Important Update: Youth Soccer Age Groups
 

Starting the 2026-27 season, U.S. Soccer is making a nationwide change to youth soccer age groups. All clubs, including Livermore Fusion SC, are required to move from a calendar-year (Birth Year) format to an August 1–July 31 (Scholastic) age-group structure.

This update aligns soccer age groups more closely with school-year groupings.

What This Means at Livermore Fusion SC
 

Our leadership team has been planning carefully to ensure a smooth, player-focused transition. We are taking a thoughtful approach that prioritizes development, competitive balance, and clear communication for families.
 

Program Updates
 

Premier & ECNL

• Academy & Fusion Talent School (FTS) players will transition to the new format.
• U13–U15 teams may be rebalanced to support development and competition.
• U16–U18 teams will remain unchanged and are grandfathered through the end of their club careers.

Evolution & Recreational

• All Evo and Rec teams will fully transition to the new age-group structure.
• Evo players will try out, and Rec players will be placed, using the new format.

What’s Next?

We know this change may bring questions. More details will be shared as plans are finalized, and our staff is committed to supporting families every step of the way.
 

Thank you for being part of Livermore Fusion SC.

What is changing?

Beginning with the 2026-2027 season, all youth soccer programs are transitioning from a “Birth Year” age structure (Jan 1-Dec 31) to a “Scholastic” age structure (Aug 1-Jan 31). This means players born Aug 1 of one year through Jul 31 of the next year will be in the same “U” age group. (Example: U10 = Aug 1, 2016 – July 31, 2017)

Why is this happening?

Major youth soccer bodies reviewed participation and education data and concluded that aligning soccer age groups with school grades helps more kids play with classmates, improves social fit, and reduces the number of “trapped players” (kids whose soccer age group doesn’t match their grade).

Is this change required?

Yes. US Club Soccer announced they will use the Aug 1–Jul 31 cycle beginning in 2026–27.As a member of US Club Soccer, NorCal Premier and participating clubs must follow the decision made at the national level by US Soccer. Livermore Fusion SC is not the decision-making authority in this matter.

How is Livermore Fusion SC implementing this?

Our leadership team is working with US Club Soccer and NorCal Premier for guidance on implementation and aligning our approach with their recommendations.

Which programs are affected?

All programs must transition to the new age group structure beginning with the 2026/2027 season.

Will my player’s age group change?

Some players may shift age groups to align with the new structure (Aug 1-Jul 31).

• Born Aug–Dec: May stay in the same U‑age in 2026–27 (a “repeat”).
• Born Jan–Jul: Must advance to the next U‑age as usual.

Premier & ECNL players will be evaluated, and placement decisions will prioritize development, competitive balance, and team stability — not automatic reassignment.

U16–U18 Premier and ECNL teams will be “grandfathered” and will remain intact with minimum changes to team composition.

Will there be tryouts?

• Recreational: No. Players will be placed on teams according to the new structure, while also following existing club guidelines (age group, school, etc).
• Evolution: Yes. Players will try out and be placed according to the new structure, with player development and competitive team balance in mind.
• Premier and ECNL: Yes. Player evaluations and tryouts will follow existing club processes.

How will duplicate jersey numbers be handled?

• Recreational: Jersey numbers are not assigned; Duplicates are not a concern in this program.
• Evolution/Premier/ECNL: Returning players within the same age group and team are given priority. New players may request an available jersey number, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Should a duplicate occur due to the age group change, the newest player on the team will be asked to select an alternate number.

If a number change is needed, it is not necessary to purchase new jerseys; Soccer Post will change the jersey number through a chemical process for a nominal fee.

When will final details be shared?

Final age charts, tryout timelines, and placement information will be communicated as it is finalized over the next few months.

Who can I contact with questions?

Families may reach out to their Program Director or the club office with additional questions. Contact Us