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Impact City FC has been preparing for an important step forward in player development as U.S. Soccer transitions youth programming from birth-year to school-year age group alignment beginning in Fall 2026. This change will affect all teams across our boys’ and girls’ pathways, and our staff has spent the past several months prayerfully and thoughtfully working through how this transition can best serve our players, families, and mission.

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Since the national announcement, our coaching and leadership teams have carefully evaluated how this shift impacts each developmental stage within Impact City FC—from our youngest players through our high-school-aged athletes. Our goal throughout this process has been simple: to place every player in the right environment where they can grow and succeed—technically, tactically, relationally, and spiritually.

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Beginning in Fall 2026, all Impact City FC teams will compete in school-year age group alignment, meaning players will be grouped by school-year cohorts (August 1–July 31) rather than strict birth-year groupings. This nationwide shift allows for a more cohesive developmental pathway across all ages and helps players progress alongside their academic classmates.

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We recognize that while this change brings clarity and continuity, it also presents developmental considerations. We are working diligently to ensure that players who demonstrate readiness for higher levels of competition will continue to be challenged appropriately, while every athlete remains in an environment where they can grow with confidence, care, and purpose.

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‍‍‍Why This Transition Matters

U.S. Soccer’s move to calendar-year alignment is designed to address long-standing challenges in youth soccer development:

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1. The “Trap Year”

8th-to-9th Grade Transition

Under the birth-year model, some players experience roster disruption as teammates move into high school mid-year. Calendar-year alignment allows players to advance with their academic classmates, reducing disruption and improving continuity during a critical developmental stage.

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2. The “Gap Year”

Senior Graduation Timing

Previously, teams could lose older players before a final competitive season was complete. Calendar-year alignment helps keep teams together through their final year, creating a more consistent and meaningful experience before players transition to college or beyond.

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By smoothing these transitions, athletes benefit from:

• Greater consistency
• Stronger team chemistry
• Clearer long-term pathways from U13 through U19

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‍What’s Next?

Over the coming months, Impact City FC staff will continue to:

• Evaluate team and player placements
• Communicate directly with families
• Finalize coaching placements

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Our commitment is to ensure every athlete is placed in the best possible environment for:

• Experience
• Development
• Competition and opportunity
• Long-term growth—on and off the field

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As always, we are grateful for your trust as we steward both the game and the greater purpose God has entrusted to Impact City FC.

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‍Frequently Asked Questions

• Do we have to do this? Yes, this is an enforced change that every club nationally is being forced into
• ‍Do we have any say on which team our son/daughter players on? No, you are entrusting us as the club with your players' development and nothing changes in that regard. We will place players at the appropriate level for them‍
• So is my child going to play down? No. This is not about moving players vertically, but simply adjusting to the age groups being realigned. The race to bigger and older (which is massive in the States) isn’t actually the goal for their development and isn't the goal for us as a club‍
• Who will be the coach? This is something we have already begun working on and will release in time.

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About Impact City FC

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‍Impact City FC is a mission-driven soccer organization committed to developing leaders who serve their cities and change the world. With competitive club teams, community programs, and outreach initiatives both locally and globally, Impact City FC is shaping the future of soccer culture worldwide. Headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, Impact City FC partners with like-minded individuals and organizations to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ through the beautiful game.

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‍Media Contact:

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‍Jaelene Daniels


Email: jdaniels@impactcityfc.com


Website: www.impactcityfc.com