2026-2027
AGE GROUP CHANGES

• To better align players with their school grade peers.

• Helping to reduce “trapped” players, i.e., players (usually with birthdates in the last quarter of the year) who continue in high school after the rest of their cohort have moved on to college.

• To improve player identification for collegiate soccer.

• Better alignment with school-grade peers for social and developmental benefits.

• Increased inclusivity and participation opportunities.

• Unified approach across major youth soccer organizations.

• Expert recommendations supporting the school-year model.

• The governing bodies of soccer in the USA – US Soccer, USYS, US Club, & AYSO.

• Starting in the 2026-2027 season, youth player age groups will be organized by school year (Aug 1- July 31) rather than by calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31).

• All current Cook Inlet SC players.

• Many players will experience a shift into a different “age group” than they would under the old model. This new parameter will influence how we form our teams.

• YES, teams will remain under the current birth year model until Summer 2026 when teams will be realigned under the Seasonal Year model prior to the 2026 Alaska Youth Soccer State Cup tournament in early August.

• YES, school grade is the main determining factor for team placement.

• For players born August 1-31, Cook Inlet SC will likely place them with their school grade peers in the Seasonal Year age group.
• The vast majority of players will play with the age group that aligns with their school grade (*only if their brith date does not restrict them – i.e. players cannot play ‘down’ an age group).
• Selected players may be asked to play in an age group different to their school grade for developmental reasons per the Technical Staff (*only if their DOB allows this).

• Our Technical staff are meeting regularly to ensure that all players are considered for the appropriate level.

• Reviewing new age group player pools to forecast roster depth/assignment.
• Communicating with current Head Coaches to receive feedback on players.
• Planning Competitive Tryouts.
• Creating clear communication processes and parent support resources such as this FAQ.

• Players with birthdays in August through December are most likely to be affected by the change, as they will probably remain in their current age group for 2026-2027. For example, a player with an October 2016 birth date (current U10) will remain a U10 for the 2026-2027 season.

• Playing up may be an option for select players, for developmental reasons only.
• These ‘select’ players will be contacted by the Technical Staff ahead of tryouts.
• Communication will only be initiated by the Technical Staff to families (not in reverse order).

• Jersey number conflicts will arise as players transition to new age groups.
• Our club is currently developing policies with our apparel vendors to address this situation and minimize the financial impact on families.
• We will communicate specific guidelines regarding jersey numbers prior to Competitive Tryouts.

Please refer to the following 2026-2027 Season Age Group Chart to determine the correct age group for your child: