Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA) has confirmed a significant shift in player registration policies that will take effect beginning with the Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 seasonal year, aimed at better aligning soccer age groups with the school calendar and enhancing player experience statewide.
After extensive review and consultation with national partners – U.S. Youth Soccer, AYSO, and U.S. Club Soccer – MSYSA announced that it will adopt a School Year Registration cycle, running August 1 through July 31, for determining age group placements beginning with the 2026-27 season/registration year.
What’s Changing?
Under the new policy, players’ age group classifications will be based on their age as of July 31 rather than the traditional calendar year cutoff of December 31. This shift is designed to better align teams with typical school grade levels, helping players compete with peers from the same academic cohort and promoting a more inclusive and cohesive youth soccer experience.
The age group determination process will be supported by a U.S. Soccer Age Group Calendar – a tool that helps families determine the correct age group based on a player’s birth date under the new system. MSYSA encourages all families to consult with their club or league to confirm the correct age group for upcoming registration.
Why the Change Was Made
According to the national governing bodies involved, the decision to transition to a school-year-focused cycle was influenced by feedback from clubs, coaches, and families, as well as expert analysis indicating that this structure better aligns athletes with their school-year peers, enhancing team continuity and participation opportunities.
Transition Timeline
The current Birth Year Registration model (January 1 – December 31) will remain in effect for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 seasons. The change will officially begin with registration for the 2026-27 seasonal year.
MSYSA leaders state that this transition period gives clubs and leagues sufficient time to prepare for the new age group cycle. Families with questions about how this change might impact their players are encouraged to reach out the the MSYSA State Office for assistance.
Looking Ahead
As youth soccer organizations nationwide consider their own age group structures for upcoming seasons, MSYSA’s adoption of the August-July cycle signals a broader shift toward school-year alignment in youth sports registration. The association emphasizes communication and support throughout the transition to help ensure a smooth implementation for players, parents, teams, and administrators alike.