2026–27 Age Group Change | West Texas Rush

Important player information

2026–27 Soccer Age Group Change

Beginning with the 2026–2027 seasonal year, youth soccer age groups will use an August 1 cutoff instead of the previous January 1 cutoff.

What families need to know

A school-year aligned age-group system

For the seasonal year running August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027, players will be grouped using an August 1–July 31 birthdate window.

What is changing?
The age-group cutoff moves from January 1 to August 1. The purpose is to bring youth soccer team formation closer to the school-year calendar.
1

Fewer trapped players

Helps reduce situations where players are separated from classmates because of a calendar-year cutoff.

2

School-year alignment

Places more players alongside peers who are in a similar academic grade and social stage.

3

Player-centered development

Supports balanced participation, team continuity and long-term player development.

4

National coordination

Major youth soccer organizations are implementing the adjusted cutoff for the 2026–27 season.

Interactive tool

2026–2027 Age Group Calculator

Enter the player's birthdate to estimate the applicable age group under the August 1 cutoff.

Calculator range: August 1, 2007 through July 31, 2023. Final team placement remains subject to club and league policies.

Estimated 2026–27 age group

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Choose a birthdate and select Calculate.

Family guidance

Frequently asked questions

General guidance for common questions. Individual player decisions may require review by West Texas Rush staff.

Not necessarily. The revised structure realigns the grouping calendar with the school year. Additional time within an age group can also give a player more opportunity to develop skills, confidence and leadership before moving forward.
Players are generally encouraged to participate in their designated age group to support development and competitive balance. Requests to play up or play down may be evaluated individually by coaches and club leadership.
The club intends to support appropriate playing opportunities, but final spring options may depend on league rules and available team structures. Families should contact the club for guidance regarding their specific player.
High school seniors within the U19 age group may be eligible under the revised calendar. League-specific requirements or restrictions may still apply.
Play-up requests should be evaluated case by case. Unless the club communicates otherwise, players should begin with the age group produced by the new cutoff and follow instructions from the coaching staff regarding additional evaluations.
Contact West Texas Rush at info@westtexasrush.com or call 915-433-1170. Include the player's birthdate, current team, gender and age group so the club can provide more specific guidance.