Tonka United LIVE FAQ: 2026–27 Age Group Changes
Author: Tonka United Administration
Tonka United LIVE FAQ: 2026–27 Tryout Age Group Changes, US Soccer & US Club Soccer Update
Minnetonka, MN — Tonka United Soccer Association has released a LIVE FAQ resource to help families navigate upcoming nationwide changes to youth soccer age group determination, set to take effect beginning with July 2026 tryouts for the upcoming 2026–27 season.
The update reflects a coordinated shift by the governing bodies of US Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, and AYSO toward a school-year (seasonal-year) age cycle, moving from the long-standing January 1–December 31 birth-year system to an August 1–July 31 alignment. Tonka United’s goal is simple: provide clarity, transparency, and continuity for every player and family during this transition.
What’s Changing and When
Beginning with the 2026–27 registration year, age groups across major U.S. youth soccer platforms will be determined using a seasonal-year model (Aug 1–July 31). The 2025–26 season remains unchanged, continuing under the current birth-year format.
For Tonka United families, this means:
- All July 2026 tryouts (U8–U19) will follow the new age group classification.
- Updated age charts, information sessions, and cross-group training opportunities will be provided well in advance.
This shift is designed to better align soccer teams with school grade groupings, reduce “trapped player” scenarios, and support long-term player development.
Why the Change Is Happening
The move to an August 1 cut-off was developed through national collaboration among youth soccer’s largest governing bodies and informed by extensive community feedback. The goal is to:
- Better align soccer age groups with school-year cohorts
- Reduce large age gaps within teams
- Minimize cases where players are forced to “play up” or become disconnected from classmates and teammates
Tonka United, governed locally through leagues aligned with US Club Soccer and Twin Cities Soccer Leagues (TCSL), will implement this change as part of the national rollout.
Tryout Windows for July 2026
Tonka United will host tryouts across two main windows:
- U8–U12: Opening Monday, July 13, 2026 (Monday–Thursday, various times)
- U13–U19: Opening Saturday, July 25, 2026 (Saturday–Tuesday, various times)
Specific dates, locations, team plans, and registration details will be released in Spring 2026 via the club’s newsletter, social media, and official communication channels.
Supporting Players Through the Transition
Tonka United recognizes that age group changes can raise important questions about team continuity, friendships, and development pathways. The club is taking a proactive approach by:
- Hosting in-person and virtual family information sessions in Spring 2026
- Offering cross-group training opportunities starting in February 2026
- Working closely with coaches to maintain competitive rosters and positive team environments
These steps are designed to help players build familiarity with potential new teammates and coaches before tryouts, ensuring a smooth and confident transition into the new season.
What This Means for Player Development
Tonka United’s development model is built around full-time professional coaching staff, game-realistic training, and holistic player support. The new alignment is seen as an opportunity to:
- Keep players grouped by similar age, maturity, and school grade
- Extend development time in key game formats
- Support technical, tactical, social, and emotional growth
In short, the club’s focus remains on long-term player success, not short-term placement.
Rec, Camps, and Youth Programs
- Recreation Soccer: Rec programs will continue to be organized by school grade for now.
- Camps/Clinics, Tonka Juniors, and Pre-Comp: These programs will align with the new 2026–27 age matrix for players ages 3–18+.
Any future updates to Rec alignment will be communicated clearly and well in advance.
Stay Connected
Tonka United’s LIVE FAQ will remain updated as leagues and governing bodies release final guidance leading into July tryouts. Families are encouraged to review the resource regularly and reach out with questions.
📧 Questions? Contact us anytime at info@tonkaunited.org or Join Our Newsletter
With transparency, planning, and a shared commitment to development, Tonka United is proud to lead families confidently into the 2026–27 season and beyond.
