Starting in Fall 2026, age groups will change from birth year to grad year.

With the direction of U.S. Soccer, our national governing body, the organizations of US Youth Soccer, US Club and AYSO joined together and voted to move forward beginning with the 26/27 seasonal year with the age group formation of August 1st – July 31st.  The decision was based on critical feedback, data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers.  The age group formation will apply to all competitions, National Championships, Presidents Cup and National League. 

As both a member of U.S. Soccer and US Youth Soccer, NCYSA supports the decision.  NCYSA stands ready to provide education and support to our member associations and their families as we make the switch from birth year to seasonal year, August 1st - July 31st, for the 2026/27 soccer season. We encourage communication between your families, players, club leadership, coaches and DOCs to ensure a seamless transition.   

For more information and player eligibility and age group info, contact Your Club Registrar. Additional resources are also available on the NCYSA website: www.ncsoccer.org/2026agegroups. Or call the NC Youth Soccer Office at 336-856-7529 and we will direct your call to the appropriate staff member. 

Our mission is to provide the best environment for North Carolina youth soccer players to grow and excel in soccer and in life.  

Thank you for being part of the NCYSA family. Yours in Soccer, NC Youth Soccer Association 

Aligning teams by school year helps eliminate two major developmental challenges:

The “Trap Year” – when players lose teammates during the transition from middle school to high school

The “Gap Year” – when younger players are left behind after older teammates graduate

By keeping player groups together longer, we promote stronger continuity, better team chemistry, and clearer long-term pathways from U13 through U19 and beyond.

CVYSA will offer virtual information sessions prior to tryouts/assessments to help families understand the process and get their questions answered.

Additionally, age-group sessions will be held throughout the spring so players can train within the new age group structure, while coaches use these sessions to prepare for tryouts/assessments.

Schedule and registration info for these sessions will be released soon.

Click here for 26/27 age group divisions.