Age Group Change FAQ

Age Group Change FAQ

Q: Why is this change being made? 

A: The decision stems from a U.S. Soccer Federation policy put in place late in 2024 empowering member organizations to be the decision-maker on the registration choices for leagues and competitions that they sanction and/or run. This is a change that will be implemented across all state leagues and within all local clubs.

“Soccer, regardless of the level of competition, is meant to be fun – and it is more fun when players can play with their friends and classmates. This decision is the right move for the millions playing in each of our respective systems and we are thrilled to establish this standard and find common ground.” - Doug Ryan, AYSO National President (full quote can be found in the USYS Press Release, Click Here)

Q: Why does each age group start on August 1st instead of September 1st?

A: First, the Aug. 1 age group cut-off most effectively reduces the number of “trapped players” in youth soccer and reduces negative impacts on these players at multiple stages of their career. “Trapped” players are those who, due to soccer age group cut-offs, are in an older soccer age group than their school year. Trapped players have significantly reduced competition opportunities and disrupted training experiences in 8th grade (when most of their team is in high school) and are similarly negatively impacted four years later when players from the older soccer age group, but who are still in high school, are moved down into the same soccer age group. (Northern Illinois Soccer League Press Release, Click Here)

Q: When will these changes take place? 

A: These changes will not impact any current FCB teams. The new age group structure will go into effect beginning with the Fall 2026 season. Tryouts for next year’s FCB teams (dates/times to be announced soon!) will follow this new structure as we continue to prepare for the age group shift. 

Q: Will my player be able to continue “playing up” with their current team?

A: Our goal is always to find the best place for our players developmentally, so we are totally open to maintaining player placement within their current FCB teams; however, we will ask for them to attend their first tryout date within their designated age group. Players being moved up will be at the discretion of our full time staff with coaches input also being taken into consideration. Please note that when registering, players will only be allowed to register for tryouts within their designated age group. If you’re unsure of what age group that will be, this Age Group Calculator can help!

Q: Our player is currently playing on a team with multiple age groups, will that team stay together or be split up next season?

A: Each of our current FCB teams will be assessed to see what age group each player would fall into for next season. When it makes sense to continue with teams that encompass more than one age group, we’re definitely in favor of keeping teams together. Alternatively, there will be instances where players playing at their own age group in combination with players from other teams returning to their age groups will provide the best playing experience for the most players. Each team will be constructed with the goal of creating the best playing & training environments for our players.

Q: When will team construction decisions be made?

A: All of our decisions will be made during the FC Barrington tryouts (dates coming soon!) since that’s when we’ll have a final count on returning players and potential new additions for each age group and team. One of the biggest ways that you can help in this process is making sure you register your player for tryouts, so we can start preparing options for each of our players to continue with FC Barrington. 

Q: Are there any teams/age groups that FC Barrington will not offer next season?

A: Our goal is to offer a team for every current FC Barrington player again next season. Any players in an age group that we feel will not have enough players and/or not provide a high quality playing and training environment, will be communicated with directly so that families have time to find another team during the tryout window.

Q: Are players that have previously played with FC Barrington (FCX) welcome to attend this year’s tryouts?

A: Absolutely! We anticipate having robust tryout numbers for the upcoming 2025-2026 season and look forward to welcoming back both new and old FC Barrington players. We’ve always done our best to find a fit for all of players that are interested in playing at our club and that will be no different next season.