In the 2026-2027 seasonal year, if your child is born in October 2016, they fall within the school year range of August 1, 2016, to July 31, 2017. That places them in the U10 age group for the 2026-2027 season.
For the 2026-2027 seasonal year and beyond, member organizations participating in Cal North will use the School Year age grouping method (August 1 – July 31) *updated based on USYS decision* instead of the Calendar Year method (January 1 – December 31). This means players will be grouped based on their school year rather than their birth year alone.
The school year model better aligns with academic calendars, supports social development among peers, and improves player retention by allowing teammates to progress together through both school and soccer.
This update ensures that all players, both competitive and recreational, have a greater opportunity to play with their friends from school. By aligning with the school year, we’re fostering stronger team chemistry, a better player experience, and a more inclusive playing environment!
All member organizations participating in Cal North will transition to the School Year age grouping method by August 1, 2026 which marks the beginning of the 2026-2027 soccer season.
For clubs using GotSport, transitioning is simple! When setting up registration, just select the "School Year" Age Grouping Method instead of "Calendar Year."
READ MORE about the switch to School Year Age Group Formation in 2026/27.
To calculate your player's soccer age, determine if they fall within the birthdate ranges listed below.
For Example:
In the 2026-2027 seasonal year, if your child is born in October 2016, they fall within the school year range of August 1, 2016, to July 31, 2017. That places them in the U10 age group for the 2026-2027 season.
| Playing Age | Birth Year |
|---|---|
| U19 | 2007 |
| U18 | 2008 |
| U17 | 2009 |
| U16 | 2010 |
| U15 | 2011 |
| U14 | 2012 |
| U13 | 2013 |
| U12 | 2014 |
| U11 | 2015 |
| U10 | 2016 |
| U9 | 2017 |
| U8 | 2018 |
| U7 | 2019 |
| U6 | 2020 |
| U5 | 2021 |
| U4 | 2022 |
*CHANGE TO SCHOOL-YEAR AGE GROUPING
| Playing Age | Birth Date |
|---|---|
| U19 | August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008 |
| U18 | August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009 |
| U17 | August 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010 |
| U16 | August 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011 |
| U15 | August 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012 |
| U14 | August 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013 |
| U13 | August 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014 |
| U12 | August 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015 |
| U11 | August 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016 |
| U10 | August 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017 |
| U9 | August 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018 |
| U8 | August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019 |
| U7 | August 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020 |
| U6 | August 1, 2020 - July 31, 2021 |
| U5 | August 1, 2021 - July 31, 2022 |
| U4 | August 1, 2022 - July 31, 2023 |
