AGE GROUP CHANGES

STARTING FALL 2026

** This page is intended to provide information about our competitive programs
including Jr Academy, Academy, and Select.

click for paysl rec info

U.S. Soccer has announced a return to school-year (Aug 1 - July 31) age groupings beginning next season (2026/2027). Pflugerville FC is aligned with U.S. Soccer, and is taking a thoughtful, player-first approach to understanding how this change impacts our teams. Our priorities remain long-term player development, team continuity, and making decisions that best support each individual player’s growth. We are committed to clear, consistent communication and will share detailed club-wide information as we go through this process. 

Current Birth‑Year Model
January 1 – December 31

New School‑Year Model
August 1 – July 31

FAQ & Age Group Calculator
PFC Parent Letter

What Does This Mean for PFC Players & Families?

Beginning with the 2026–27 season, all Pflugerville FC teams will align with the August 1 - July 31 age group window. This replaces the current birth‑year model (January 1 - December 31) that has been in place over the past few years.

This alignment ensures our teams remain eligible and competitive within leagues such as ECNL-RL STXCL, STXCL Western Conference League, WDDOA, local leagues, and tournaments, while continuing to offer appropriate development environments across all levels of the club.

  • Players will now be grouped more closely with school classmates

  • Teams may look slightly different, but environments will be more socially aligned

  • All players will attend tryouts & evaluations with their new age group, which for some players may include a new group. (details below)

  • The PFC Top Performers Program will remain in order to continue to provide additional challenges for players who are over-performing in their current environments

Stronger Team & Social Cohesion

When players are grouped more closely by school year, teams benefit from improved social connection and shared experiences. This alignment supports healthier team dynamics, leadership development, and a stronger sense of belonging—key components of our club culture.

Clear Development Pathway

Pflugerville FC views this change as an opportunity to further strengthen our player pathway. Aligning age groups by school year better connects the athletic, academic, and social environments our players navigate daily, allowing teams to grow together both on and off the field in a more holistic way.

Reduced “Trap-Year” Team Challenges

Moving away from the traditional calendar-year model reduces the number of teams and players affected by trap-year age mismatches (such as isolated 8th-grade situations). This helps create more consistent competitive experiences for players while simplifying roster planning and long-term team continuity.

College & Player Exposure Alignment

Aligning teams by school-year age allows players pursuing collegiate opportunities to compete and be evaluated alongside peers from the same graduating class. This creates clearer timelines and more consistent guidance within our college planning and advisory efforts, supporting players collectively rather than navigating individualized timelines within the same team.

While we believe this change provides significant long-term benefits, we also recognize that transitions can create short-term challenges. Our priority is to approach this process with transparency, empathy, and proactive communication. We are committed to keeping families informed and supported throughout this transition.

Over the coming months, Pflugerville FC will:

  • Publish official 2026–2027 age‑group definitions based on U.S. Soccer guidance

  • Share evaluation and tryout timelines by program (Jr Academy, Academy, Select)

  • Provide age‑group‑specific communication from Directors of Coaching

  • Host parent information sessions to answer questions and provide clarity

“Thank you for your continued trust in Pflugerville FC. While change can bring uncertainty, we are confident this shift will ultimately create stronger, more connected, and more developmentally appropriate experiences for our players.”

— Pflugerville FC Technical Leadership

Questions should be directed to our Program Directors: 

FAQ’s

  • A: This change is designed to better support players, families, and clubs by:

    • Better aligning teams with school grade levels

    • Keeping classmates and peer groups together

    • Reducing the number of so‑called “trapped players” (players who are older for their grade but younger for their age group)

    • Creating more socially and developmentally appropriate environments

    • Simplifying college recruiting, as school year and team structures will now align more naturally

    Overall, the goal is to create a more inclusive system that supports long‑term player enjoyment, retention, and development.

  • A: Possibly.

    Because age groups will now be aligned by school year, most age groups across the club will require some level of restructuring. This does not automatically mean a player will leave their team, but it does mean roster adjustments may occur.

    At Pflugerville FC, our priority will be to:

    • Minimize unnecessary disruption where possible

    • Maintain appropriate competitive balance

    • Protect long‑term player development

    • Create environments where players can thrive socially and developmentally

  • A: All decisions related to age‑group placement and team formation will be guided by PFC’s core principles:

    • Long‑term player development over short‑term results

    • Appropriate challenge and learning environment

    • Individual growth and well‑being

    • Consistency with our club methodology and values

    We recognize that every player’s situation is unique, and decisions will be made thoughtfully—not automatically.

  • A: Player placement decisions will be made collaboratively by:

    • Age Group Coaches

    • Directors of Coaching

    • Technical Leadership

    Our staff will work together to ensure each player is placed in an environment that best supports their developmental needs, readiness, and long‑term pathway within Pflugerville FC.

  • A: Yes.

    Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, all players will be expected to:

    • Try out and compete within their new school‑year–based age group

    • Players will not be permitted to play down into a younger age group

    In select cases, a player may be considered to play up into an older age group through a formal review process.

    Requests to play up will:

    • Be reviewed by the appropriate Director of Coaching

    • Be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis

    • Consider the player’s development, readiness, and roster needs

  • A: If you have additional questions specific to your child, you may contact the appropriate program director.

    Director of Coaching
    Rogerio Celaya
    Rogerio@pfcsoccer.org

    Select Boys
    Diego Videla-Lopez
    Diego@pfcsoccer.org

    Select Girls
    Jorge Cruz Cruz
    Jorge@pfcsoccer.org

    Academy & Jr Academy
    Trevor Ward
    Trevor@pfcsoccer.org

Season Age Group Calculator

Age Group Calculator

Enter player birth date to find their group for the upcoming season.

Reference: Age Groups & Birth Dates

2026 – 2027 Season
Group Program Birth Date Range
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