New age groups for the 2026–27 season
FAQ about age-group formation changes
Why is Emerald City FC making this change to how age groups are formed?
The Club is making this change in accordance with national youth soccer governing bodies US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer, as well as their many member leagues, including the Washington Premier League.
Will this change affect the roster of my player’s team?
Yes. This age-group formation change will affect nearly every Emerald City team, alongside usual factors including new players added during tryouts, skill development among players, and player departures.
When will this change take effect?
Emerald City FC, along with other local, regional and national soccer clubs and leagues, will implement this change with 2026 tryouts and for the 2026–27 season.
My player is currently on an M12 team and he will be in high school this coming fall. Why isn’t he trying out with the high-school-age boys at the end of February?
Current M12 teams (U14) will play their spring season from February to April 2026. Holding tryouts in February and making new team assignments for next season while continuing to play on a current team can be confusing and potentially disruptive. Next season’s U15 players (born Aug. 1, 2011–July 31, 2012) will try out in late April, though once the 2026–27 season begins, they’ll be U15s and considered a high-school-age team. (And begin fall league play in mid-August!)
What if my player wants to stay with their friends?
While players may be allowed to “play up” to the next age group in certain cases where developmentally appropriate, no player will be allowed to play with a younger age group, regardless of grade in school or prior team assignment. The Club recognizes that this change may be challenging or even upsetting to some players who have close bonds with their current teammates. Coaches will work hard to create team cohesion and support all players through the adjustment.
Will this change affect the timing of the season/league play?
No. The schedule of different age groups’ league play and state cups will not change.
U11 to U14 teams will begin the 2026–27 season in late May/early June, play summer tournaments as determined at the team level, and play the 10-game fall league season September to November. The 8-game spring league season takes place February to March, followed by Washington Cup in April.
U15 to U18/19 boys’ teams will begin the 2026–27 season in late May/early June, play summer tournaments as determined at the team level, and play the 10-game fall league season August to October. Teams will play in the Washington Cup in November, and a 6-game winter league season in January and February. This age group does not play during the school season for boys’ soccer, March to May.
U15 to U18/19 girls’ teams will begin the 2026–27 season in late May/early June, and play summer tournaments as determined. This age group does not play during the school season for girls’ soccer, September to November. Teams play a 10-game spring league season January to April and the Washington Cup in early May.
Does this change mean there won’t be “trapped” teams anymore?
Yes. The last “trapped” team will be current M11s who are in 8th grade now, the current 2025–26 school year. Their 9th grade teammates can tryout for their high school teams, if they wish. While the high school season is taking place, the short “trapped” season allows 8th graders to play club soccer during the same time period, generally March to May. Once the age-group-formation change takes effect, there will no longer be “trapped” players, obviating the need for a “trapped” team or season.
