After extensive feedback from clubs, coaches, parents, and players across the country, US Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, AYSO, and MLS NEXT (Academy Division) have decided to shift from the current calendar birth year system (January 1 – December 31) back to a seasonal/school-year system (August 1 – July 31).

This change aims to better align soccer teams with school grade levels, allowing more players to compete alongside their classmates and reducing the challenges faced by "trapped players" (those whose birthdays cause them to be separated from grade-level peers at key transition points like U11, 8th grade or high school senior year).

While this shift may feel significant across the broader youth soccer landscape, it represents a smaller adjustment for our club.

The Rangers have been building teams using a flexible approach—often playing in the age group of our oldest player on a team—so many of our teams are already aligned in a way that closely resembles the seasonal-year model.

As a smaller club, we are also able to prioritize what works best for each player and team. For players who now become eligible to play in a younger age group (those born between August 1 and December 31), this change creates an option—not an obligation.

Players in this group may choose to remain with their current team and continue playing up, or move into a younger age group if that better supports their development and experience. Team placement will be determined thoughtfully, with a focus on both individual growth and overall team formation.