Transition to Grade-Year Age Grouping
This page walks through Greater Firelands FC return to grade-year team alignment, outlines the league requirements driving the change, and explains how rosters will be formed moving forward.
What’s Changing:
- New seasonal age calendar: Teams will now be formed using a soccer year that runs August 1 through July 31.
- Aligned with national soccer organizations: Our age groups will match those used by U.S. Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and American Youth Soccer Organization. This helps ensure consistency across leagues, tournaments, and registration systems.
- Keeping players with their classmates: If a player falls outside the standard age cutoff, we will place them with their current school grade whenever possible to support friendships and social development.
- Club-wide teams at older ages: Starting at U13, top teams will continue to be formed from players across the entire club so athletes who are ready for higher levels of play can train and compete together.
What’s Staying the Same
- Our focus on development: Greater Firelands FC will continue to prioritize each player’s growth, confidence, and love of the game above all else.
- High expectations and strong coaching: Training quality, competitive standards, and team culture will remain unchanged.
- Flexible rosters: Player movement between teams may still happen during the season if it supports a player’s development or helps meet team needs.
- Open communication: We remain committed to keeping families informed and making sure you always know what to expect.
Transition to Grade-Year Alignment Chart
| 2025-2026 SEASON | 2026-2027 SEASON | |
|---|---|---|
| U9 | Born between Jan 1, 2017 - Dec. 31, 2017 | Born between Aug 1, 2017 - July 31, 2018 |
| U10 | Born between Jan 1, 2016 - Dec. 31, 2016 | Born between Aug 1, 2016 - July 31, 2017 |
| U11 | Born between Jan 1, 2015 - Dec. 31, 2015 | Born between Aug 1, 2015 - July 31, 2016 |
| U12 | Born between Jan 1, 2014 - Dec. 31, 2014 | Born between Aug 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015 |
| U13 | Born between Jan 1, 2013 - Dec. 31, 2013 | Born between Aug 1, 2013 - July 31, 2014 |
| U14 | Born between Jan 1, 2012 - Dec. 31, 2012 | Born between Aug 1, 2012 - July 31, 2013 |
| U15 | Born between Jan 1, 2011 - Dec. 31, 2011 | Born between Aug 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012 |
| U16 | Born between Jan 1, 2010 - Dec. 31, 2010 | Born between Aug 1, 2010 - July 31, 2011 |
| U17 | Born between Jan 1, 2009 - Dec. 31, 2009 | Born between Aug 1, 2009 - July 31, 2010 |
| U18 | Born between Jan 1, 2008 - Dec. 31, 2008 | Born between Aug 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009 |
| U19 | Born between Jan 1, 2007 - Dec. 31, 2007 | Born between Aug 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008 |
| U20 | Born between Jan 1, 2006 - Dec. 31, 2006 | Born between Aug 1, 2006 - July 31, 2007 |
FAQs
Who is making this change and why?
This change will be enacted by U.S. Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) following extensive review and discussion.
The collective decision was made based on additional critical feedback, data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers.
Greater Firelands FC feels that this age group player formation will be the most inclusive.
Who will be affected by this change?
All of our current competitive programs will be affected. Team groupings for 2026–2027 will reflect the new August–July age window. Our directors and coaches are planning ahead to ensure the transition is organized and thoughtful, with player development remaining the priority.
What league does this apply to?
The change will apply to all USYS-sanctioned league and cup competitions and US Club-sanctioned league and cup competitions (ECNL, ECNL-RL, NPL, CASA, etc.).
Why is Greater Firelands making these changes?
We’re aligning with U.S. Soccer and the leagues we compete in, which are all moving toward grade-year teams.
Will my child's coach change?
Coaching assignments are reviewed annually. As always, decisions will be based on what best supports player development, training quality, and competitive balance across the club.
Will my child play with the same teammates?
Team placement is competitive and earned throughout the season. We do not place players to keep previous teammate groups intact. Rosters are built to create the right training environment and competition level for each player’s development.
What if my child entered school late?
Grade-year teams are based on a defined birthdate window, not individual school placement decisions. For Greater Firelands FC, the grade-year cutoff runs from August 1 through July 31.
Have a Question?
We know that this is a meaningful shift, and questions are expected. Use the form below to submit anything you’d like clarified. Our staff will review submissions and address common questions through updates to this page and future communications.
