Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, U.S. Youth Soccer will move from calendar-year age groups to a school-year based system (August 1–July 31). This change allows players to compete alongside classmates and creates a more natural team environment.


Why the Change?

  • Helps reduce the number of “trapped players” (those separated from classmates due to the calendar-year cutoff).
  • Better aligns youth soccer teams with the school-year cycle.
  • Belief that reverting to the pre-2017, Aug. 1–July 31 age group format will best support player development and improve overall balance and participation across youth soccer.
  • Three of the major soccer governing bodies, including US Club, US Youth Soccer, and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), are all following the adjusted age group cutoff dates.



Congrats to the 10 @athleticskc ECNL players selected to participate in the U14, U15 & U16 Talent ID Center on Oct. 1 ????
Congrats to the 10 @athleticskc ECNL players selected to participate in the U14, U15 & U16 Talent ID Center on Oct. 1 👏🏼🇺🇸
From epic goals to goofy grins, our teams crushed it on and off the field this past weekend. We're already looking forward to the next weekend so we can do it again.
From epic goals to goofy grins, our teams crushed it on and off the field this past weekend. We're already looking forward to the next weekend so we can do it again.
Scenes from KC Athletics ECNL Regional League play, day two in St Louis @ecnlgirls
Scenes from KC Athletics ECNL Regional League play, day two in St Louis @ecnlgirls
Head on out to Paragon today to catch some @ECNLboys Regional League action!
Head on out to Paragon today to catch some @ECNLboys Regional League action!
Heading North for some Pre-ECNL Girls matches in Lincon!
Heading North for some Pre-ECNL Girls matches in Lincon!
Some quality @ECNLgirls Regional League matches coming at you from St. Louis today!
Some quality @ECNLgirls Regional League matches coming at you from St. Louis today!
Our KC Athletics Regional League teams in action today in St. Louis. @ecnlgirls
Our KC Athletics Regional League teams in action today in St. Louis. @ecnlgirls
Kicking off our first weekend of @ECNLboys HOME games! #timetocompete
Kicking off our first weekend of @ECNLboys HOME games! #timetocompete
More MADL action headed your way this weekend! Working to defend our title!
More MADL action headed your way this weekend! Working to defend our title!
Wishing our @ECNLgirls Regional League teams a great weekend competing in St. Louis!
Wishing our @ECNLgirls Regional League teams a great weekend competing in St. Louis!
What a great weekend to compete! ?
What a great weekend to compete! 🏆
Tournament Time! Let’s go, KCA!
Tournament Time! Let’s go, KCA!
Another week at the fields learning the game we love surrounded by great teammates and coaches.
Another week at the fields learning the game we love surrounded by great teammates and coaches.
Fan Wear Sale at Soccer.com through Thursday, 9/18!
Fan Wear Sale at Soccer.com through Thursday, 9/18!
Lightning delay? No worries! We still had fun! #2015PreAcademyGirls
Lightning delay? No worries! We still had fun! #2015PreAcademyGirls
What a weekend! Can’t wait for the next one!
What a weekend! Can’t wait for the next one!
Day 2 of MADL Games coming your way from Boonville!
Day 2 of MADL Games coming your way from Boonville!
Nothing better than another day to compete! #ECNLSTLSHOWCASE
Nothing better than another day to compete! #ECNLSTLSHOWCASE
One more chance to shine! #ECNLSTLSHOWCASE
One more chance to shine! #ECNLSTLSHOWCASE
Wrapping the weekend up doing what we love!
Wrapping the weekend up doing what we love!
Shout out to Coach Emma and members of our ECNL 2012 Girls who are participating in the Spotlight Game at the ECNL STL Showcase! #proudmoment
Shout out to Coach Emma and members of our ECNL 2012 Girls who are participating in the Spotlight Game at the ECNL STL Showcase! #proudmoment
Stepping on the field today to compete for a spot in the @ECNLgirls Regional League finals! Let’s go, ladies!
Stepping on the field today to compete for a spot in the @ECNLgirls Regional League finals! Let’s go, ladies!
On the Road Again! Our 2007/8, 2009, 2010, and 2011 ECNL Girls Travel to Nebraska for Midwest Conference Action!
On the Road Again! Our 2007/8, 2009, 2010, and 2011 ECNL Girls Travel to Nebraska for Midwest Conference Action!
Back at it in day 2 of ECNL STL Showcase!
Back at it in day 2 of ECNL STL Showcase!
Rockford Bound! ?⚽ Academy Elite NLMC 09 Girls Kick Off Their USYSA National League Midwest Conference Journey this weekend!
Rockford Bound! 🚍⚽ Academy Elite NLMC 09 Girls Kick Off Their USYSA National League Midwest Conference Journey this weekend!
It’s time! MADL Season Kickoff → Boonville, MO ⚽ Let’s go!
It’s time! MADL Season Kickoff → Boonville, MO ⚽ Let’s go!
No better way to spend a Friday afternoon than on the soccer field ⚽☀️ #ECNLSTLSHOWCASE
No better way to spend a Friday afternoon than on the soccer field ⚽☀️ #ECNLSTLSHOWCASE
@ECNLgirls Showcase #1 headed your way!
@ECNLgirls Showcase #1 headed your way!
Nothing like an early morning kickoff to set the tone! ?⚽ Let’s go, KC Athletics ECNL Boys at the ECNL STL Showcase!
Nothing like an early morning kickoff to set the tone! 💪⚽ Let’s go, KC Athletics ECNL Boys at the ECNL STL Showcase!
Our ECNL 2012 and 2013 Boys are headed to STL to kick off their season! #heretocompete
Our ECNL 2012 and 2013 Boys are headed to STL to kick off their season! #heretocompete
St. Louis, here we come! ?⚽ It's ime for our 2012 and 2013 ECNL & ECNL-RL Girls to take on the ECNL STL Showcase! #heretocompete
St. Louis, here we come! 💪⚽ It's ime for our 2012 and 2013 ECNL & ECNL-RL Girls to take on the ECNL STL Showcase! #heretocompete
Scenes from paragon Sunday as our teams put together many moments to celebrate.
Scenes from paragon Sunday as our teams put together many moments to celebrate.
It’s been an awesome weekend for our KCA teams. We’ve had ECNL Girls, Pre-ECNL Girls and Boys, National League Midwest Conference, ECNL RL boys and lots of Heartland games. #beautifulweekend #timetocompete
It’s been an awesome weekend for our KCA teams. We’ve had ECNL Girls, Pre-ECNL Girls and Boys, National League Midwest Conference, ECNL RL boys and lots of Heartland games. #beautifulweekend #timetocompete
KCAthletics players and coaches brining awesome energy to the fields last night.
KCAthletics players and coaches brining awesome energy to the fields last night.
It’s time to celebrate our 24/25 @ECNLgirls Regional League All Conference Award winners! @athleticsKCECNL
It’s time to celebrate our 24/25 @ECNLgirls Regional League All Conference Award winners! @athleticsKCECNL
Day 2 from Chicago kicking off against @chicagointersoccer! Can’t wait to see our @athleticsKCECNL girls compete
Day 2 from Chicago kicking off against @chicagointersoccer! Can’t wait to see our @athleticsKCECNL girls compete
Day 2 of Nike Cup of Champions coming at you from St. Louis! Let’s go, Veloce 14G and Speciale 15G
Day 2 of Nike Cup of Champions coming at you from St. Louis! Let’s go, Veloce 14G and Speciale 15G
Launching our 25/26 @ECNLgirls Season from the Windy City! #roadtoECNLFINALSbeginshere
Launching our 25/26 @ECNLgirls Season from the Windy City! #roadtoECNLFINALSbeginshere
Needing some Nike gear? Now's the time to do some shopping at soccer.com!
Needing some Nike gear? Now's the time to do some shopping at soccer.com!
Holiday weekend = Soccer + Fun + Memories. ?⚽️ Let’s kick it off right!
Holiday weekend = Soccer + Fun + Memories. 🙌⚽️ Let’s kick it off right!
Beautiful night for the beautiful game! @athleticskcecnl
Beautiful night for the beautiful game! @athleticskcecnl
KC Athletics players and coaches bringing the energy to Paragon Star Wednesday night. Good luck to our teams this weekend! Work hard, have fun!
KC Athletics players and coaches bringing the energy to Paragon Star Wednesday night. Good luck to our teams this weekend! Work hard, have fun!
Another day-another location to compete! Let’s go, ladies!
Another day-another location to compete! Let’s go, ladies!
Our @ecnlboys Regional League teams headed west to Wichita this weekend. #timetocompete
Our @ecnlboys Regional League teams headed west to Wichita this weekend. #timetocompete
The quest for the @ecnlgirls Regional League Cup continues this weekend! #timetocompete
The quest for the @ecnlgirls Regional League Cup continues this weekend! #timetocompete
It's a beautiful weekend for some soccer at the Challenger Sports Fall Classic!
It's a beautiful weekend for some soccer at the Challenger Sports Fall Classic!
@ECNLGirls League Cup, we're coming for you!
@ECNLGirls League Cup, we're coming for you!
Our Monday, August 18, Free Pre-Comp Session is canceled due to heat. We hope to see you next Monday, August 25.
Our Monday, August 18, Free Pre-Comp Session is canceled due to heat. We hope to see you next Monday, August 25.
Chloe Guenther has earned the title of ECNL All-American — representing our club and community at the highest level. Way to go! @AthleticsKCECNL
Chloe Guenther has earned the title of ECNL All-American — representing our club and community at the highest level. Way to go! @AthleticsKCECNL
Congratulations to Carter Santa on being named an ECNL All-American! A true reflection of hard work, passion, and excellence. KC Athletics is proud to celebrate this achievement! @AthleticsKCECNL
Congratulations to Carter Santa on being named an ECNL All-American! A true reflection of hard work, passion, and excellence. KC Athletics is proud to celebrate this achievement! @AthleticsKCECNL
Put your hands together for our KC Athletics @ECNLboys All Conference Award Winners! @AthleticsKCECNL
Put your hands together for our KC Athletics @ECNLboys All Conference Award Winners! @AthleticsKCECNL
It’s time to celebrate our @AthleticsKCECNL girls named to the @ECNLgirls All-Conference First and Second Teams!
It’s time to celebrate our @AthleticsKCECNL girls named to the @ECNLgirls All-Conference First and Second Teams!
It's not too late to sign up for KC Athletics' Pre-Comp August Free Sessions!
It's not too late to sign up for KC Athletics' Pre-Comp August Free Sessions!
Due to weather, our outdoor watch party has been canceled!
Due to weather, our outdoor watch party has been canceled!
Due to weather, our outdoor livestream has been canceled!
Due to weather, our outdoor livestream has been canceled!
NEW in Tonganoxie! KC Athletics is bringing the game to YOU! We're excited to launch a brand new soccer program in Tonganoxie designed just for Pre-K through 3rd grade players. Come check out one of our August free sessions.
NEW in Tonganoxie! KC Athletics is bringing the game to YOU! We're excited to launch a brand new soccer program in Tonganoxie designed just for Pre-K through 3rd grade players. Come check out one of our August free sessions.
Join us tomorrow at Paragon Star Soccer Complex as we livestream the @ECNLgirls National Championship u16 game on the MegaScreen!
Join us tomorrow at Paragon Star Soccer Complex as we livestream the @ECNLgirls National Championship u16 game on the MegaScreen!
Cheering on our @athleticskcecnl 2009G from our KCA Kick-off Coaching meeting! Up 2-0 with the end insight.
Cheering on our @athleticskcecnl 2009G from our KCA Kick-off Coaching meeting! Up 2-0 with the end insight.
Locked in. 2 games to go @ECNLgirls National Finals!
Locked in. 2 games to go @ECNLgirls National Finals!
CALLED UP! Big congratulations to (u15) and Jacy Hackler (u16) on being called up to the U.S. Youth National Team Camp July 24-31 in Carson, CA ! We’re incredibly proud to see their hard work and dedication recognized on the national stage.
CALLED UP! Big congratulations to (u15) and Jacy Hackler (u16) on being called up to the U.S. Youth National Team Camp July 24-31 in Carson, CA ! We’re incredibly proud to see their hard work and dedication recognized on the national stage.
What a goal! Let’s go! Up 1-0 early in second half at semi-finals of @ecnlboys National Finals! @kca08ecnl
What a goal! Let’s go! Up 1-0 early in second half at semi-finals of @ecnlboys National Finals! @kca08ecnl
The stage is set @ecnlboys Semifinals in Richmond, VA! @kca08ecnl
The stage is set @ecnlboys Semifinals in Richmond, VA! @kca08ecnl
3 games to go to complete our mission @ECNLgirls Finals in Richmond, Virginia! #KCAECNL09G
3 games to go to complete our mission @ECNLgirls Finals in Richmond, Virginia! #KCAECNL09G
One step closer! On to the Final Four @ecnlboys National Playoffs! @kca08ecnl
One step closer! On to the Final Four @ecnlboys National Playoffs! @kca08ecnl
ECNL Finals Bound Business trip activated. It’s time to finish what we started. #KCAECNL09G
ECNL Finals Bound Business trip activated. It’s time to finish what we started. #KCAECNL09G
The time is here! Game 1 of @ECNLBoys Finals! Let's go, boys! #KCAECNL08B
The time is here! Game 1 of @ECNLBoys Finals! Let's go, boys! #KCAECNL08B
Making History. Eyes on the prize. Ready for the Moment. Time to make it count. #ECNLFinals @KCAECNL08B
Making History. Eyes on the prize. Ready for the Moment. Time to make it count. #ECNLFinals @KCAECNL08B
Looking for a fun and active way to introduce your child to the beautiful game? KC Athletics is offering FREE youth soccer sessions for players in Pre-K through 3rd grade! Whether your child is just starting or already loves the sport, it's time to check out KCA!
Looking for a fun and active way to introduce your child to the beautiful game? KC Athletics is offering FREE youth soccer sessions for players in Pre-K through 3rd grade! Whether your child is just starting or already loves the sport, it's time to check out KCA!
Love seeing our @AthleticsKC players working hard even during the off season!
Love seeing our @AthleticsKC players working hard even during the off season!
Thanks, San Diego, for an awesome week of soccer for @ecnlgirls National Playoffs! @athleticskcecnl
Thanks, San Diego, for an awesome week of soccer for @ecnlgirls National Playoffs! @athleticskcecnl
Summer Camps are here! https://www.athleticskc.com/camps
Summer Camps are here! https://www.athleticskc.com/camps
Eyes on the prize! ECNL national Championship, we’re coming for you! #KCAECNL2009 #ECNLElite8
Eyes on the prize! ECNL national Championship, we’re coming for you! #KCAECNL2009 #ECNLElite8
Today's the Day our @AthleticsKCECNL 2009 Girls look to advance to the Elite 8 at ECNL National Playoffs. Locked in and ready to compete!
Today's the Day our @AthleticsKCECNL 2009 Girls look to advance to the Elite 8 at ECNL National Playoffs. Locked in and ready to compete!
Our boys are making history — the first KCA @AthleticsKCECNL team to advance to ECNL Boys' Finals. Proud of the journey. Ready for what’s next ?
Our boys are making history — the first KCA @AthleticsKCECNL team to advance to ECNL Boys' Finals. Proud of the journey. Ready for what’s next 💪
Game 3 loading... putting in the work and chasing that Round of 16 spot.
Game 3 loading... putting in the work and chasing that Round of 16 spot.
Wrapping up the business trip to Cali — eyes locked on a W this morning! @athleticskcECNL
Wrapping up the business trip to Cali — eyes locked on a W this morning! @athleticskcECNL
Our @AthleticsKCECNL 2008 Boys are stepping on higher ground as they compete in the Round of 16 @ECNLboys National Playoffs today! Can't wait to see them compete!
Our @AthleticsKCECNL 2008 Boys are stepping on higher ground as they compete in the Round of 16 @ECNLboys National Playoffs today! Can't wait to see them compete!
Walking into the Round of 16 like we’ve been here before! On a mission to finish what we started-@athleticskcecnl 2009 Girls
Walking into the Round of 16 like we’ve been here before! On a mission to finish what we started-@athleticskcecnl 2009 Girls
It’s the season that keeps on giving! Our @athleticskcecnl 2008 boys are on to the round of 16 at the @ecnlboys National Playoffs in Seattle. So proud of you, boys! Let’s keep on rolling!
It’s the season that keeps on giving! Our @athleticskcecnl 2008 boys are on to the round of 16 at the @ecnlboys National Playoffs in Seattle. So proud of you, boys! Let’s keep on rolling!
KCA ECNL 06/07 Boys, your time in your KCA jerseys may end today, but your legacy will echo for years to come. Thanks for the impact you are leaving at @AthleticsKCECNL!
KCA ECNL 06/07 Boys, your time in your KCA jerseys may end today, but your legacy will echo for years to come. Thanks for the impact you are leaving at @AthleticsKCECNL!
Back at it again today from sunny San Diego! @athleticskcecnl
Back at it again today from sunny San Diego! @athleticskcecnl
Loading: Day 3 of @ECNLboys National Playoffs! @AthleticsKCECNL
Loading: Day 3 of @ECNLboys National Playoffs! @AthleticsKCECNL
Up Next: Day 2 of the @ECNLgirls National Playoffs and our 2008G press on looking to claim the North American Cup AND our 2010, 2011, and 2012 girls kick off Day 1 of their quest.
Up Next: Day 2 of the @ECNLgirls National Playoffs and our 2008G press on looking to claim the North American Cup AND our 2010, 2011, and 2012 girls kick off Day 1 of their quest.
San Diego ✔️ Next up: Battling for the North American Cup Championship @AthleticsKCECNL 2010 Girls
San Diego ✔️ Next up: Battling for the North American Cup Championship @AthleticsKCECNL 2010 Girls
Today the quest begins! Our @AthleticsKCECNL 2008 and 2009 Girls are locked in and ready to compete!
Today the quest begins! Our @AthleticsKCECNL 2008 and 2009 Girls are locked in and ready to compete!
Quick reset. Now it’s back to the grind @ECNLboys National Playoffs in Seattle! Let's Go, Boys!
Quick reset. Now it’s back to the grind @ECNLboys National Playoffs in Seattle! Let's Go, Boys!
We've touched down in sunny San Diego with the @ECNLgirls North American Cup in our sights! @AthleticsKCECNL
We've touched down in sunny San Diego with the @ECNLgirls North American Cup in our sights! @AthleticsKCECNL
San Diego, we're here! We have work to be done with our eyes on a National Championship! @AthleticsKCECNL 2009G
San Diego, we're here! We have work to be done with our eyes on a National Championship! @AthleticsKCECNL 2009G
? @ECNLboys Playoffs season is HERE! All eyes on the prize. The grind starts TODAY! @AthleticsKCECNL
🏆 @ECNLboys Playoffs season is HERE! All eyes on the prize. The grind starts TODAY! @AthleticsKCECNL
Back with one final mission in mind! Time to compete for the @ECNLBoys Championship! #KCAthletics06/07Boys
Back with one final mission in mind! Time to compete for the @ECNLBoys Championship! #KCAthletics06/07Boys
Our @AthleticsKCECNL 08 boys have touched down in Seattle ready to compete! Games kick off tomorrow!
Our @AthleticsKCECNL 08 boys have touched down in Seattle ready to compete! Games kick off tomorrow!
One more sleep before we compete! #ECNLPlayoffs #KCAthleticsECNL06/07 #KCAthleticsECNL08
One more sleep before we compete! #ECNLPlayoffs #KCAthleticsECNL06/07 #KCAthleticsECNL08
Our girls are back at it again today at USYSA Midwest Regionals looking to move to 2-0 in pool play! Let's go, ladies!
Our girls are back at it again today at USYSA Midwest Regionals looking to move to 2-0 in pool play! Let's go, ladies!
In the zone and ready to compete! #MidwestRegionals #KCAthleticsAcademyPremier09G
In the zone and ready to compete! #MidwestRegionals #KCAthleticsAcademyPremier09G
What a weekend! Premier Super Copa-KCA Courage and KCA Veloce-Both teams on to the finals in their respective divisions. KC Athletics- the only club to advance 2 teams to finals! Time to fight for the GOLD!
What a weekend! Premier Super Copa-KCA Courage and KCA Veloce-Both teams on to the finals in their respective divisions. KC Athletics- the only club to advance 2 teams to finals! Time to fight for the GOLD!
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