Age Group Birth Date Range (2026-27 Season)
U19 Aug 1, 2007 - Jul 31, 2009
U17 Aug 1, 2009 - Jul 31, 2010
U16 Aug 1, 2010 - Jul 31, 2011
U15 Aug 1, 2011 - Jul 31, 2012
U14 Aug 1, 2012 - Jul 31, 2013
U13 Aug 1, 2013 - Jul 31, 2014
U12 Aug 1, 2014 - Jul 31, 2015
U11 Aug 1, 2015 - Jul 31, 2016
U10 Aug 1, 2016 - Jul 31, 2017
U9 Aug 1, 2017 - Jul 31, 2018
U8 Aug 1, 2018 - Jul 31, 2019
U7 Aug 1, 2019 - Jul 31, 2020

US Soccer Initiative:

 Age Group Changes for the

2026-2027 Season


Indy Eleven Spirit is committed to providing the best possible developmental environment for our players, and we want to keep you informed about a significant change by US Soccer to the youth age-group registration. This change as outlined below  will take effect starting in the Fall of 2026 for the upcoming 2026-2027 season.


What it means for your Player:

  • Teams will no longer be formed by birth year.
  • Teams will now span two calendar birth years (e.g., a U12 team might include players born August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015, plus any approved play-up/play-down exceptions).
  • Players born August 1 – December 31 will generally "move down" an age group.
  • Players born January 1 – July 31 will generally "move up" an age group.



We are excited about this return to a system that prioritizes player development, friendships, and long-term enjoyment of the game.


Indy Eleven Spirit directors are here to answer any questions – please reach out by email:  fcs11info@gmail.com.

Age Group Change FAQs

  • What is changing?

    Starting with the 2026-27 season, US Youth Soccer will move from the current calendar-year (January-December) model to a seasonal-year (August-July) model for age grouping. 



    Current System:


    Birth year (January 1 - December 31)



    New System:


    Seasonal year (August 1 - July 31)

  • When exactly does this change take effect?

    The new August 1 – July 31 system starts with the 2026-2027 seasonal year (fall 2026 tryouts and registration). The entire 2025-2026 season remains under the current birth year rules.

  • Will my child have to repeat or skip an age group?

    Most players will simply shift into the new age group without repeating or skipping a full year of soccer. For example, a player born in September who is currently a "younger" birth year player on a team will become an "older" player and will likely get to join classmates they already know from school.

  • Can my child play up an age group?

    We prefer to have players in the appropriate age group. However, each case will be evaluated on an individual basis, and what is required by that age group and team.

  • Will this affect high school soccer eligibility?

    No. High school eligibility is determined by your state's athletic association and school grade/age rules, not club soccer age groups.

  • How will tryouts and team selection work in spring 2026?

    Tryouts in 2026 will form teams for the 2026-2027 season under the new age groups. We will communicate exact dates and processes early in the year.

  • My child has a late birthday and has struggled with being the youngest – will this help?

    Yes! The school-year alignment is designed to reduce the "relative age effect" and "trapped player" issues that have impacted many families under the birth year system.

  • If we move to a new team and there are duplicate jersey numbers, will I have to purchase a new jersey?

    It is possible you may have to change jersey numbers if there are duplicate numbers within the new team formations. We will directly communicate with the players this effects before uniform ordering takes place. The 2026-2027 season will be a new 2 year cycle for ordering uniforms through our provider, SOCCER.COM