OFFICIAL CLUB STATEMENT
U.S. Soccer has announced a return to calendar-year (Aug 1 - July 31) age groupings beginning next season (26/27). Union KC is aligned with U.S. Soccer and is taking a thoughtful, player-first approach to understanding how this change impacts our teams. Our priority remains long-term player development, team continuity, and making decisions that best support each player’s growth. There will be no immediate changes to teams this Spring (2026). We are committed to clear, consistent communication and will share detailed club-wide information as we go through this process.
What Does This Mean at Union KC?
Beginning with the 2026–27 season, all Union KC teams will align within the August 1 – July 31 age group window. This alignment ensures our teams remain eligible and competitive within leagues such as ECNL, ECNL Regional League, Girls Academy, GA Aspire, DPL, NPL, local leagues, and other approved platforms, while continuing to offer appropriate development environments across all levels of the club.
At Union KC, this shift supports our long-term commitment to player-centered development, clarity in pathways, and strong team environments. We believe aligning age groups more closely with the school year provides meaningful benefits for players and families, including:
College & Player Exposure Alignment
Aligning teams by school-year age allows players pursuing collegiate opportunities to compete and be evaluated alongside peers from the same graduating class. This creates clearer timelines and more consistent guidance within our college planning and advisory efforts, supporting players collectively rather than navigating individualized timelines within the same team.
Reduced “Split-Year” Team Challenges
Moving away from the traditional calendar-year model reduces the number of teams and players affected by mid-year age mismatches (such as isolated 8th-grade situations). This helps create more consistent competitive experiences for players while simplifying roster planning and long-term team continuity.
Stronger Team & Social Cohesion
When players are grouped more closely by school year, teams benefit from improved social connection and shared experiences. This alignment supports healthier team dynamics, leadership development, and a stronger sense of belonging—key components of our club culture.
Clear Development Pathway
Union KC views this change as an opportunity to further strengthen our player pathway. Aligning age groups by school year better connects the athletic, academic, and social environments our players navigate daily, allowing teams to grow together both on and off the field in a more holistic way.
While we believe this change provides significant long-term benefits, we also recognize that transitions can create short-term challenges. Our priority is to approach this process with transparency, empathy, and proactive communication.
As a club, we are committed to ensuring that players, parents, and coaches have
clear information, consistent messaging, and opportunities for conversation as we move through this transition together. Union KC will continue to communicate updates, provide guidance, and support each family through this adjustment.
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 |
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What is Changing?
U.S. Soccer is returning to calendar-year (Aug 1-July 31) age groups beginning next season (2026/27).
Why is U.S. Soccer making this change?
To better align with school calendars, keeping teammates together, reducing "trapped players" (those older than their school year but younger than their age group), and simplifying college recruiting by matching school and team structures. This reverses the previous birth-year (Jan 1 - Dec 31) system, aiming for more inclusive, social, and developmentally appropriate environments, making it easier for kids to play with classmates and for scouts to identify talent.
Will my child move teams?
The birth-year change will require adjustments across all age groups. Union KC is currently reviewing how to best structure teams moving forward, with a focus on development, competitive balance, and long-term player growth.
How will Union KC make decisions?
All decisions will be guided by Union KC’s core values and commitment to:
- Long-term player development
- Appropriate challenge and environment
- Individual growth over short-term outcomes
Who will be making the decisions about age group placement?
Decisions about player placement will be made by Union KC’s age group coaches and age group coordinators in collaboration with Technical Staff. Our goal is to ensure each player is placed in an environment that best supports their long-term development, aligns with their age and skill level, and reflects the club’s core values.
As teams form and there are duplicate jersey number requests, will I have to purchase a new jersey?
The 2026/27 season will be year ONE of a new two-year Uniform Cycle. So next season, ALL players will be purchasing new uniforms. As players move into new age groups/teams, duplicate jersey number requests can occur. We understand that players value a certain jersey number, and there may be multiple requests for a certain number. The club currently has guidelines in place on a team-by-team basis and will be handled by the head coach.
Do all players need to tryout and compete at their new age group?
Yes. The expectation is that all players will tryout and compete in their new age group beginning in the 26/27 soccer season. Players will not be permitted to play in a younger age group. In certain cases, players may be considered for placement in an older age group through a formal review process. Any requests to play up will be evaluated by the appropriate Director of Coaching and decided on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the player’s development, readiness, and overall team roster needs.
Will Union KC be holding ID Sessions for the new age groups?
Yes, we will be hosting age specific ID Sessions. Once these dates are finalized, they will be shared with our families. These sessions will be open to all players, both internal and external.
Questions should be directed to our directors of coaching:
Girls – Dan Naidu (dnaidu@unionkcsoccer.com)
Boys – Adam Lamb (alamb@unionkcsoccer.com)
Juniors - Mike Mathis (mmathis@unionkcsoccer.com)