| Age Group | Birth Date Range (2026-27 Season) |
|---|---|
| U19 | Aug 1, 2007 - Jul 31, 2009 |
| U17 | Aug 1, 2009 - Jul 31, 2010 |
| U16 | Aug 1, 2010 - Jul 31, 2011 |
| U15 | Aug 1, 2011 - Jul 31, 2012 |
| U14 | Aug 1, 2012 - Jul 31, 2013 |
| U13 | Aug 1, 2013 - Jul 31, 2014 |
| U12 | Aug 1, 2014 - Jul 31, 2015 |
| U11 | Aug 1, 2015 - Jul 31, 2016 |
| U10 | Aug 1, 2016 - Jul 31, 2017 |
| U9 | Aug 1, 2017 - Jul 31, 2018 |
| U8 | Aug 1, 2018 - Jul 31, 2019 |
| U7 | Aug 1, 2019 - Jul 31, 2020 |
Age Group Changes for the
2026-2027 Season.
Indy Eleven Spirit is committed to providing the best possible development environment for our players, and we want to keep you informed about a significant change to youth soccer age-group registration, which will take effect starting with the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
What This Means for Your Player
- Players born August 1 – December 31 will generally "move down" an age group.
- Players born January 1 – July 31 will generally "move up" an age group.
- Teams will now span two calendar birth years (e.g., a U12 team might include players born August 1, 2014 – July 31, 2015, plus any approved play-up/play-down exceptions).
We are excited about this return to a system that prioritizes player development, friendships, and long-term enjoyment of the game. Indy Eleven Spirit directors are here to answer any questions – please reach or email fcs11info@gmail.com.
Age Group Change FAQs
What is changing?
Starting with the 2026-27 season, youth soccer will move from the current calendar-year (January-December) model to a seasonal-year (August-July) model for age grouping.
Current System:
Birth year (January 1 - December 31)
New System:
Seasonal year (August 1 - July 31)
When exactly does this change take effect?
The new August 1 – July 31 system starts with the 2026-2027 seasonal year (fall 2026 tryouts and registration). The entire 2025-2026 season remains under the current birth year rules.
Will my child have to repeat or skip an age group?
Most players will simply shift into the new grouping without repeating or skipping a full year of soccer. For example, a player born in September who is currently on a "younger" birth year team will likely join classmates they already know from school.
Can my child play up an age group?
We prefer players to continue to play in the appropriate age group. However, each case will be evaluated on an individual basis, and what is required by that age group and team.
Will this affect high school soccer eligibility?
No. High school eligibility is determined by your state's athletic association and school grade/age rules, not club soccer age groups.
How will tryouts and team selection work in spring 2026?
Tryouts in 2026 will form teams for the 2026-2027 season under the new age groups. We will communicate exact dates and processes early in the year.
My child has a late birthday and has struggled with being the youngest – will this help?
Yes! The school-year alignment is designed to reduce the "relative age effect" and "trapped player" issues that have impacted many families under the birth year system.
If we move to a new team and there are duplicate jersey numbers, will I have to purchase a new jersey?
We are already planning tryout processes and team placements for 2026-2027. We will share detailed player-specific information in early 2026 so families can see exactly where their child will be placed.
