Age groups will now be based on a seasonal year (August 1 – July 31) instead of calendar birth years.

The new structure begins with the 2026–2027 season.

Registration: May 1 – June 20, 2026

Season begins: Fall 2026

This change affects all Stoughton Area  Youth  Soccer Association (SAYSA) players and their opponents. It has been adopted by U.S. Soccer and will be implemented by our governing organizations, the Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) and the Madison Area Youth Soccer Association (MAYSA).

This update returns to the system used prior to 2017 and is intended to better align soccer age groups with school-year groupings. Players are grouped more closely with their classmates and peers. There are fewer “trapped players”

What is a trapped player?

A “trapped player” is someone placed in an older age group than their school grade (e.g., fall birthdays playing with the grade above). These players can be left without a team during part of 8th grade when older teammates move on to high school soccer. While no system eliminates all mismatches, August 1 was chosen as the best balance nationwide.

Not entirely. Age groups are still determined by birthdate, but most players will align with their grade.

Players with June/July birthdays may be grouped with the grade above

Players with August birthdays may be grouped with the grade below

SAYSA  will allow players to stay with their school-grade cohort upon request.

MAYSA needs to approve requests to play with a younger division. SAYSA

expects to receive approval based on the nature and number of exceptions

we anticipate.

No. While it may look that way, this is simply a calendar realignment, not a competitive setback.

Players born in August through December will register for the same level as they are currently competing in. However, all teams are adjusting together, so players will still compete at an appropriate level for their age and development.

Players are encouraged to play within their designated age group or school grade.

Playing up:

Is considered an exception, not the norm

Must support long-term development, not short-term competitive advantage

Playing within the designated age group or grade:

Maintains competitive balance

Supports skill development and appropriate training loads

Reduces gaps in physical and social maturity

Yes you are able to request that change. By emailing the registrar. 

SAYSA  is committed to making this transition successful for all players. We recognize that change can raise questions and we are here to help answer them!

The link below takes you to the WYSA's section on this change.