Seasonal Year Age Group Formation Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2026

A Message From SKY Soccer Program Directors

As you may have heard, U.S. youth soccer organizations have announced an update to the age group classification system that will take effect beginning with the 2026–2027 season. The change will impact our recreational and competitive programs, and will move away from the current calendar year-year (January 1 - December 31) model and return to a seasonal-year (August 1 - July 31) model for age group. The change will apply to all US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer sanctioned leagues and cup competitions (State Cup, Regional League, State League, Presidents Cup, Recreational Tournaments, ECNL, NPL, etc.). To be eligible to participate in these competitions, SKY Soccer Club must be compliant with this change. We understand that any change involving age groups can naturally raise questions, and our goal is to ensure that our families are informed, confident, and supported throughout this transition.

At SKY Soccer Club, our commitment to player development remains unwavering. While age group labels may change, our daily work does not. Our focus will continue to be on creating a positive, challenging, and age-appropriate learning environment where players are encouraged to grow technically, tactically, physically, and socially. Ensuring alignment across the club, promoting a consistent and rigorous training environment, and strong collaboration among our coaches will continue to guide everything we do. Being in alignment with the new age group will enable our club to continue to drive our player pathway; including providing recreational players with the highest quality programming in the State; and position our competitive teams for league success, and exposure for players seeking college and professional opportunities.

It is important to emphasize that this update does not change our development philosophy or how we evaluate and support players. Every athlete develops at their own pace, and our responsibility as a club is to place players in environments that best support their long term growth, both on and off the field, to aid in our mission of developing both great players and great people.

We have prepared the accompanying Frequently Asked Questions to help clarify what this change means and to address the most common topics we anticipate from families. Please take time to review it, and know that we will continue to communicate openly as we move closer to the 2026–2027 season.

Thank you for your continued trust in SKY Soccer Club. We value our partnership with our families and look forward to continuing to support each player’s development journey.

If you have questions specific to your player, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Program Director.

Sincerely,

SKY Soccer Program Directors

Corey Coons

Recreational Director (U7-U18)

JaBree Jones

Junior Academy Director (U7-U10)

Zach Salchli

Pre-Academy Director (U3-U6)

Academy Select Director of Coaching (U9-U19)

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Age Group Classification Update

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will be affected?

All of our current competitive and recreational programs will be affected. Because of this systemic change, some players will experience a shift into a different age group, and team formation will look different for the 2026-2027 season.

What is changing with age group classifications?

Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, youth soccer age groups will no longer be determined by their calendar birth year (January 1-December 31). Instead, age groups will be formed using a seasonal year of August 1 – July 31. This change is being implemented nationwide through US Youth Soccer, US Club, and AYSO, the governing bodies of US Soccer, to better align soccer participation with the school year.

Does this change apply to SKY Soccer Club?

Yes. This update applies to all youth soccer players across the country, including players at SKY Soccer Club. All clubs and leagues will be required to follow this new age group structure.

When will this change take effect?

The new age group classifications will officially take effect starting with the 2026–2027 season (August 1, 2026).

Will my child’s daily training experience change?

No. SKY Soccer Club’s training environment, methodology, and approach to player development will remain unchanged. Our sessions will continue to be age-appropriate, developmentally focused, and aligned with our club’s long-term vision for player growth.

Why was this change made nationally?

The shift to an August 1 – July 31 seasonal year was made to better align youth soccer with the school calendar, providing greater consistency between academic and athletic environments for players and families.

What should families do right now?

At this time, no action is required. SKY Soccer Club will continue to communicate clearly and proactively as the 2026–2027 season approaches. Our priority is ensuring families feel informed, supported, and confident throughout this transition. Families with additional questions regarding their player’s pathway should reach out to their Program Director.

Who can I contact if I have questions about my player?

Families are encouraged to reach out to their Program Director with any questions or concerns. Open communication is an important part of our club culture.