There are many factors that have gone into the decision to switch to the seasonal age group format including addressing the 'trapped 8th grade player' issue among other reasons. You can read full details of the decision process HERE.

The following programs will follow the change commencing the summer of 2026; MLS Next Academy, Girls Academy Aspire, DPL, NAL, NEAL, USL, USYS National League and NECSL. 

Yes they can, for example, a player who currently plays on a U11 team (2015 birth year) may be eligible to play U11 again this fall but the Team Coach may want the player to play within the U12 age group. This will be at the discretion of the Team Coach and Regional Director and you should follow up with your Team Coach first & foremost. 

Various leagues do allow for players to bioband (play at a lower age group) but this is contingent on a successful application where the club must show that the player in question is physically smaller or less developed technically than players of the same age.

It is very likely that your current team will be affected given the nature of the changes. This is something your Team Coach and/or Regional Director/Program Leader will communicate to you in the coming weeks & months. If you have any immediate concerns then your Team Coach would be your first point of contact and we will continue to communicate at both a program and club wide level to ensure all families have all of the information they require ahead of the changes.