Update from the US Soccer Association on the path forward for player registration

US Soccer and our members are committed to increasing participation and providing the best experiences for participants at all levels. US Soccer has a number of initiatives focused on promoting soccer growth in America and is continually listening and learning about how best to support those who are bringing soccer to life across the country.

We received very clear feedback: Members need the flexibility to organize their player registration calendar to best support football in their area and community. The US Soccer members want more children to experience the joy of soccer – and to offer every player the optimal opportunity for their desired development.

Beginning in Fall 2026, members and leagues will have reasonable flexibility to select the best registration option for their participants.

US Soccer conducted a survey of members, leagues and clubs while gathering formal feedback from the broader ecosystem. We received over 15,000 responses from members, leagues, clubs, coaches, families and participants. A special thank you to US Club, USYS, AYSO, SAY Soccer, the state associations, Girls Academy, MLS, USL, NWSL and USSSA for helping us understand the context of these responses and their commitment to working together on next steps have shown. Below are the key findings from the assessment.

• There is agreement that there are many leagues and clubs at the recreational level that are currently organized around the school year – which could mean August 1st or September 1st, for example. Organization around the school year should be a local market/member decision.

US Soccer’s Board of Directors and staff reviewed these findings and recommended the following next steps aimed at empowering soccer organizers and helping players of all skill levels.

• Members and leagues will have reasonable flexibility in choosing between birth year and school year for the 2026-2027 season. We are conducting a thorough review of considerations and best practices to empower members, leagues and clubs to make the right registration decision for the 2026-2027 season. This includes understanding more about the impact of different school year start dates (e.g. 8/1 vs. 9/1) and how to resolve cases where teams are organized with different enrollment calendars
  compete.
• No change for the 2025-2026 season. There should be no registration change for the 2025-2026 season. This allows organizations transitioning to school year calendars to prepare their operations and provide the best experience for all participants. The recommendation is based on the overwhelming feedback from the engagement process.
• US Soccer will formally approve the implementation process in the coming weeks after feedback from members and stakeholders on a draft version of the plan. We expect these next steps to be completed by the 2025 Annual General Meeting (02/27/2025 – 03/02/2025) and communicated to the ecosystem immediately thereafter.
• US Soccer will develop resources and tools to support members.
  • There will be webinars, training and feedback forums for members and leagues to support their decision-making and participants in managing change.
  • US Soccer will maintain a website to host the considerations, best practices and track decisions that member organizations/leagues make over time.