MNSA Families,
We hope that all of you enjoyed a terrific fall season! It’s amazing how fast the season goes. As we look ahead to next fall (and the start of the 2026/2027 season), there will be changes with respect to how teams are grouped by age. We write to provide you with an update on those coming changes, as we continue our efforts to convey the information we receive in a clear and transparent manner.
Beginning with the 2026/2027 season, MNSA will transition to an age group player formation cycle of August 1st through July 31st. This change is mandated by US Soccer, US Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer (EPYSA), our three primary governing bodies. This decision was originally made by US Soccer in 2024, and both USYSA and EPYSA have since issued guidance to clubs and teams on how best to implement this transition while ensuring that player development is optimized.
With this change, our MNSA teams next year will more closely align with each player’s school grade level. This initiative is designed to support player engagement and participation nationwide, as most players will once again be on teams with their classmates. We anticipate that this change will have a positive effect on our club and our community. The prior birth-year system often placed players in lower grades with players in higher grades, which has been identified as a hindrance to the game, player retention, and engagement both nationally and locally.
Our travel teams participate in various leagues, including the Central League, ACELA, and EDP. All three of these leagues will align with US Soccer's directive. Additionally, MNSA has consulted with other clubs and stakeholders, and the vast majority will also be adopting this new direction. This means that most players and teams in our area will be undergoing this change; it is not limited or exclusive to MNSA. The landscape of youth soccer will look different moving forward.
We understand that change can be difficult, and the prospect of your child potentially changing teams, teammates, and coaches can be daunting. We assure you, however, that MNSA will continue to provide a fun and fulfilling soccer experience in an environment that prioritizes player growth and development.
- MNSA Board
EPYSA 2026 - 2027 Age Group Formation
2026–2027 Age Group Transition FAQs
Q: What is the change?
A: Starting with the 2026–2207 fseason, soccer age groups will use an August 1 – July 31 cut-off instead of January 1 – December 31.
Q: Why is this happening?
A: It aligns soccer teams with the school year and reduces the number of "trapped players" (kids caught between age and school-year cohorts).
Q: Does this affect the 2025–2026 season?
A: No. This season (2025–2026) will continue under the current system.
Q: Can players play up an age group?
A: Playing up is a coaching and board decision based primarily on the player’s skill level, soccer maturity, and overall development needs. While MNSA allows flexibility in certain cases, playing up is the exception rather than the rule. Each situation will be carefully evaluated to ensure it is in the best interest of both the individual player and the team. We believe the majority of players will benefit most from playing in their true age group. This philosophy is based on physical, social and psychological factors. Age-appropriate training and games provide the best conditions to foster development in youth players.
Q: Can a player born August 1 - 31 play up if they are in the higher school grade?
A: School grade may be considered as part of the evaluation, but the decision to allow a player to play up is ultimately based on technical criteria including the player’s skill, maturity, and readiness for the older age group. Grade alone does not guarantee that a player will play up.
Q: Can my child try out for multiple age groups?
A. Players are required to try out for their true age group based on the August 1 - July 31 cut-off. Players are not allowed to play down in a younger age group as this is a violation of league rules.
Q: When will I know my child’s age group for 2026–2027?
A: See the birth year chart below
Q: Will tryouts change?
A: Yes. Tryouts for the 2026-2027 season will follow the new age cut-off. Updated tryout timelines and guidelines will be published in early 2026.
Q: Will teams be broken up?
A: Player movement will occur. Players will be placed on the team that will best enable their development.
Q: Is registration based on your grade in school?
A: No it is still based on your date of birth to determine the age group you will play. A child held back a year in school, will not be impacted.
Q: Will all MNSA programs follow the age group changes?
A: MNSA players in Petite Micro, Intramural and Travel will follow the same age group formation dates (August 1-July 31).
