What is the 2026 Age-Group Change?

Starting with the 2026–27 soccer season, youth soccer in the United States will move from birth-year–based age groups to school-year–based age groups.

Age groups will now be determined by birthdates that fall between August 1 and July 31, rather than the calendar year (January–December).

Why Is This Change Happening?

This is not a Homer United-specific decision. It is a national change across youth soccer.  The goal is to:

• Better align soccer age groups with school grades
• Keep more players participating with classmates and peers
• Place players in age groups that are more developmentally appropriate
• Reduce the number of players who feel “trapped” between age groups

While this new model does not fully resolve all the issues of “trapped” players in Alaska—where school enrollment cutoffs differ—it is important to understand that this structure is designed with a broader, national perspective in mind, particularly for clubs that participate in out-of-state tournaments.

As a member of US Youth Soccer, Homer United FC will be required to follow this updated age group structure.

How Do I Know My Child’s Age Group?

General rule for 2026-2027 season
In most cases, your child’s soccer age group will be determined by where their birthday falls between August 1 and July 31. 

While this typically aligns with school grade, there may be limited exceptions based on birthdate timing, school entry decisions, and developmental considerations.

Examples:

• A player born in September 2014 will play in the Under-12 age group for 2026–27
• A player born in June 2015 will play in the Under-12 age group for 2026–27
• A player born in August 2015 will play in the Under-11 age group for 2026–27

Choose your birthdate below to see your age group.