2026/2027 School Age Groups
Beginning with the 2026/27 tryouts, leagues and clubs will transition to “Grade” year age groups where rosters will be formed by birthdates that are defined as August 1-July 31 of the following year. Below is a chart outlining the new age groups and corresponding seasonal year birth date ranges.
It is important to note that US Soccer has made this change and is part of a nationwide initiative, and not unique to our leagues or to Seattle. We understand that the change from the current calendar/birth year team formation process to the new “school age” year team formation comes with a lot of questions and anxiousness for players and families. The club is trying to cover as much as possible below to answer these questions. Below is the 2026/27 School Age Year Age Groups with the birthdate ranges.
FAQ'S
Can my player play up with an older team?
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Yes they can, players must earn their spot on the older team, which is relative to the other players, and they must impress the Valencia coaches during tryouts. We take great care to place players at the right competitive environment—one that stretches their abilities, challenges them appropriately, and supports their overall development. Player placement is based on their skill level, game understanding, and readiness, ensuring every player is positioned to grow in confidence and long-term development.
How will this change affect my child’s current team?
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Team formation will take place based on the new school age year birthdates of August 1 – July 31. Please anticipate roster changes.
When will the official school age season start?
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New school age teams will start competitive play late-May/June 2026.
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Current calendar year Valencia teams will still travel to Spain and teams that qualify for any post-season summer playoff or competition will fulfill all required games.
Does this affect every club?
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All clubs participating in the leagues will have to adhere to the new school age roster changes.
Will coaches communicate to players where they might land before tryouts?
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The Coaching staff will do their best to set expectations for individual players ahead of the 2026/27 tryouts, but there are no guarantees a player will know exactly on which team they will be placed until after tryouts.
Why did US Soccer make this change?
This transition is designed to:
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Better align with school-year registration and player placement, reducing the number of “trapped” players - those caught between middle school transition to high school due to the old birth year cut-off.
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Players now will have a better opportunity to play with their school classmates, which supports social connection, team cohesion, and overall player enjoyment.
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Support more consistent team building across the Club.
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Preserve a highly competitive and developmental environment.
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Stay in step with the broader youth soccer ecosystem across the country.
VCF ACADEMY, SEATTLE
Valencia CF Academy Seattle players will tryout for teams in February (boys high school) and May. Coaches from Valencia CF travel from Spain to Seattle to conduct their tryouts and select the players. Rosters will be formed at the end of tryouts. The boys teams will compete in an 11v11 or 9v9 (U12 and U11) format in the Elite Academy (EA) and the girls will compete in the Washington Premier League (WPL). Players are monitored consistently by the Academy coaches in Valencia, Spain and will have opportunities to travel to Valencia to train and compete at the Valencia CF Academy Training City (Ciutat Esportiva). In addition, EA teams participate in an annual Regional Showcase Tournament.
EAGLECLAW FC
Eagleclaw FC players will tryout for teams in February (boys high school) and May. Rosters will be formed at the end of tryouts, teams will begin their season in May. The teams will compete in a 9v9 or 11v11 format in WPL, so the maximum roster size per team is 14-16 players (9 aside) & 16-18 players (11 aside). Players begin to master and understand the clubs curriculum and methodology preparing them for the next step in their soccer journey with us.
