AGE GROUP CHANGES

STARTING FALL 2026

** This page is intended to provide information about our PAYSL Recreational program

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.

Current Birth‑Year Model
January 1 – December 31
New School‑Year Model
August 1 – July 31

What Does This Mean for Players & Families in PAYSL Rec?

Beginning with the 2026–27 season, all Pflugerville FC teams (including PAYSL Rec 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 the CAYSA DIII and PAYSL 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 initially be placed with their new age group, which for some players may include a new group (details below).

There will be NO CHANGES to the Spring 2026 Rec season!

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: Most likely.
No player is ever permitted to play down an age group.
However, if your player’s DOB is between August 1 - December 31, and they want to continue playing up with a team of the same BIRTH YEAR, you must make that request during registration.
A: If you have additional questions specific to your child, you may contact the appropriate age group VP via email. All contact info can be found below.