply to the state level of US Youth Soccer National Championship, National Presidents Cup or Regional or National League competitions.

  • How will the oldest age groups be handled?

    For USYS competitions (leagues and cups), the U18 and U19 age groups will continue to be combined in a U19 age group.

U.S. Soccer Age Group Roster Formation Tool

Note: This decision is effective beginning with each Organization Member’s 2026–2027 season/registration year.

Formation Tool

WYSA Frequently Asked Questions (State-Specific)


  • Will WYSA allow age exemptions?

    For participation in WYSA leagues only, age variances may be granted in accordance with Policy 162-001.


    Policy 162-001: WYSA Age Exemption Policy

    Exceptions for age eligibility or roster size may be granted at the discretion of WYSA based on the specific circumstances of each request. Consideration will be given to factors such as player safety, developmental appropriateness, and alignment with the goals of the program. All requests must follow the established application process, and approval is not guaranteed.

  • How will WYSA handle the oldest age groups?

    U18 and U19 age groups will be combined in a U19 age group.

  • Our club is in the middle of a uniform cycle. Will players be required to purchase new uniforms to ensure everyone on a roster has a unique number?

    Duplicate numbers will be permitted for WYSA administered leagues. Teams who participate in Presidents Cup and/or the National Championship Series are required to observe the unique uniform number rule at all levels of the competition.

  • How do clubs implement the age classification change in PlayMetrics?

    Clubs who use PlayMetrics for their club operating system can refer to the PlayMetrics guidance for birth year to age group changes. (This guidance is specific to the club system.) If your club uses a different software platform, players will be classified appropriately based on their birthdate when imported into the WYSA system.

  • How will the Olympic Development Program (ODP) be grouped?

    ODP groupings will be unchanged and continue to utilize only January 1 – December 31.

Questions?

Registration questions:
Executive Director, Melissa Zielinski — mzielinski@wiyouthsoccer.com


Competition questions:
Competitions Manager, Patrick Hodgins — phodgins@wiyouthsoccer.com