Beginning Fall 2026, Player Registration changes nationwide

US Youth Soccer governing bodies have mandated youth soccer clubs to return to a registration system that is more aligned with the school year. Beginning in the 2026-27 season, organizations will be using an August 1, to July 31, age group for team formations.

This is nationwide change. All clubs will be transitioning to this format.

WHY THE CHANGE

A uniform system of organization helps form teams, supports equitable competition, delivers targeted instruction, and focus skill development. The primary reason for the change to “grade-based” teams is better align soccer age groups with school years, which is intended to keep more players on teams with their classmates. The goal is to increase player participation and retention allowing children to play with friends from the same grade.

FAQ

How will this affect my child?

For players born in the second half of the year, the upcoming change may feel like a “redo” of a birth year – some will remain in the same soccer age group for two years, while others will transition to the next age group up. Your child’s roster will likely experience changes as it does slightly every tryout cycle.

Remind your child that change is part of youth sports. While the long-term goal is stability, there may be some short-term disruptions and team changes as everyone adapts. Encourage them to see new teammates as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback.

Will MSC have enough players across each age group to form teams?

Yes, Mason Soccer Club will have enough players to form teams in all age groups. We continue to attract players each year due to our strong reputation, quality coaches and focus on player development.

PLAYING UP

What if I think my child should be playing up?

In the vast majority of cases, “playing up” is not necessary or encouraged. If you believe our child is an outlier and warrants consideration for “playing up”, please reach out to MSC evaluation staff to discuss this individually.

7v7 BOYS: U9 (8/1/17 - 7/31/18) GIRLS: U9 (8/1/17 - 7/31/18) BOYS: U10 (8/1/16 - 7/31/17) GIRLS: U10 (8/1/16 - 7/31/17)

9v9 BOYS: U11 (8/1/15 - 7/31/16) GIRLS: U11 (8/1/15 - 7/31/16) BOYS: U12 (8/1/14 - 7/31/15) GIRLS: U12 (8/1/14 - 7/31/15)

11v11 BOYS: U13 (8/1/13 - 7/31/14) GIRLS: U13(8/1/13 - 7/31/14) BOYS: U14/15 NHS - (8/1/12 - 7/31/13) (8/1/11 - 7/31/12) GIRLS: U14/15 NHS - (8/1/12 - 7/31/13) (8/1/11 - 7/31/12)

HS BOYS: U16 -U19 (8/1/07 - 7/31/10) HS GIRLS: U16-U19 (8/1/07 - 7/31/10)

 

Team Formation through Evaluations
Each June, MSC holds player evaluations. Players are evaluated by qualified individuals based on the child’s individual skill in areas such as soccer skills, knowledge of the game, and athleticism. However, coaches and evaluators also look at less tangible items such as “coachability”, team chemistry, desire to play, and the ability to be punctual, prepared, and present at practices and games. Player placement in previous seasons does not guarantee the same placement in the coming season.  

In order to help ensure players are appropriately placed, and the maximum number of teams get formed, all players, birth year 2016 and older, are required to attend evaluations – regardless of what level of team they participated on previously.  

All players must register through MSC’s registration system.

Note: Registrations for evaluations is free;, the player fee will not be charged until the player is offered a spot on a team. Player fees are dependent on the team's age and level of play. Therefore, players will receive an email notification when the player has been placed on a team, at which time the player will need to accept the position and pay the player team fee.

If there are enough players at appropriate skill levels in any age group, multiple teams will be formed. In the case of multiple teams, MSC and the coach(es) will select the most appropriate way to divide the players among the teams.

Teams will be placed in the level of play (WSSL, CASL, or East Side) that MSC and the coach(es) agree is appropriate for the team and its players. Due to this team formation process, requests for placement with friends/family are often not able to be accommodated.

What To Expect At Evaluations
All players must register online for evaluations at least one day prior to their evaluation time.

Players should arrive 15 minutes before the start of the evaluation, dressed to play soccer and bring a ball and water. When players check-in at evaluations, they will be assigned a number to wear for identification on evaluation sheets (please do not have the child where any clothing with their name or number on it). Evaluators will not see player names during the evaluation process - only numbers. If your child has a medical condition that the coach or evaluators should now about, please communicate it at check in.

Groups will be formed and players will be asked to demonstrate soccer and physical abilities in several areas. These may include passing, dribbling under control, sprint speed, and foot strength.

Players will also be placed in game-like conditions to evaluate effectiveness, movement off the ball, combination play, and teamwork. A team of evaluators will make scrimmage notes on players and the head coach will compile the information. At the conclusion of the evaluations, the coach(es) will form the teams and contact players/parents. Notification may happen by an automated email from our sports connect registration site. MSC will be accessible to provide feedback or discuss soccer options for players not selected for a team. Please ask if you desire additional information.

St James Church 1010 S Lansing St. Mason, MI 48854	6:00 - 7:30 p.m.	7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
MONDAY JUNE 15, 2026	Girls: U9 & U10	Boys: U9 & U10
TUESDAY JUNE 16, 2026	Girls: U11 & U12	Boys: U11 & U12
Wednesday JUNE 17, 2026	Girls: U13-U15 (Non-High School) Girls: U16-U19 (High School) * *Register only, do not need attend.	Boys: U13-U15 (Non-High School)

All interested players must register, based on the newly revised birth chart at least one day before their evaluation date!
*If your child is unable to make player evaluations, please email Greg Rodgers at: [email protected]

The evaluation process, like the soccer season, can be stressful for everyone involved. Players want to show their best, evaluators want to provide accurate assessments, parents want their child to do well, and coaches want to be fair in their selection and development of the players for the team. MSC encourages all adults involved in the process to work together to help minimize the amount of stress on the players. MSC works with coaches to help them provide compassion and create a positive atmosphere. We coach players to support each other as friends and possible teammates. We also encourage parents to help guide their child(ren) through the evaluation process and season, and keep in mind everyone is truly committed to doing the best possible in assessing talent, forming teams, and delivering a fun, educational, and developmental soccer season.