2026–27 Age Group Update

From Birth Year to School Year

The most important thing to know: Beginning with the 2026-27 season, youth soccer in the United States is moving from a calendar-year age cutoff (January-December) to a school-year cutoff (August-July).

This means teams will now be formed based on a structure that more closely matches how kids move through school.

What’s Actually Changing

Under the new structure teams will include players born across two calendar years, based on the school-year cutoff. That means some players will carry what looks like a “younger” age label than they do today, while others may carry an “older” one.

This does not mean your child is repeating or skipping an age group. It simply reflects a different way of organizing teams.

The table below shows the updated “school year” structure.

Many players will remain with a portion of their current teammates. Some teams will shift as we adjust to the new structure, but our focus remains the same as it always has been: putting each player in the best environment for their development and enjoyment of the game.

Age Group	Born	Between
U8	8/1/2018	7/31/2020
U9	8/1/2017	7/31/2018
U10	8/1/2016	7/31/2017
U11	8/1/2015	7/31/2016
U12	8/1/2014	7/31/2015
U13	8/1/2013	7/31/2014
U14	8/1/2012	7/31/2013
U15	8/1/2011	7/31/2012
U16	8/1/2010	7/31/2011
U17	8/1/2009	7/31/2010
U19	8/1/2008	7/31/2009

What Matters Most To One Knox (and most likely to you)

Our responsibility as a club is to navigate the transition thoughtfully. As we plan for the 2026-27 season, three priorities will guide the placement decisions that we make:

First, the right development environment. 

• Players should be challenged appropriately and placed within a training environment that helps them continue to progress.

Second, clear developmental pathways. 

• Our responsibility is to ensure each player continues to see a pathway forward within the club as they grow.

Third, strong team culture.

• Our passion is not only building soccer players… but people. Our coaches and directors will always prioritize building social connections between our players and families to create that strong team culture.

How One Knox Is Preparing For The Transition

Our directors have been discussing and preparing for this change. Over the remainder of the Spring season, our staff will continue to evaluate players within their current training environments. We are also mapping out player pools across some age groups so we can thoughtfully build rosters that reflect both developmental needs and team dynamics. This process takes time, but it ensures that placements are made carefully.

Timeline: What To Expect

Now – Tryout registration is live

April: Team meetings with directors

April – Mid May: Our coaching staff will continue observing players in their current training environments. 

May 11-14 – Tryouts for U8 to U12 boys and girls 

May 26-29 – Tryouts for U13 to U19 boys and girls

How Placement Decisions Are Made

Final roster decisions are made collaboratively by the technical leadership team. This includes the Technical Director and Directors, who evaluate players based on several factors. 

The three most important considerations are:

• Competitive readiness and ability level 
• Alignment with the player’s development pathway
• Placement decisions that prioritize sustainable development over short-term team success

Our responsibility is not just to build teams for a single season, but to support each player’s long-term development. 

If You Disagree With A Placement

One Knox understands that roster decisions can sometimes be difficult for players and families. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s placement, we encourage open communication. 

Our team is always willing to discuss development goals and provide feedback so families understand the reasoning behind decisions. 

All placement decisions are professional decisions made by coaches.