2026/2027 SEASONAL AGE GROUP FORMAT
SEASONAL AGE GROUP FORMAT
The 2026/27 season will see a change in the format throughout much of the US, including Massachusetts where teams will be formed based on the Seasonal Age Group format as opposed to the Birth Year format like we have seen in recent years. The change to the Seasonal Age Group format will take effect in the summer of 2026 for the following programs: MLS Next Academy, Girls Academy Aspire, National Academy League, NorthEast Academy League, DPL, USYS National League, USL, NECSL *MLS Next Homegrown will continue to operate with the Birth Year format.
MLS Next
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Girls Academy League
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National Academy League
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DPL League
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USL Youth
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US Youth Soccer
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NECSL
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US CLUB SOCCER
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Why was this decision made?
There are many factors that have gone into the decision to switch to the seasonal age group format including addressing the ‘trapped 8th grade player’ issue among other reasons. You can read full details of the decision process HERE.
Which programs will be affected by the change?
The following programs will follow the change commencing the summer of 2026; MLS Next Academy, Girls Academy Aspire, DPL, NAL, NEAL, USL, USYS National League and NECSL.
Can a player who falls into one age group play up a year?
Yes they can, for example, a player who currently plays on a U11 team (2015 birth year) may be eligible to play U11 again this fall but the Team Coach may want the player to play within the U12 age group. This will be at the discretion of the Team Coach and Regional Director and you should follow up with your Team Coach first & foremost.
Can a player play down in their assigned age group so that they can continue playing with their friends/teammates?
Various leagues do allow for players to bioband (play at a lower age group) but this is contingent on a successful application where the club must show that the player in question is physically smaller or less developed technically than players of the same age.
How will my current team be affected?
It is very likely that your current team will be affected given the nature of the changes. This is something your Team Coach and/or Regional Director/Program Leader will communicate to you in the coming weeks & months. If you have any immediate concerns then your Team Coach would be your first point of contact and we will continue to communicate at both a program and club wide level to ensure all families have all of the information they require ahead of the changes.