TOPEKA SOCCER CLUB

SELECT YOUR PLAYERS PROGRAM

AGE GROUP tRANSITION

In June, US Youth Soccer announced changes taking effect in the 2026/27 seasonal year to its age group classification system for youth players.

To help our families understand how these changes might affect their player(s), we have prepared some frequently-asked questions to help address the most common concerns regarding the change.

Should you have additional questions not answered by our FAQ, email info@topekasoccerclub.com for assistance.


TSC Townhall – Age Group Changes


We invite all TSC families to an informational townhall to explain upcoming age group changes from US Youth Soccer. This is your opportunity to learn about the changes, ask questions, and understand how they may affect your player’s. Select families are encouraged to attend.



Date: February 25th

Times: 7v7 / 9v9: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM & 11v11: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: The Beacon
420 SW 9th St, Topeka, KS 66612

 RSVP or submit questions in advance: bit.ly/TSCTownhall

We encourage all parents to attend so everyone is informed and prepared for the upcoming changes.

AGE GROUP TRANSITION FAQS

  • What is the "age group transition"?

    Starting in the 2026/27 season, youth player age groups will be organized by school year (Aug 1- July 31) rather than by calendar year (Jan 1-Dec 31).

  • Who made this decision?

    Earlier this year, the governing bodies of soccer in the US - USYS, US Club, US Soccer – made the decision to shift to the Aug 1-July 31 age group classification.

  • Will this affect the reminder of the 2025/26 season?

    No, teams will remain under the calendar year system through the end of the 2025/26 seasonal year. 

  • Will registration now be based on the player's grade in school?

    Not exactly. While age groups will continue to be determined by birth date, the birth date window will shift from Jan- Dec to Aug-July. Players attending a grade outside of their age cohort will play in the group that corresponds to their date of birth.

  • Why are teams organized by the August 1–July 31 date range rather than strictly by "Grade Level"

    While the new age group system is often referred to as "School Year" because it aligns better with school grades than the calendar year, we will use the nationwide age groupings of August 1st to July 31st date range for safety and fairness.

  • Does this apply to Recreational soccer, too?

    Yes, the age parameters will shift for Rec soccer as well, but with more flexibility through our in-house programming, players and teams shouldn’t experience much change. 

  • Can my player play up an age group to remain with his/her current team?

    “Playing up” is permitted in specific cases based on a player’s individual developmental readiness. It is not the default solution for keeping a roster together. Decisions are made player by player, not team by team, through a collaborative conversation between the coaching staff, club leadership, and the player’s family. 

  • What will my child's age group be under the new system?

    See chart below. 

  • How will player placement selections be affected?

    Player placement for 2026/27 will follow the new age group ranges. Players and families will receive guidance and updates ahead of ID Sessions to help promote clarity.

  • When will 2026/27 player placement take place?

    Information on registration and tryouts will be published in early 2026.

  • Who will be my child’s coach?

    Coaching assignments are determined by our Director of Coaching to ensure the best fit for each team's developmental level. The specific coaching slate for the 2026–27 season will be announced soon. 

  • I have more questions. Whom do I contact?

    We are here to help every family understand and feel understood. Recognizing that change can be difficult, and that families may have additional questions, please direct any further questions or concerns to info@topekasoccerclub.com

Schedules

Clear & Consistent Basketball Schedules

We provide well-organized schedules so players and families can plan ahead with confidence. All league games and program sessions follow a structured calendar.

MM/DD/YYYY

8:00–10:00 PM

Adult Competitive Basketball Training

High-intensity adult training focused on game situations and conditioning.

MM/DD/YYYY

8:00–10:00 PM

Adult League Night

Competitive adult league games with organized matchups and professional officiating.

MM/DD/YYYY

8:00–10:00 PM

Youth Skills Development Training

Fundamental skills training focused on shooting, and defensive basics for youth players.