Upcoming Change to Age Group Registration Cycle for the 2026-27 Season
Dear Colorado Ice Soccer Families,
We are reaching out with more information regarding the age group structure for youth
soccer that will impact all recreational and competitive programs nationwide starting with
the 2026-27 soccer year (beginning August 2026). Please read carefully, and we
encourage you to reach out with any questions.
What is changing?
Beginning with the 2026-27 registration year, youth soccer programs across the country will
adopt updated player eligibility regulations associated with player ages. The new
regulations will categorize players’ eligibility based on their birthday using August 1 to July
31 (grade based) rather than the current January 1 to December 31 (birthyear) format. This
change comes from the national governing body, U.S. Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer) and
its member organizations including U.S. Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer and
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). (U.S. Soccer)
• No changes will be implemented in the current (2025-26) season’s registration
cycle. This includes our Spring 2026 season.
• The new August 1 - July 31 cycle goes into e4ect for the 2026-27 season. For
Academy and Competitive teams this will include kickarounds during the spring
2026 season and tryouts 5/18 and 5/19 for competitive teams
• The change applies to both recreational and competitive programs and will align our
club with Colorado Soccer Association (CSA) and the national governing bodies.
Why the change?
The decision to shift from a January 1 cuto4 (birth year) to an August 1 cuto4 is based on
multiple factors including feedback from the soccer community across the country. Key
considerations include:
• Better alignment with school year. Aligning the soccer age groups closer to the
school calendar (Aug 1-July 31) is beneficial for player experience and
retention. This alignment should increase the number of youth players entering and
staying in the sport.
• Reducing misaligned players: Under the current birthyear model (Jan 1 - Dec 31),
many players find themselves out of sync with their classmates in school which can
result in players without a team at some point in the soccer career (for example, 8th
graders playing on a U15 team when their teammates are freshman and playing high
school soccer). The August 1 cuto4 reduces the number of players in that
misalignment.
What this means for Colorado Ice and your player
1. Team formation: For the 2026-27 season, age groups will be determined by the
player’s date of birth relative to the August 1 - July 31 cycle. We recommend that all
players register to play/tryout for their designated age group
Birthday Age Group Fall 2026/Spring 2027
August 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023 U4
August 1, 2021 – July 31, 2022 U5
August 1, 2020 – July 31, 2021 U6
August 1, 2019 – July 31 2020 U7
August 1, 2018 – July 31 2019 U8
August 1, 2017 – July 31, 2018 U9
August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017 U10
August 1, 2015 – July 31, 2016 U11
August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015 U12
August 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014 U13
August 1, 2012 – July 31, 2013 U14
August 1, 2011 – July 31, 2012 U15
August 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 U16
August 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010 U17
August 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009 U18
August 1, 2007 – July 31, 2008 U19
2. “Playing up” exceptions: We understand that some players may be a grade ahead
or may have developmental reasons to be considered for an older age group than
their birth date indicates. Our Program Director and coaches will work directly with
players and their parents if they are in this position.
Any exceptions will be handled individually during roster formation.
3. What does Spring 2026 hold for players?: Our current teams will play league and
tournaments the same as they did in the fall. Colorado Ice will begin sending out
more information to all families in the next month regarding clarification of the
tryout process for Fall 26/Spring 27 teams and concerning age group training and
evaluation sessions to help with a smooth transition
4. Communication & support: We will continue to provide information regarding the
change to the age alignment including concise answers to member questions and
informational sessions for families. Additionally, sta4 are available to answer
questions about the transition and can be reached by phone or email.
Laura – General Manager
laura@tablemountainsoccer.org 303-279-3686
JD Dahm – Competitive and U10 Academy Program Director
jd@tablemountainsoccer.org 303-669-1457
Radu Jr – Developmental/Recreational and U9 Academy Program Director
radujr@tablemountainsoccer.org 720-369-7362
Colorado Ice Soccer remains committed to providing exceptional programming at all
levels. We understand that with change comes uncertainty and we are here to support our
players and families to make the transition as smooth as possible.
We are always available to answer questions and address concerns
Thank you for entrusting Colorado Ice with your child’s soccer development.
Colorado Ice Sta4 and Board of Directors
Helpful link:
U.S. Soccer: Path Forward on Player Registration – “Starting in the fall of 2026, organization
members will be responsible for approving the age-group registration cycle…” (U.S. Soccer)