DASC Grade Age Change
What families need to know about U.S. Soccer’s Grade Age mandate and how DASC will implement the transition.
Beginning with the 2026–2027 seasonal year (August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027), youth soccer programs nationwide will transition to a new age-group cut-off date of August 1, replacing the current January 1 cut-off.
Below you’ll find additional details about this change, an age-group calculator, and a set of FAQs to help you understand how the transition may impact your player and family.
Why Is This Change Happening?
Youth soccer organizations across the country are adopting the new August 1 age-group cutoff to better serve players, families, and long-term development. Key reasons include:
Reducing “trapped player” situations:
Moving away from the calendar-year cutoff helps minimize cases where players are separated from their classmates or age-aligned peer groups.Aligning with the school-year cycle:
Grade-aligned teams create a more natural progression for players and simplify planning for families.Returning to a proven structure:
The August 1–July 31 format—used prior to 2017—is widely viewed as the best approach to support player development, competitive balance, and sustained participation.Nationwide adoption across major governing bodies:
US Club Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and AYSO have all committed to implementing the adjusted age-group cutoff, ensuring consistency across youth soccer programs.
Options DASC Considered
Hard Switch
A complete shift to the new Grade Age structure with no exceptions or grandfathering for current players.
Open Switch
Opening up rosters to all players at the set grade and two grade years below it.
Balanced Transition
An approach that combines grandfathering current players while implementing the new Grade Age structure for future seasons. Coaches gave age input on age group determination.
