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.

Frequently Asked Questions
Age Group Realignment

1. Why is this change happening now? This is a mandatory requirement from the United States Youth Soccer
Association (USYS). All clubs nationwide are moving from a 'Calendar Year' (Jan–Dec) to a 'School Year' (Aug–July)
model to better align soccer seasons with the academic year and social development.

2. How will we approach the transition? The integration of the new age group definitions will be applied as set by
USYS. This means that players will be built into teams that are more closely aligned with school grades.

3. What is the focus of our approach? Your club leadership team and coaches are mapping out these transitions to
prioritize long-term team and player development and success, while recognizing the importance of stability and social
bonds.

4. Will my child be separated from their current teammates? Because of the shift, some teammates will naturally
transition into different age brackets and teams. Through communication and spring activities, we will work to ease this
transition.

5. When does this actually take effect? The transition will begin with our upcoming tryouts for the 2026–2027 season.
Players will complete the Spring 2026 season with their current teams.

6. How does this benefit my player in the long run? The school-year model aligns players with peers in their grade
level, supporting physical, social, and competitive development, especially as players move toward 11v11 and high school
soccer.

7. What if my child is the youngest in their new age group? Being younger in an age group can accelerate
development. Coaches are trained to support all players and ensure appropriate attention and playing time.

8. Who is involved in the preparation? The Board of Directors and operations team have spent significant time mapping
this transition. Coaches are actively involved to ensure team dynamics and relationships are understood.

9. When will we know which team our child is on? We are currently in phase one, coordinating between leadership
and coaches. More detailed information will be shared throughout the spring season.

10. How should I support my player best? Avoid creating anxiety. Be positive and supportive. Trust the club’s process.
Communicate with coaches and leadership if questions arise.