PLAYER AGE GROUP UPDATE CHANGES FOR 2026-2027 – FAQ
Dear DUSC Families,
As you’ve likely heard, U.S. Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and the American Youth Soccer Organization have collectively announced age group changes that will take effect in Fall 2026.
What Has Changed?
Beginning Fall 2026, most youth teams will transition from the current calendar-year(January 1-December 31) model to a seasonal-year (August 1-July 31) model, grouping players by birthday accordingly.
Official announcement:
U.S. Youth Soccer Age Group Update
Why Are These Changes Being Made?
After extensive review and collaboration, these governing bodies have determined that this seasonal-year classification will be more inclusive and better support player participation and development.
What Does This Mean for Boys Academy Players?
This is a system-wide change that will affect all DUSC Boys Academy teams, with the exception of U13-U19 MLS Next “Homegrown” teams. All such Boys Academy players will move to the new seasonal-year (August 1-July 31) model starting Fall 2026.
What Does This Mean for MLS NEXT / “Homegrown” Players?
This transition does not apply to our MLS Next/”Homegrown” teams, which will continue to follow the current calendar-year (January 1-December 31) model.
What Does This Mean for Girls Academy Players?
All DUSC Girls Academy teams will move to the new seasonal-year (August 1-July 31) model starting Fall 2026.
Why Must DUSC comply?
To ensure our players can participate in the various leagues in which we compete, DUSC must operate in full compliance with the new classification system.
Will Any Players Play Outside Their Age Group-Designated Team?
After evaluating all updated rosters across the Boys’ and the Girls’ programs, there may occasionally be a specific reason for a player to play outside their age group-designated team. However, this should not be the expectation. Any such decisions will be carefully reviewed by DUSC leadership.
Will There be Any Flexibility Regarding Academy Team Assignments?
As always, there is the possibility of player movement from season to season, and even within a season. In keeping with DUSC’s philosophy of prioritizing player development first, athletes may move between teams at any time during the year, as determined by staff assessments.
What Happens Next?
Our staff is working diligently to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition for all players and families. In the coming weeks, the Club will share an overview of how this change will affect each program. As part of our normal spring process, coaches will continue evaluating players to ensure appropriate, development-focused team placements for the 2026 season. We aim to begin rolling out those placements by April 1.
Who Can We Contact with Questions?
Please understand that DUSC coaches are focused on their current teams’ development and success this spring, and are not individually responsible for implementation decisions. We ask that families refrain from direct questions to coaches during the assessment period. If you have any questions not addressed in the FAQ’s above, please submit them HERE, and you will receive a response from the Club as soon as possible.
Warm regards,
The DUSC Staff