USYS Age Group Update - Fall 2026

What the national age group change means for Houston Surf families and how we're preparing

Our Commitment.

Houston Surf is committed to doing right by every player we have the privilege of serving. As youth soccer transitions to a new national age group structure, our guiding principal remains unchanged: player development always comes first. Every decision will be made with the players long-term growth, confidence and well-being in mind. This philosophy will continue to guide Houston Surf through this transition and in all future decisions.

What's Changing?

Beginning with the 2026-2027 season, U.S. Club Soccer, U.S. Youth Soccer, and AYSO will move to an August 1st - July 31st age based structure. This replaces the current January 1st - December 31st (birth-year) format.

Houston Surf will operate fully within U.S. Soccer's updated framework while continuing to make thoughtful, player centered decisions that serve our families and teams.

This change is more than an administrative adjustment, it is player focused reform designed to better align soccer development with how young athletes progress through school, social environments, and athletics.

Why The Change?

The previous birth year system often grouped player separately from their school peers, creating challenges through middle school, high school and college recruiting years.

By aligning soccer age groups with school years, players are presented a more natural progression for young athletes.

This shift is intended to:

Keep players with their classmates and peer groups
Improve team chemistry and retention
Reduce conflicts between school activities and club soccer
Create clearer alignment across youth, middle school, high school and college pathways

How This Benefits Our Players

This transition supports long-term success both on and off the field

Greater Inclusion

Aligning teams by grade allows players to train and compete along side classmates and peers they see everyday. This creates a greater sense of belonging, comfort and confidence.

Continuous Development

More stable rosters and consistent coaching environments allow players to build confidence and grow without unnecessary disruptions. This continuous supports technical, tactical and personal development over time.

Clearer Communication

Grade based alignment simplifies expectations for families by reducing confusion around roster movement and seasonal transitions. Parents receive clearer timelines, messaging and long-term planning aligned with school-year progression.

Stronger Team Culture

Sharing both school and soccer experiences strengthens team chemistry and connection. These shared environments foster trust, leadership and more unified team identity both on and off the field.

What Houston Surf Is Doing to Prepare

Houston Surf is taking a proactive, phased approach to ensure this transition is thoughtful, transparent and centered on player development.

Communication & Education

Houston Surf staff began meeting to assess current team structures and begin developing potential roster scenarios. This phase focused on player needs, team balance and long-term continuity while maintaining a player-first approach.

Observation and Evaluation

Houston Surf is currently using targeted training and game-based opportunities to observe players in both a birth-year and grade-based groupings. This holistic approach helps families and staff see players in multiple different groupings to be able to make informed decisions.

Fall 2025

Fall 2026

Fall 2025

Spring 2026

Planning & Assessment

Houston Surf began preparing families early through club-wide communication and education. Age group discussion meetings were help in December, marking the stat of our six month plan to ensure players, parents and staff stay fully informed.

Implementation

Ahead of the Fall 2026 season, Houston Surf will clearly communicate the finalized age group structure and begin the official evaluation and tryout process. Every decision will be made with the players confidence, development and long-term success at the center.

Moving Forward.

Houston Surf is fully aligned with U.S. Soccer and national standards, while remaining grounded in what matters most, our players.

We are committed to:

Long Term Player Development
Clear and Consistent Communication
Thoughtful and Individualized Decision-making
Doing Right By Every Family at Houston Surf