2026/27 Age Group Training and Player Placement

Key Points to Explain the Change:

  • Kids will try-out in their age group


  • The Shift: Age groups will be defined by an August 1 – July 31 cutoff, rather than January 1 – December 31.


  • Purpose: The main goal is to better align soccer teams with school grade levels, which helps with team camaraderie and reduces the number of players who are in a different grade than their teammates.

  • Impact on "Trapped" Players: It reduces the number of players who are separated from their classmates, particularly around key, high-stress transitions like 8th grade or high school senior year.

  • Who it Affects: Players with birthdays between September and December will likely see the biggest change in their team alignment, as they may move to a "younger" age group relative to their previous, January-based grouping.

  • Starting in 2026, soccer age groups are shifting to align with school grades, moving from a January-December calendar to an August-July cycle. This means your child will likely play with more of their classmates and friends, offering a more consistent team experience throughout their school years."

  • This is not a WAFC decision — it is a US Soccer / CSA directive.

  • Whilst this is a big change, we see it as a positive realignment and the right thing to do for kids and soccer in the long run! Keeps more kids having fun and playing with their school and neighborhood friends!

  • We view this as a positive long-term alignment for kids and the game.

  • Nothing changes about our philosophy, beliefs or values.

  • The club is planning early and thoughtfully.

  • We will evaluate players together and give a professional opinion on player development.

  • Number one priority during this change is the long-term player development of the individual player but we will also need to balance out team needs since we are a smaller club

  • We will meet with each coach during the season to discuss:

  • Individual players

  • Team impacts

  • Parent-coach considerations

  • Players can play up a school year, not down.


2026/27 Birth Year Age Chart

Tryouts & Player Placements – 2026/27


  • CSA allows tryouts, kickarounds, and ID sessions starting May 1st.

  • Clubs may communicate interest before May 18th, but:

  • No financial commitments may be accepted before May 18th.
  • After May 18th - clubs can "officially offer roster spots”.

  • CSA has indicated this will be policed heavily.

WAFC Plan (Subject to Change)

  • Age-group training sessions (May 4th–May 14th)
  • Specific Age Groups days/times TBD

  • Official tryouts / placements (May 18th–May 21st)
  • Specific Age Groups days/times TBD

Last-chance session (May 26th or May 27th)