Seminole United Age Group Structure Update
for the 2026–2027 Season
As part of a nationwide initiative, U.S. Soccer, US Club
Soccer, and US Youth Soccer have aligned on new age group formation standards. Aligning with their guidance, our goal is to ensure that all players and families are well-informed and
prepared for potential shifts that may impact player placement and team assignments for the 2026–2027 season.
Beginning with the upcoming season, many clubs across the country will transition from a birth-year model to a seasonal school year structure, with age groups formed based on an
August 1 – July 31 timeline. This approach better aligns players with their classmates and school calendars while supporting long-term development.
What This Means at Seminole United:
- Junior Programs (U12 and younger boys & girls – see chart below for revised alignment): Will move to a school-year structure
- Senior Girls Programs (U13-19 – see chart below for revised alignment): Will move to a school-year structure
- Senior Boys Programs (U13-U19): Will continue under a birth-year structure to maintain alignment with competitive pathways and higher-level playing opportunities
- The new structure will begin with team formation for the 2026–2027 season
Why This Change Is Being Made:
- Helps align players with their school peers
- Creates a more consistent yearly schedule for families
- Reduces conflicts between school and soccer commitments
- Brings consistency across leagues and clubs nationwide
Most importantly, this change allows us to continue focusing on providing the best possible experience and development pathway for every player.
Commonly asked Question & Answers:
Q: When will this affect my player this season?
A: No. The remainder of the 2025–2026 season will remain unchanged.
Q: Will my player be on a different team next year?
A: It’s possible. Some players may shift age groups under the new structure. We will work to place every player in the best developmental environment.
Q: Why are senior boys staying birth-year?
A: This ensures alignment with high-level competition platforms, identification opportunities, and established development pathways.
Q: What should we expect at tryouts?
A: Tryouts will be the starting point for forming teams under the new school-year structure for 2026–2027.
Q: Is this just our club making this change?
A: No. This is a nationwide change that clubs across the country are implementing. Clubs have the choice in how to implement the changes.
Calendar Year/Birth Year Model
Teams: MLS Next Homegrown Division, MLS Next Academy Division, NAL, Elite Boys & Select
Seasonal Year/Grade Based Model
Teams: ECNL, ECNL- RL, Elite Girls, FAL, Pre ECNL, Pre ECNL RL, Pre MLS 1, Pre MLS 2, Pre NAL & Pre Elite
AGE GROUP
CALCULATOR
2026–2027
*Note: Senior Boys teams will follow the calendar year/birth year model and will not utilize the age group calculator.