2026-27 NEW AGE GROUPS

What is changing with age groups?​

Starting with the 2026-27 season, all clubs throughout the country will move from a calendar year (January - December) model to a seasonal year (August-July) model.  This aligns players with their school year, placing players with school grade peers.

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• Current System: Birth year (January 1 - December 31).

• New System: Seasonal year (August 1 - July 31).

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Why is this change happening?

The major soccer association agreed to this change based on extensive research and feedback.​  The key reasons include:

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• Better alignment with school grade peers for social and developmental benefits.

• Greater inclusion aimed at increasing overall participation.

• Unified approach across all major soccer organizations.

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When does this change take effect?

The change will take effect for the 2026-27 seasonal year.  This means:

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• The 2025-26 season will continue to use the current birth year model.

• Starting with June Evaluations, all programs will move to the new school-year model.

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What is IXI North doing to prepare for this change?

Our club leadership and coaching staff are actively preparing for this transition.:

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• Reviewing rosters: Because most teams will experience significant roster changes, we are analyzing all current rosters to project the impact on each team.

• Planning tryouts: Carefully preparing tryouts with the new changes in mind to best manage the roster adjustments.

• Clear communication: Providing early and transparent updates on coaching assignments, league assignments, and other important items to reduce stress. 

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If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact club leadership.

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