New competitive age groups

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What is happening

Starting in the Fall 2026-2027 season
US Soccer is shifting nationwide youth soccer to a school-year based calendar.
All U.S. youth soccer organizations, including Soccer RI and South County Youth Soccer Club (SCYSC), are making the shift. SCYSC has tailored these date shifts to more accurately reflect RI school calendars (September 1 - August 31). 

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why it's happening

Align team rosters with school grades
Reduce "trapped player" issues
Allow players to compete with classmates

Learn more

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New age group breakdown

DIVISION	BIRTHDATE START	BIRTHDATE END	FALL 2026 GRADE*
U7	SEP 1, 2019	AUG 31, 2020	1st
U8	SEP 1, 2018	AUG 31, 2019	2nd
U9	SEP 1, 2017	AUG 31, 2018	3rd
U10	SEP 1, 2016	AUG 31, 2017	4th
U11	SEP 1, 2015	AUG 31, 2016	5th
U12	SEP 1, 2014	AUG 31, 2015	6th
U13	SEP 1, 2013	AUG 31, 2014	7th
U14	SEP 1, 2012	AUG 31, 2013	8th
U15	SEP 1, 2011	AUG 31, 2012	9th
U16	SEP 1, 2010	AUG 31, 2011	10th
U17	SEP 1, 2009	AUG 31, 2010	11th
U18	SEP 1, 2008	AUG 31, 2009	12th

*Fall 2026 grade level applies to most. There may be exceptions. 

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Frequently asked questions

Does the change apply to all age groups, or are existing Competitive age groups grandfathered in?

The change applies to all age groups.

Will it be possible to keep existing teams together?

Yes, that will technically be possible. If a team consists of players in the same birth year, kids born on or after August 1st would be "playing up" a year if they stayed with same teammates.

Does this change align with school grade?

It roughly aligns, but not perfectly.  School grade in Rhode Island is determined by age on September 1st whereas the soccer will anchor on August 1st.  In addition, some children may be up or down a school year.

How will SCYSC handle the changes?

We are embracing the change and are excited for the opportunity to play with new teammates and old friends at both the Rec and Competitive levels.  With regard to our competitive program, our goal continues to be to form the strongest teams in each age group while encouraging individual player development.
In an effort to obtain as much evaluation data as possible in this transition year, we will also be recording in-season games to help us understand the range of skillsets to be reviewed by our technical and competitive directors and select members of the competitive sub-committee.

Still have questions?

email competitive director