Q: What is the change?

A: US Youth Soccer, AYSO, US Club Soccer, and MLS NEXT Academy Division have collectively decided to move to a new age group formation cycle that groups players with birthdates from August 1 to July 31.

Q: How are players classified right now?

A: Currently, Elk Grove Soccer teams are formed based on birthdates within a calendar year (January 1–December 31).

Q: When will the change go into effect?

A: This change will begin with the 2026–27 competitive and recreation seasons. For Elk Grove Soccer, it will begin with tryouts in May 2026 for the competitive program and for recreation and future stars, you will be placed on a team with your new age groups. 

Q: Is Elk Grove Soccer required to make this change?

A: Yes. All clubs, including Elk Grove Soccer, that participate in leagues sanctioned by these governing bodies must adopt the new age group classification system.

Q: Why is the change being made?

A: The primary reason for this change is to create consistency across major soccer organizations and to better align players with their school grade peers and academic calendar, supporting both social and emotional development.

Q: Will the new formation affect all Elk Grove Soccer players and teams?

A: Yes. All Elk Grove Soccer players and teams, on both the boys’ and girls’ sides, will move to the new age classification model. This includes recreation and competitive.

Q: What is happening to Elk Grove Soccer MLS NEXT Academy teams?

A: MLS NEXT has announced that its Academy Division will also move to the new classification model, aligning with all other major youth soccer organizations. Elk Grove Soccer’s MLS NEXT pathway will follow this structure.

Q: How is the Elk Grove Soccer Competitive program preparing for this change?

A: The Directors of Coaching are currently:

• Reviewing existing rosters

• Projecting participation numbers under the new structure

• Evaluating roster sizes and team formation

• Exploring opportunities for players to train within their new age groups during Spring/Summer 2026

Q: Will competitive tryouts be different given the change?

A: The overall tryout structure is expected to remain similar. However, Elk Grove Soccer may explore specific evaluation processes for top-level teams (e.g., MLS NEXT pathways).

Q: Do all players need to compete in their new age group?

A: Yes, players are expected to compete in their new age group beginning after competitive tryouts in July 2026.

• Players cannot play down an age group

• Requests to play up will be reviewed by the Directors of Coaching

• Decisions will be made case-by-case based on player development and team needs

Q: How will Elk Grove Soccer handle uniform number conflicts with the new age groups?

A: If duplicate jersey numbers occur:

• For recreation and future stars teams that do not play outside of Elk Grove Soccer – numbers not needed on the back

• For recreation teams that play outside of Elk Grove – New jerseys will be made available in time for Fall 2026 

• For competitive – teams are due to purchase new uniforms for the 2026-2027 season per the adidas uniform cycle

• The club will aim to minimize additional costs for families

Q: Who should be contacted with questions?

A: Please contact Elk Grove Soccer’s Directors of Coaching and Recreation AGCs for your child’s program (boys or girls). Updated contact details will be provided through official club communication channels.