What the Switch from Birth Year to Grade Level Means for Families
Over the next couple of years, youth soccer will see an important shift: teams will begin organizing by grade level instead of birth year. While this change may look small on paper, it’s going to affect how teams are built and how families think about tryouts.
Why the Change Matters
- Birth year today – Players are grouped by the year they were born, which often mixes two grade levels on one team.
- Grade level tomorrow – Teams will align more closely with what kids experience in school. A team may be primarily 3rd graders or 4th graders.
- New opportunities – The change means more balanced teams and a chance for kids to play alongside classmates.
What Parents Should Expect
- Tryouts will feel different – Teams may shift around as clubs and coaches adjust to the new rules.
- Closer peer groups – Grade level rosters will make it easier for kids to play with other kids of the same maturity level.
- Roster changes – Some players may play up, others may stay with their grade, and in many cases new rosters will be created.
What This Means for Players
For some kids, this will mean staying on their current team. For others, it could mean joining a newly formed roster or finding a better fit within their grade level. Either way, families can expect more movement than usual at the next round of tryouts.
Preparing for Tryouts 2026
- Stay informed: Ask your club how they plan to handle the change.
- Talk early: Connect with other parents in your child’s grade to understand their plans.
- Keep an open mind: The change may feel disruptive at first, but it also opens doors to new friendships, new teams, and fresh opportunities for development.
At KC Kick, we’ll continue sharing updates and resources as this transition gets closer. Tryouts in Summer of 2026 will look different, but with preparation, families can turn this change into a positive step forward for their players.