Missouri Youth Soccer Association

US Youth Soccer

US Youth Soccer

Understanding the 2026-2027 Season Age Group Changes

Age groups are changing? …Again?

Following extensive review and discussion, US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer have all made a collective decision. They will move to an age group player formation cycle that runs from August 1 to July 31. This change will start with the 2026/27 season/registration year. This change was based on additional critical feedback. It was also influenced by data and expert input. The goal is to better align players with their school-grade peers.

The August 1 to July 31 age group player formation cycle will be used for all USYS league and Cup competitions for the 2026-27 season/registration year. This includes the National Championship Series (State Cup), the Presidents Cup, National League / Midest Conference and the MADL. 

US Youth Soccer CEO Tom Condone addressed the adjustment to the registration process: “At US Youth Soccer, our mission is to support the development of every player. After careful collaboration with our partners and listening to our membership, we believe this shift to an August 1 player formation cycle better aligns with school calendars, supports social and individual needs, and ultimately enhances the youth soccer experience for families across the country.”

When does this change occur?

Again, please note that this decision is effective beginning with each Organization Member’s 2026-27 season/registration year, beginning August 1st 2026. This will not impact the current, 25/26 season.

As a reminder, under U.S. Soccer’s new policy, each Federation member can determine age group registration rules for the leagues and competitions they operate or sanction. To support this transition, U.S. Soccer has introduced a tool to help parents and guardians easily understand the age groupings based on their child’s birth date.

How does this change impact Missouri Youth Soccer Association players?

The simplest way to summarize the upcoming change is that on August 1st, 2026:

  • Players born January 1st through July 31st will progress to the higher age group for the 26/27 season.
    (Ex. Player born in June 2017 – 25/26 Season: U9 26/27 Season: U10)
  • Players born August 1st through December 31st will remain in the same age group for the 26/27 season.
    (Ex. Player born in September 2017 – 25/26 Season: U9 26/27 Season: U9)

Teams are assigned to an age group based on the age of the team’s OLDEST player.
If you intend on keeping the majority of your team together through next season, please be prepared. Some players may then be required to play-up to a higher age group. However, MYSA roster rules prevent players from joining teams more than 2 age groups above their natural age.

New AGE MATRIX 26_27 – Sheet1 (1)

JB Marine U19 Girls Return to Nationals: A Legacy Built on Heart, Hustle, and Friendship

For many young athletes, the dream of competing at a national level is just that — a dream. But for the JB Marine U19 Girls, it’s a reality — and one they’ve earned for the second year in a row.

This team, built on grit, growth, and genuine friendship, clinched a spot at the 2025 US Youth Soccer National Championships after capturing the Midwest Regional Championship title in June. While it’s not their first trip — they also qualified in 2024 through the National League Playoffs — this time feels different. It’s not just about the competition. It’s a farewell tour for a group that’s spent years growing up together, both on and off the field.

“I’ve been with this team since I was 13,” said Maddie Mauch, who now plays at McKendree University. “These girls are some of my best friends. The hard work, the drive to win, the support we give each other — this group is so special. To finish our youth careers on this stage is everything I could have asked for.”

Their chemistry and commitment have powered a remarkable journey:

But their story runs deeper than any trophy case. It’s about how they got here — and who they became along the way.

“I remember joining the team and immediately feeling like I belonged,” said Riley Mathews, who will continue her career at Indiana State University. “We bonded so quickly and then went on to win three State Cups. I’ll never forget that feeling.”

That immediate sense of connection became the foundation of something bigger — personal growth and lifelong friendship.

“We all push each other,” Mathews continued. “Not just in games or practice, but to be better friends, better teammates, better people. That’s how we’ve grown.”

For Ally Wickenhauser, it’s not just the big games she’ll miss — it’s the little moments in between.

“I’m excited for the pregame warmups, the plane rides, and the time in hotels,” said Wickenhauser, who will also play at McKendree and pursue a degree in education. “That’s when we grow closer. That’s what makes this team a family.”

Like many of her teammates, she reflects with gratitude — and offers a simple piece of advice to younger players:

“Enjoy it. It gets competitive, but don’t forget why you started playing in the first place. Play for the love of the game and the people next to you.”

Through every season, tournament, and team talk, one thing has remained constant — this team is about more than soccer. It’s where they’ve learned discipline, resilience, and confidence. And it’s where they’ve built friendships that will outlast the final whistle.

This smart, determined group of young women has earned every accolade. And now, as they prepare for one final run together at the 2025 US Youth Soccer National Championships in Orlando, Florida from July 22–27, they’re not just chasing a title.

They’re honoring the legacy they’ve built — together.

We wish the JB Marine U19 Girls the very best as they take the national stage once more. They’ve proudly represented Missouri with heart, hustle, and class — and we couldn’t be more proud.