If you have registered a child for youth soccer recently, you may have heard about an upcoming change in how age groups are defined. Beginning with the Fall 2026 season, many programs, including ABGC, will move away from birth year based groupings and transition to age groups instead.

This change does not apply to the Spring 2026 season. Spring 2026 registrations will continue to follow the current birth year format.

What Is Changing?

Under the birth year system, players are grouped strictly by the calendar year they were born in. For example, all players born in 2014 are grouped together, regardless of when their birthday falls during the year.

With age groups, placement is based on how old a child is during the season. This approach is often easier for families to understand and aligns more naturally with how parents think about their child’s age.

Why the Shift?

Youth soccer organizations across the country have revisited age group formation to improve clarity for families and better support player development. Age groups allow for greater flexibility while still maintaining appropriate competition and structure.

Example Illustrating the Change

Here is a simple example to help illustrate the change. Under the birth year system, two children both born in 2014 would be placed in the same group, even if one child had just turned 12 and the other was still 11 at the start of the season.



Beginning in Fall 2026, those same players may be grouped based on their age during the season instead. This helps ensure players are competing with peers who are closer in age and developmental stage, while still keeping teams balanced and appropriate.

Again, this example applies to the Fall 2026 season and beyond. The Spring 2026 season will continue using birth year based groupings.

What Does This Mean for Your Player?

For most families, the impact will be minimal. Players will continue to be placed with peers of similar age and experience, and team placement will remain focused on development and enjoyment.

If a placement looks slightly different in Fall 2026 than in past seasons, it is simply the result of the new age group structure.

Our Goal at ABGC

Our goal is to keep youth sports clear, accessible, and positive for families. Moving to age groups helps simplify registration while continuing to support a strong experience for every player.

If you have questions about how this change may affect your child, we are always happy to help.