Age Group Realignment Approach

Our leadership team has been working closely and thoughtfully to ensure this transition supports what matters most to us: your children, their development, and the long-term success of our teams.

What Is Changing?
Last year, the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYS) announced a mandatory shift in how age groups are defined:

• Previous Model: Calendar Year (January 1 – December 31)

• New Model: School Year (August 1 – July 31)

This nationwide change affects all clubs in our league and across the country. By aligning teams more closely with school grades, this structure aims to better support player development and peer connections.

Our Strategy & Focus
At United Soccer Athletes, our priority remains the best interest of our players and families. Many on our leadership team have successfully guided the club through changes like this in the past (most recently in 2017), and we are using that experience to make this transition as smooth and supportive as possible.

• Coaching Involvement: We are actively collaborating with our coaching staff to understand current team dynamics and relationships.

• Long-Term Development: Our focus remains on preparing players for the 11v11 game and their high school years. While teams may look different in the short term, this alignment helps ensure consistent development and long-term success on the full field.

What to Expect
We understand that changes can be challenging; however, view this as a positive step forward. As one of the largest clubs in West Michigan, we are well positioned to create strong, supportive teams and provide clear pathways for players who are ready for higher levels of competition.