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NYSA FAQ on the Transition to School Year-Based Registration For

Recreational Play

Why is U.S. Soccer transitioning to School Year-based registration in Fall 2026?

The transition aims to align soccer registration with school year timing, allowing more friends from school to be rostered on the same team, fostering stronger friendships and team cohesion.

Why is NYSA excited about this change?

NYSA believes the shift to School Year-based registration will make it easier for players to form teams with their school friends, leading to stronger, longer-lasting friendships and a better soccer experience overall.

How will NYSA handle this change for each level of play?

See NYSA policy here: https://www.northshoresoccer.org/more-info/birth-year-chart

Why isn’t my child able to play with their classmates?

The new age brackets were aligned so that MOST kids from a grade level can play together, but it’s not 100%.  For example, if your child was born in July and chose not to start Kindergarten that first year, then they will fall outside the dates for that group.  

For recreational soccer, if your child is one age bracket younger than their classmates, they can call the office and request to play up to grade level.  Unfortunately, there’s no mechanism in US Youth Soccer to allow playing down to grade level.  If your child has a medical reason to play down, then you can pursue this policy:  Washington Youth Soccer Medical Playdown.

Why is my child in the same age group as they were last year?  

Players born between Aug 1 - Dec 31 will not officially move up an age bracket due to the new start and end dates (Aug 1 - July 31).  For example, if your player was born in October and played on a U10 team last year, most of the team will move to U11, but your player will show in the system as U10 again.

For those recreational players in this situation who wish to remain with their previous teammates, you will still have that option!  Go ahead and continue registering in the age bracket shown (e.g. U10), and follow the instructions in the related question below to request the same team. If the team remains viable, we will move the player up in the system to join them.

My child was born after August, but they love their current recreational team - can they stay on it?  

Absolutely!  We understand that recreational soccer is all about friends and fun.  When you register, be sure and answer the question “Do you want to return to the same team?” = YES.  If your child has a teammate they absolutely must play with, even if they don’t fall in the same age bracket anymore, add them under the teammate request question (the younger player would play up to be with the older player, but the parent of the younger player must consent to playing up).

There are two important caveats to this.  One, you MUST register on time (before June); late registrations lose all priority for team and teammate requests.  Second, your team must have enough returning players to remain viable - every year there is some natural disbanding and merging of teams.  In that case, we would default your player to their correct age bracket.  

My child was born after August, and they’ve always been disappointed that they couldn’t play with their classmates in the past - can they make the change now?  

Yes!  In fact, this is one of the primary reasons why the change is happening nationally. If you want to move to your new “proper” age bracket, you’ll need to select NO when asked if you wish to return to your previous team 🙁. Later, there is a question where you’ll be able to provide general comments - add a note to indicate that you’d like to move to a “seasonal year” or “school year” based team.  

To make it even better, reach out to all your friends in school and get them to sign up as well!  

What should families expect moving forward?

NYSA will continue working closely with WYS, USSF, and the leagues to gather information and ensure a smooth transition. We know there may be some disruption this season, but we expect this change to a positive one for youth soccer!  Please follow the link below for more information and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions that weren’t covered.  

What resources are available for families with questions?

Additional References: