Important Update: Wellesley Premier Club – Youth Soccer Age Group Changes

We wanted to share an important update regarding U.S. Youth Soccer age group formation that will affect Wellesley Premier Club players beginning with the 2026 fall season.

As you may be aware, US Youth Soccer, Massachusetts Youth Soccer and the NECSL have recently announced (see announcement here) updates regarding team organization and age groupings. We understand that any change can raise questions, and we want to communicate clearly and openly throughout this process.

Beginning with the 2026 fall season, U.S. Soccer and its member organizations will be moving away from calendar-birth-year age groups and adopting a cut off with August 1 – July 31 cohorts to more closely align with school-year grade levels.

What is changing?

• Current system (through spring 2026): Age groups are based on birth year (January 1 – December 31).
• New system (starting fall 2026): Age groups will be based from August 1 – July 31.

This change by US Youth Soccer is designed to better align soccer teams with school grade groupings, helping players stay with peers they attend school with and enhancing the overall youth soccer experience. We recognize this does not perfectly align with typical grade-level cut offs in Massachusetts.

What does this mean for players?

• Players’ age groups and teams will shift when the new system begins.
• We will follow all league and state guidance and make every decision with one priority in mind: doing what is best for our players’ development.
• Our staff will take a thoughtful, player centered approach, carefully evaluating each team environment to ensure every player is placed where they can grow, be appropriately challenged and continue progressing along their development pathway.

We have put together an FAQ – Youth Soccer Age Group Changes – Parent FAQ that we hope will help answer many of your initial questions.

The 2026/27 assessments will be held in early spring and we will continue to share updates as we get closer to the 2026/27 season.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the Wellesley Premier Club program. We are confident that by working together and following league guidance, we will continue to provide the best possible environment for all of our players now and in the future.

Wellesley Premier Club Committee