School Year Calendar Age Groupsar Age Groups

Beginning with the 2026–2027 seasonal year, which starts on August 1, 2026, Jackson Hole Youth Soccer (JHYS) will transition to a school-year age group calendar for all programs, including Travel and Recreation. This change is part of a nationwide decision led by U.S. Soccer and its affiliated youth governing organizations, including US Youth Soccer. As a member of the Wyoming Soccer Association and US Youth Soccer, JHYS is required to adopt this updated age group structure.

Age groups will shift from the traditional January 1–December 31 birth-year model to an August 1–July 31 cycle, which more closely aligns with school grade placement. This nationwide change is designed to better support player development, team continuity, and the overall youth soccer experience.

Click the link HERE to learn more about the switch to School Year Calendar Age Group Formation beginning in 2026–2027.

Why Is the School Year Calendar Used in Youth Soccer?
The school year model:

·      Better aligns with academic calendars

·      Supports social development among peers

·      Improves player retention by allowing teammates to progress together through both school and soccer

How the School Year Calculation Works
To calculate your player’s soccer age, determine if they fall within the birthdate ranges listed HERE or use the U.S. Soccer Age Group Formation Tool HERE.

Example:
For the 2026–2027 seasonal year, a player born in October 2016 falls within the school year range of August 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017, placing them in the U10 age group for the 2026–2027 season.

PLEASE NOTE: There is no change to age groups for the upcoming Spring 2026 season. Players will continue in their current age groups through the spring season, with the new structure taking effect on August 1, 2026.

Age Group Chart 2026/2027 Season

Travel (United Program) FAQs

  • U.S. Youth Soccer, U.S. Club Soccer, and American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO) have all adopted the school year (August 1 – July 31) age group formation to better align players with their school-grade peers and provide consistency across leagues, competitions, and development pathways.

  • The change takes effect for the 2026–2027 season. There is no change during the 2025–2026 season.

  • Please refer to the age group calculator table on our website or use the U.S. Soccer Age Group Formation Tool.

  • U.S. Soccer established the August 1 – July 31 birth-year period as the most widely adopted and consistent national standard. As a member club, JHYS follows this model to ensure alignment with leagues, tournaments, development platforms, and college recruiting pathways nationwide.

    We recognize that no single birthdate system perfectly matches all school calendars, and some players—particularly those born in August or September—may find themselves grouped differently than in the past. This is a nationwide system, not a club-specific decision, and all clubs within our leagues follow the same structure to maintain competitive balance.

    Our focus remains on player development, and JHYS will work to ensure each player is placed in an environment that supports their individual growth, confidence, and long-term success. Many players adapt quickly and benefit socially from meeting teammates across school boundaries, which is common in youth sports.

    If you have questions or concerns about your child’s placement, we are happy to help.

  • Yes. Players born between August 1 and September 15 may be considered for placement with their previous age group through a waiver process, at the discretion of JHYS coaching staff and technical leadership. Decisions are based on the player’s skill level, soccer maturity, current development stage, projected future development, and overall commitment.

    Placement decisions are made with the player’s long-term development as the top priority. A player approved through the waiver process may continue in that placement in future seasons or return to their standard age group as development needs evolve.

  • No. Players are not permitted to play down an age group. Players who were held back academically will still be placed according to their birthdate-based age group.

  • Players born between August and December are more likely to experience an age group shift. Some rosters may change as players remain with their appropriate age group or, in some cases, play up. Players who remain in their designated age group often gain additional confidence and leadership opportunities.

    1. Stay informed: Read our communications and check the dedicated webpage. 

    2. Kickoff & Coffee: Join us for a JHYS listening session in spring 2026.

    3. Talk positively with your child: Frame the change as a greater opportunity to play with school classmates.

    4. Register on time: Follow registration instructions for the 2026-2027 season.

  • Yes, but keep it simple and positive. Focus on the fun of playing soccer with their age-appropriate peers and emphasize that they'll continue learning, having fun, and playing the game they love. For most kids in recreation, the change will be seamless.

  • It's natural for kids to feel uncertain about change. Reassure them that:

    • They'll still be playing with friends from the same school grade

    • Coaches are focused on making everyone feel welcome.

    • Making new friends is part of the fun of team sports.

    • The Jackson Hole Youth Soccer community is supportive and inclusive.