Registering your child for soccer can sometimes be confusing, especially when it comes to determining which age group they should play in. The US has undergone changes in how age groups are calculated, shifting from a school-year model to a birth-year model to align with international standards. Here’s a guide to help you figure out the right age group for your child and how the system works.
Basics of Soccer’s Age Groups
What Does U# Mean?
In soccer, the age groups are labeled as U#, where “U” stands for “under” and the number is the age limit for that group. For example, U12 means that players are under 12 years of age for that season.
Can My Child Play Up or Down an Age Group?
In many leagues, children can play up an age group, meaning they can compete with older players if they meet the skill requirements. However, the team must register based on the age of the oldest player. For example, if you have a team of children born in 2012, but one child was born in 2011, the entire team must register in the U13 category, corresponding to the oldest player. In most cases, the child cannot play down an age group.
Background of the Soccer Registration Age System in the US
US Soccer’s Shift from School Year to Birth Year
Before 2017, US Soccer used the school-year calendar (August to July) to determine player registration. This meant that children in the same school grade, regardless of their exact birth dates, would play together. The US and Canada were the only FIFA members that followed this system. However, on August 1, 2017, US Soccer switched to a birth-year system, aligning with most other FIFA countries. Now, players born within the same calendar year (January to December) are grouped together, regardless of their school grade.
Read more about US Soccer’s change from school-year calendar to calendar year.
Could US Soccer Switch Back?
There has been talk about US Soccer potentially reverting to the school-year calendar, with a decision expected on November 22, 2024. This shift would again group players based on their school grades, potentially addressing some challenges that arise with the current system.
The Pros and Cons of Birth Year vs. School Year Registration
There are both advantages and disadvantages to the birth-year system.
Pros:
- It’s easier to calculate age groups based on birth year.
- Players are grouped with others who are closer in age, which theoretically leads to similar physical development.
Cons:
- Children develop at different rates, and being in the same age group doesn’t always mean they’re at the same skill level.
- The biggest issue comes when children reach high school. Some players may be in different grades due to being born in the spring or fall. For example, when the older players enter high school and play for both their school and club, the younger players in the same birth year may be left without a full team during the club season.
Calculating the Right Age Group for Your Child
To determine which age group your child should register for, the calculation depends on the season. See the formulas below to calculate the correct age group.
For the fall season:
registration year – birth year + 1
The “+1” in the formula is because the fall and spring seasons are often combined, with spring being in the next calendar year.
Example:
If your child was born in 2013, and it’s Fall 2024, the calculation would be 2024 – 2013 + 1 = U12.
For the spring season:
registration year – birth year
Example:
In Spring 2024, they would also play in U12, as the formula becomes 2024 – 2013 = U12.
Calculate Your Child’s Soccer Age Group
To make this process easier, enter your child’s birth year and season registering and it will automatically calculate their registration age group.
Your Age Group:
Stay Informed and Ensure the Right Fit for Your Child's Soccer Journey
By understanding the rules and how to calculate the correct age group, you can ensure your child is placed in the appropriate category for their soccer development. Whether US Soccer remains with the birth-year system or switches back to the school-year model, it’s important to stay informed and prepared for these changes.
