Quick Answer
Players are placed into divisions based on their date of birth, using an August 1 age cutoff set by US Soccer. AYSO follows these standards across all regions for consistency and fairness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are players placed into divisions in AYSO?
A: Players are placed into divisions based on their date of birth, using an August 1 age cutoff aligned with US Soccer's national standards. The cutoff date — not simply the birth year — determines which division a player falls into. This ensures consistency and fairness for all players across the country.
Q: What does the August 1 cutoff mean?
A: The soccer "year" runs from August 1 to July 31. A child born in January 2020 and a child born in July 2020 are in the same division (7U), but a child born in October 2020 falls into the younger division (6U) because they are on the other side of the August 1 boundary.
Q: What do the division names like "10U" and "12U" mean?
A: The division names follow US Soccer guidelines. The "U" stands for "Under", meaning players must be under that age as of the August 1 cutoff date. For example:
- 10U = players who are 8–9 years old (born Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2018)
- 12U = players who are 10–11 years old (born Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2016)
Q: What are the division date-of-birth ranges for Fall 2026?
| Division |
Date of Birth Range |
Gender |
| 5U (Jamboree) | Aug 1, 2021 – Jul 31, 2022 | Coed |
| 6U | Aug 1, 2020 – Jul 31, 2021 | Boys / Girls |
| 7U | Aug 1, 2019 – Jul 31, 2020 | Boys / Girls |
| 8U | Aug 1, 2018 – Jul 31, 2019 | Boys / Girls |
| 10U | Aug 1, 2016 – Jul 31, 2018 | Boys / Girls |
| 12U | Aug 1, 2014 – Jul 31, 2016 | Boys / Girls |
| 14U | Aug 1, 2012 – Jul 31, 2014 | Boys / Girls |
| 16U | Aug 1, 2010 – Jul 31, 2012 | Boys / Girls |
| 19U | Aug 1, 2007 – Jul 31, 2010 | Coed |
Q: Can my child play in a different division based on skill or friendships?
A: No. AYSO divisions are determined strictly by date of birth. We are not able to make exceptions for skill level, friendships, or school grade differences. This policy keeps us aligned with AYSO and US Soccer regulations.
Q: Why are there no 9U, 11U, 13U, etc.?
A: Starting at 10U, AYSO combines two birth-year groups into a single division (for example, 10U covers children born between Aug 1, 2016 and Jul 31, 2018). This creates larger divisions with more teams and better competition, and helps players continue developing in a healthy environment. The youngest divisions (5U through 8U) each cover a single birth-year group.
Q: Who sets these rules?
A: Division structures and the August 1 age cutoff are set by US Soccer at the national level. AYSO follows these standards to stay consistent across all regions.
Q: My child's birthday is near the August 1 cutoff. Can they play up or down?
A: Play-up exceptions are rare and handled on a case-by-case basis by the Region. AYSO does not advertise or encourage play-up requests. If you have a specific situation, contact the Registrar at [email protected] to discuss.