Ella Nicole Blackbourn

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We would like to share important information regarding a nationwide age group change that will affect youth soccer beginning with the 2026–2027 seasonal year.

Following extensive review and collaboration, US Youth Soccer (USYS), AYSO, and US Club Soccer have collectively decided to transition from birth-year–based age groups to school grade–based age groups, using an August 1 to July 31 player formation cycle. This change was made after reviewing additional feedback, data, and expert input, with the goal of better aligning players with their school-grade peers, increasing inclusivity, and encouraging greater participation across youth soccer.

Key Changes & Impact

• Effective Date: The change will take effect for the 2026–2027 season, with tryouts generally beginning in May 2026.
• New Cutoff Date: August 1 will serve as the new, strict cutoff date for all age groups.
• Player Movement:
  • 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
• Rostering Structure: Teams will now include players from two calendar birth years, better aligning teammates with their school-grade peers.

Impact United Soccer Club Approach

Impact United Soccer Club will fully support and implement this change in alignment with USYS and US Club Soccer guidelines. At the same time, we remain firmly committed to ensuring that every player is placed appropriately. Please remember a player is able to play up, but cannot play down in age group.  

While school grade will determine the primary age group designation, tryouts will continue to be a critical part of the placement process. Our coaching staff will evaluate each player’s skill set, development level, and readiness to ensure placement in an environment that best supports individual growth, confidence, and long-term success.

Our priorities remain unchanged:

• Player development and safety
• Competitive balance
• Long-term growth and enjoyment of the game
• A positive and supportive club experience

We understand that transitions like this can raise questions, and we encourage families to reach out with any concerns. Additional details regarding tryouts, age group definitions, and evaluation criteria will be communicated as we move closer to the 2026–2027 season.

Thank you for your continued trust in Impact United Soccer Club. We appreciate your support and look forward to navigating this transition together.  Our coaches are all working hard to understand how each of their rosters are affected by this change.  Please continue to communicate with your coach about what might be best for your player.  Our coaches list is being confirmed and will be posted on the website soon.  Please check the website soon for our coach list and the tryout schedule; which is not yet set. 

Age Group Details Here