#Guidance

Age Group Change

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.

Additional Resources


2026–2027 Age Group Calculator

(For birthdates between Aug 1, 2007 – Jul 31, 2023)


The long-term development and well-being of the player.


It is completely understandable that this transition feels a bit like moving the goalposts mid-game. Change, especially when it involves your child’s social circle and weekly routine, can be unsettling.

At KCMO Rush, the "why" behind navigating this transition is simple and unwavering: The long-term development and well-being of the player.

Here is a breakdown of how the club is centering player development during this shift:


The Social-Emotional Component

Soccer is about more than just footwork; it’s about confidence and chemistry. By aligning with the school year, we are prioritizing the social development of our athletes.

  • Playing with Peers: Playing alongside schoolmates often leads to higher levels of enjoyment and lower burnout rates.
  • Reducing Stress: Removing the "trapped player" scenario means players won't have to worry about their team disappearing when half the roster enters high school. This stability allows them to focus entirely on their growth as athletes.


Our Promise to You

At the end of the day, a jersey is just fabric and an age group is just a number. Our commitment is to the human being inside that jersey. We are here to develop better soccer players, but more importantly, more confident and resilient young people."


Development Over Labels

While the "U-Age" labels are changing, our coaching philosophy remains the same. KCMO Rush is dedicated to creating an environment where players are challenged at the appropriate technical and tactical level.

  • The Individual Path: We recognize that every player develops at a different pace. Our coaches are focused on the player, not just the birth year.
  • Consistency: The technical curriculum and the "Rush Way" of playing will remain consistent, regardless of which age group label your child falls under.


Navigating the Confusion Together

We know this is a big "ask" for our families. The transition to the school-year calendar is a massive logistical undertaking, but it is being done to ensure that no player is left behind or forced into a "gap year" in their development.

  • Transparency: We are committed to open communication. Whether it’s through town halls, emails, or one-on-one conversations with coaches, we want to ensure you feel informed.
  • Flexibility: During the 2026-2027 "bridge" year, the club is working hard to find solutions—like specialized "trapped player" teams—to make sure development never pauses.


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  • When does this go into effect?

    2026-2027 Season: The mandatory shift to the School Year calendar begins.

  • How will this affect my player?

    The impact depends on when your child was born:


    Born Jan 1 – July 31: Your player will "move up" to the higher age group label to stay with their school-year peers.


    Born Aug 1 – Dec 31: Your player will essentially stay in their current age group label, allowing their younger school classmates to "catch up" to them.

  • Will my player be separated from their current teammates?

    Possibly. Because the current teams are birth-year based, many rosters currently have a mix of "older" (Jan–July) and "younger" (Aug–Dec) players who are in different school grades.


    The goal of this change is to reunite players with their school friends.


    While some current club teams may split, many players will find themselves back on the same team as their best friends from school.

  • What is a "Trapped Player" and how does this help?

    Under the old birth-year system, a child born in late 2011 might be in 8th grade while their teammates (born in early 2011) have already moved on to high school soccer. This leaves the 8th grader "trapped" with no team to play on in the spring.


    The Change Fixes This: By aligning with the school year, whole teams will move into high school together, eliminating the "gap" year.

  • What Else Will Change?

    Tryouts 

    For the 2026 tryouts, coaches will be looking at graduation years and school grades more closely to ensure long-term team stability.

    Team Continuity 

    We want to minimize disruption. If a team is highly successful and, "playing up" remains an option for younger players to stay with an older group.

    High School Prep 

    KCMO has specific teams for "trapped" years (like 2011/2012 boys) starting Fall 2025 to bridge the gap before the 2026 mandate.

    Social Dynamics Expect a heavy focus on "camaraderie." We believe believes players are more likely to stay in the sport if they are playing with their social circles from school.

  • Will my player will play down?

    Technically, no player is allowed to "play down" below their chronological age group under US Youth Soccer and Missouri Youth Soccer (MYSA) rules. However, depending on your child's birthday, it might feel like they are staying behind or moving forward.


    Here is the breakdown of how the "School Year" (Aug 1 – July 31) shift affects your player’s placement:


    1. If your player was born August 1 – December 31

    In the current "Birth Year" system, these players are the youngest in their age group. In the new "School Year" system, they become the oldest in their age group.


    The "Feel": It may feel like they are "staying back." While their teammates born in Jan–July move up to a new age group label (e.g., moving from U12 to U13), the Aug–Dec player will stay in the U12 age group label for an extra year to align with their school grade.


    The Reality: They aren't playing against younger kids than before; they are simply being grouped with the classmates they will graduate with.


    2. If your player was born January 1 – July 31

    These players are currently the oldest in their birth year.


    The "Feel": They will "move up" to the next age group label to stay with their school-year peers.


    The Reality: This is considered a "natural progression" under the new system. They will play with players who are in the same grade, even if some of those players are chronologically a few months younger.

  • Can my player "Play Up" to stay with their current team?

    MAYBE.  If your player is an "August–December" baby and their current team (mostly January–July players) moves up to a higher age group, your player can usually "play up" to stay with them.


    KCMO Rush Policy: Clubs generally allow players to play up if it's the best fit for their development. The goal will be to get your player back on track with their grade year as soon as we can


    The Risk: If they play up to stay with older friends, they will eventually face the "trapped player" issue in 8th grade and senior year, which is exactly what this change is trying to fix.