Here are some things to help you understand US Soccer registration rules by birth year:

What is birth year registration

Since 2017, birth year is the only determinant for US Soccer youth, soccer team registration. There is no longer a mid-year cut-off to decide in which age group a player will play or play-by-school class. This model brings youth soccer in the United States in line with the rest of the world by using a normal calendar year of each player’s birth year to determine their age group. Birth years are measured August 1st for the Fall and Spring season. It resets each August 1st. CYRL and GFSC adopted this policy as it rolled out.

Easier to understand 

Shifting to a birth year registration system made it easier to understand what age group a youth player belongs in. Previously, two players born in the same year could be in different age groups. Now, every player born in the same calendar year will play in the same age group. This makes it easier for parents to figure out where their child should be playing and for both coaches and parents to become more aware of how players develop based on age and how individual needs may vary.

Playing in birth year peer groups for youth soccer athletes fosters optimal development by ensuring age-appropriate competition, skill progression, and social growth. This approach enhances player confidence, promotes fair play and maximizes both physical and emotional growth, creating a well-rounded soccer experience for young athletes.

Why it matters

Age Appropriate Development: Playing with peers of the same birth year allows athletes to compete against others of similar physical, emotional and cognitive development levels.

Skill Progression: Birth year peer groups enable tailored coaching and training, ensuring that players learn and refine skills at a suitable pace for their age.

Fair Competition: Intra-age competition ensures a level playing field, promoting healthy competition and preventing potential physical mismatches.

Confidence Building: Success within one's age group cultivates confidence, motivating young athletes to continue improving and enjoying the sport.

Social Growth: Playing with peers fosters camaraderie, teamwork and social skills development, contributing to well-rounded personal growth.

Long-Term Athleticism: Proper development during crucial growth years establishes a strong foundation for continued athletic participation and potential specialization.

Safety: Reducing the risk of injuries due to playing against older or more physically advanced opponents enhances player safety.

Player-Centric Approach:  Tailoring experiences to specific age groups prioritizes the needs and interests of youth athletes, enhancing their overall enjoyment of the game.

Respect for Developmental Stages: Emphasizing birth year groups respects the natural developmental stages and avoids potential burnout or early specialization.

Holistic Experience: Playing with similar-aged peers allows for a balanced focus on both athletic and personal growth, fostering a positive and enriching soccer experience.

Here’s a matrix of how it works

Its simple. 6U, 8U, 9U, 10U etcetera really isn’t a thing anymore. It is U6, meaning under six years old.

Also, as an example, U10 is under ten years old.  Or nine year olds about to be ten at the beginning of the next calendar year. Ten year old’s are playing in U11 or U12. Again, this is solely based upon birth year. See the matrix below.