A Development First Approach
Beginning with the 2026–27 season, all U.S. youth soccer organizations will shift to a new age-group calendar: August 1 to July 31. While this transition affects players outside MLS NEXT Homegrown, it also presents a valuable opportunity, one that aligns perfectly with our club’s mission to develop confident, capable players who thrive on and off the field.
This change allows us to refocus on what matters most: placing each child in an environment that challenges them appropriately, supports their long-term growth, and builds the foundation for success in soccer. This document explains what’s changing, why it matters, and how Phoenix Rising FC will guide every player and family through the next chapter with clarity, care, and a development-first mindset.
What is changing?
- The age group cut off, which is currently a player’s current birth year (January 1 – December 31), will be changing to the school year (August 1 – July 31).
- Team rosters will adjust as players realign based on birth month.
- Some players may move to different teams or training environments while others remain.
Player Benefits
The new August cutoff creates age groups that are more closely aligned in physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
This means:
- More consistent, stable training environments throughout the year.
- Smoother transitions between middle school and high school.
- Players born later in the year will now compete with peers at similar developmental stages, allowing them to grow with greater confidence.
- Many players who were previously among the youngest in their age group will now have the opportunity to step forward, compete more evenly, and potentially become some of the strongest players in their new group, a benefit that will be especially noticed during college recruitment.
Our Approach?
Development First
At Phoenix Rising FC, this shift reinforces what matters most: long-term development. This change is not simply an administrative update, it is an opportunity to refocus on what truly builds successful athletes and successful people that will succeed not only on the field, but in life.
Our Priorities
- Place players where they will thrive individually.
- Create training environments aligned with school grade when possible.
- Balance physical, cognitive, and emotional development needs.
- Maintain competitive team environments across all regions.
- Communicate with clarity, honesty, and transparency.
What can you expect?
- Winter/spring sessions will incorporate 26/27 age groups for evaluation, and allow parents and players to get to know each other and their future coach.
- Our staff will meet consistently to review player needs and placement.
- Families will receive structured, meaningful opportunities to speak with coaches.
- Final decisions will prioritize long-term development, not short-term convenience.
Changes by Elite Platform and Academies
As of the 2026–27 season, the current birth year model will remain the same for our MLS Next Homegrown teams, with no changes being made. The only platform which wiill remain unchanged for the upcoming season.
As of the 2026–27 season, the new standard will shift to a seasonal model for our MLS Next Academy teams, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.
As of the 2026–27 season, the new standard will shift to a seasonal model for our ECNL and ECNL RL teams, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.
As of the 2026–27 season, the new standard will shift to a seasonal model for our NL Premier 1 & 2 teams, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.
As of the 2026–27 season, the new standard will shift to a seasonal model for all our Academy, Junior Academy and Youth Academy teams, with age groups defined from August 1 to July 31.
Our Recreation programs are not changing in structure and will remain aligned with the school-year calendar, using grade level and date of birth to determine player placement for each season.
Age Group Resources
Age Group FAQs
What is changing for the 2026/27 season
Beginning in the 2026/27 season, Phoenix Rising FC will follow the new U.S. Soccer Age Group model, which uses an August 1 cutoff date instead of the current birth-year system (January 1 cutoff).
Why is this change happening?
U.S. Soccer is aligning youth soccer with the age-group structure used by most school systems. This helps keep more players with their classmates and creates a more consistent development pathway.
How will this affect my child’s team placement?
Your child may move to a slightly different age group than previous seasons. Some teammates may shift up or down depending on birthdays.
Important: No player will be moved without thoughtful evaluation. Our focus is ensuring that each child is placed in the most appropriate environment for their development.
Will my child tryout again?
All players will participate in standard annual evaluations/tryouts, just as they always have. The new cutoff date will simply determine which age group they attend.
Will my child be separated from their friends?
We understand the importance of social connections. While teams must follow the new age-group rules, coaches will do everything possible to support players and families during the transition. Many teammates will remain together, and we will work closely with families to minimize disruption where possible.
Does this affect playing time or team level (ECNL, ECRL, Competitive,
etc.)?
No. Placement is based on ability, development needs, and readiness, not solely on the cutoff date. Some players may play up when appropriate, following our established player-placement guidelines.
How is this better for development?
The age-group structure:
- Creates a smoother alignment with school grade level.
- Allows coaches to build more cohesive multi-year development plans.
- Helps players grow physically, technically, and socially within a more consistent environment.
What is Phoenix Rising FC doing to support players during the
transition?
We are providing:
- Staff and parent education.
- Clear communication on placement timelines.
- Player evaluations that consider both ability and well-being.
- Opportunities for players to meet new teammates before the season starts.
When will the new age groups take effect?
The change begins with the 2026/27 season which kicks off August 1, 2026, including the April/May 2026 tryouts leading into that season.
| Age Group | Birth Date Range (2026/27 Season) |
| U19 | Aug 1, 2007 – Jul 31, 2009 |
| U17 | Aug 1, 2009 – Jul 31, 2010 |
| U16 | Aug 1, 2010 – Jul 31, 2011 |
| U15 | Aug 1, 2011 – Jul 31, 2012 |
| U14 | Aug 1, 2012 – Jul 31, 2013 |
| U13 | Aug 1, 2013 – Jul 31, 2014 |
| U12 | Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2015 |
| U11 | Aug 1, 2015 – Jul 31, 2016 |
| U10 | Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2017 |
| U9 | Aug 1, 2017 – Jul 31, 2018 |
| U8 | Aug 1, 2018 – Jul 31, 2019 |
Our Commitment
This is year one of a major national change. We ask for grace, trust, and open communication as we work through the adjustments with care. Our intention is simple: happiness, growth, and opportunity for every player in our program.
The Goal Remains:
To guide young people toward becoming confident athletes, great teammates, and future leaders on the field.
