AGE-GROUP INFORMATION
GRADE BASED AGE GROUPS
Transition to Grade Based Age Groups in 2026-2027
Currently, teams are organized based on birth year, meaning players are grouped by the year they were born. Beginning next season, US Youth Soccer has initiated a nationwide change that will transition teams to a grade year system. Under this model, players will be grouped based on the school grade they are entering in the fall. This change is being implemented statewide and nationally and will affect how age groups are formed moving forward.
KC Fusion is actively working on a thoughtful plan to implement this change in a way that best supports our players, families, and coaches. As part of this process, we are currently evaluating all of our teams with consideration for both current rosters. and anticipated grade changes for next year. This evaluation requires careful thought, multiple scenarios, and collaboration across our staff to ensure accuracy and fairness. Because of this, the process does take time and deliberate planning to execute properly.
We anticipate providing more specific information on the process and our implementation plan by the end of Spring Break. Once the evaluation process is complete, we will communicate clearly with all families and coaches regarding next steps. In the meantime, families may use the following calculator or link to determine which grade based age group their player will be in for the upcoming year:
Age Group Calculator
Enter player birth date to find their group for the upcoming season.
Reference: Age Groups & Birth Dates
| Group | Program | Birth Date Range |
|---|
AGE CHANGE FAQs
Key Takeaways
- Youth soccer is moving from birth-year to grade-based age groups
- The change starts in the 2026–2027 season or officially takes effect August 1, 2026
- Teams will be based on the grade your player is entering in the fall
- KC Fusion is carefully reviewing rosters and planning next steps
- More information will be share by the middle of March.
What’s changing with youth soccer age groups?
Right now, teams are grouped by birth year. Starting with the 2026–2027 season, US Youth Soccer is switching to a grade-based system, meaning players will be grouped based on the school grade they are entering in the fall.
Why is this change happening?
This is a nationwide change from US Youth Soccer, being rolled out at both the state and national levels. The goal is to better align soccer age groups with school grade levels.
When does this take effect and how do I check which grade-based age group my player will be in?
The new grade-based age group system will begin on August 1, 2026 for the next season (2026–2027).
You can use Grade-Based Age Group Calculator to check your player grouping here: https://www.kcfusion.com/age-group-information
How does this affect my player?
Your player’s team placement will be based on the grade they’re entering in the fall, not their birth year. Because of this, some players may find themselves grouped differently than in past seasons.
What is KC Fusion doing to prepare?
KC Fusion is taking a thoughtful and careful approach to this transition. Our staff is currently:
- Reviewing current team rosters
- Considering expected grade changes
- Exploring multiple team and roster scenarios
We’re working together to make sure decisions are made with fairness, accuracy, and the best interests of our players, families, and coaches in mind.
Why is this process taking some time?
This change impacts every team, so it’s important we take the time to evaluate all options carefully. While it does take a bit longer, this deliberate planning helps ensure the transition is done the right way.
When will we get more details?
We expect to share more specific information about our process and implementation plan around the middle of March to account for ID sessions and tryouts. Once evaluations are complete, we’ll clearly communicate next steps with all families and coaches.
Will KC Fusion communicate directly with families?
Yes! Once everything is finalized, KC Fusion will communicate clearly with families and coaches about team placement and what to expect next.
