#KansasRush
2026-2027 AGE GROUP INFORMATION
#KansasRush
NEW 2026-2027 Age Group Information
Age Groups Changing
Following extensive review and discussion, US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer have all made a collective decision. They will move to an age group player formation cycle that runs from August 1 to July 31. This change will start with the 2026/27 season/registration year. This change was based on additional critical feedback. It was also influenced by data and expert input. The goal is to better align players with their school-grade peers.
Because this is a club-wide change, some players will experience a shift into a different “age group” and team formation will look different for the 2026-2027 season. We are working to ensure a smooth transition for the upcoming season and will take all player development needs into consideration.
This change will be enacted at the start of the 2026-27 seasonal / registration year, beginning August 1st 2026.
This will NOT impact the current, 25/26 season which runs through July 2026.
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2026-2027 Age group chart
FAQs Regarding the Age Group Change
What is Changing?
In 2017, US Soccer mandated a change in age group formation. Currently, age groups are defined by a birth year model that starts on January 1 and ends on December 31 of that same year.
Beginning with the 2026-2027 season, age groups will now be defined by a different model that starts on August 1 and ends on July 31 of the following year.
Who will be impacted?
All our current competitive programs, U9-U19 for both boys and girls, will be affected by this decision.
Because this is a club-wide change, some players will experience a shift into a different “age group” and team formation will look different for the 2026-2027 season. We are working to ensure a smooth transition for the 2026-2027 season and will take all player development needs into consideration.
When does the age group change get implemented
With the 2026-2027 season using the new age group requirements established by US Soccer, our upcoming tryouts will take place using these new age groups. This will mean registration for tryouts will also be adjusted to be in these new respective age groups.
Why not wait another year to make this change?
Due to the national governing bodies approving this change for the 2026/27 season, Kansas Rush and the member clubs must align our teams to these new age group bands for the Fall 2026 season to ensure we remain in compliance and eligible to participate within ECNL, ECNL-RL, Girls Academy League, and local competitions/structures.
What does this mean if my son/daughter was "playing up"?
Kansas Rush is planning for this age group change to apply to all players. However, we acknowledge that there are significant implications and circumstances from a developmental and competitive standpoint. Any conversations regarding unique opportunities for players will be on a case-by-case basis and will be in consultation with the club’s leadership and coaching staff to ensure we are aligning decisions with both the club and player’s development in mind.
What is Kansas Rush doing to prepare for this change?
Our club leadership and coaching staff are currently proceeding as follows:
- Reviewing all current rosters and birthdates to project how this change will affect each of our teams.
- Creating a process for age group trainings, evaluations, and tryouts for the 2026-2027 season.
- Updating all resources to provide clear and effective communication.
Who should I contact if I have any questions?
If you have personal/individual questions regarding your player regarding this age group change, the best place to direct your questions is to either your current team head coach, club leadership, or both.
