2026-2027 Season New Age Group Structure

Beginning in the 2026-2027 season, U.S. Soccer is moving from birth year team formations to those that more closely align with the traditional school year. Instead of grouping players strictly by calendar birth year, age groups will use an August 1 – July 31 window so more players compete alongside their school classmates. Pleasanton RAGE is working to ensure this transition is as smooth as possible. The table below shows the new age brackets and the typical grade level of players in the 2026-2027 season. Tryouts will take place in May 2026.

Our Approach to the New Age Group Alignment

In most situations, players will be placed on teams within the birth ranges provided by U.S. Soccer as they support both social dynamics and long-term development on and off the field.

However, if this age range does not match the typical school year of a respective player, RAGE will consider playing a player up a year to provide consistency in school year placement, assuming it is supported by the social and soccer development assessment of the player. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with the family.

Further, our play up policy will not change, and on a case-by-case basis, the RAGE Technical Staff may approve a player to play up an age group if they are a top performer, can make a significant impact on the older team and it is believed their long-term development supports the need for a greater challenge.

Guiding our Families Through the Transition

U.S. Soccer made this decision to help create a more consistent developmental experience over time. Our coaches and staff are available to answer questions, discuss individual situations, and help families understand the options available so each player can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Team Placement Is Based on Merit

Tryouts are an important part of team formation in identifying new talent to our club, but they are not the sole determining factor for team placement. Coaches evaluate players using a full-year view that includes training habits, game performance, effort and growth.

Prioritizing the Best Fit

Our focus is always on placing players in an environment where they can develop, contribute, and enjoy the game. Development is a long game, and the team providing the best development opportunities for a player can vary year over year. We are committed to providing clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and ongoing support to ensure families feel informed and supported throughout this transition.

*The grade level noted at tryouts is traditional; individual circumstances may vary, especially for players born in August.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any players exempt from the new age group alignment?

As always, no player will be permitted to compete with a younger age group, per governing body laws. We believe that in most cases, it is in the best interest of players to participate within their U.S. Soccer age grouping. However, we will consider having players play with an older age group in the following cases:

If the age range does not match the typical school year of a respective player, RAGE will consider playing a player up a year to provide consistency in school year placement, assuming it is supported by the social and soccer development assessment of the player. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and in consultation with the family.
On a case-by-case basis, the RAGE Technical Staff may approve a player to play up an age group if they are a top performer, can make a significant impact on the older team and it is believed their long-term development supports the need for a greater challenge.
RAGE decides to form a combined age group team across 2 U.S. Soccer age group ranges, with the younger of the 2 age groups playing up.

These exceptions are limited and in all cases, will be handled on an individual basis.

How will players be evaluated if coaches change or a player moves to a different age group?

Coaching changes or moves between age groups can prompt questions about evaluation. We use a collaborative approach in which coaches communicate throughout the year, sharing notes and feedback so evaluations are consistent. RAGE will also provide opportunities for players to train with players and teams within their projected new 2026-2027 age groups this spring. While we are not permitted to do so in games until the 2026-2027 season, these training sessions will give our coaches an opportunity to assess new dynamics and allow players to get comfortable with potential new teammates and coaches.

Will RAGE have the same number of teams in the 2026-2027 season with this change?

Team formation varies from year to year based on the number of players who attend tryouts and the assessment of being able to create a positive experience with a competitive environment for all.

With the age group realignment, we may see an increase in teams in some age groups and a potential drop in the number of teams in a neighboring age group. For example, in the 2025-2026 season if we had 4 u10 Competitive/Select teams and 5 u11 Competitive/Select teams, that number may flip in the 2026-2027 season with new age group adjustments. Again, as stated above, it is all predicated on tryout numbers and staff assessment. However, RAGE is proud to have a place for all players to play between our Recreational, Select and Competitive Programs.

How will this change affect team names?

With two birth years in each group, team names will initially reflect both birth years and keep both the familiar level (ECNL, ECNL-RL, Premier, Orange, etc.) and traditional “U” notation for “Under” a specific age (U13, U15, etc.). Example: u17 09/10 Orange team.

Will college recruiting be affected?

If anything, this change will make recruiting more efficient and clear for college coaches as their recruiting is based on school year. Teams will now have fewer (if any) players from multiple graduation years, providing more convenience to college coaches when coordinating their evaluations. That said, college coaches recruit players (amongst many other things) based on their performance, potential and overall character, and age groupings do not play a factor in the recruitability of a player.

Pleasanton RAGE continues to be committed to assisting our players and families throughout the collegiate recruiting process through various seminars, panels, camps, video and other software resources, in addition to individual guidance and support through our dedicated College Recruiting Coordinator and Advisory Committee. For those players that have aspirations to play collegiately and perhaps beyond, assisting our players in finding their best fit in soccer, academics and lifestyle needs at the next level, is a true passion of ours.