In Fall 2026, US Soccer changed the age range for divisions to a school year based model. The purpose of this change was to “play with your classmates”. The new age range for divisions are August 1 – July 31.

Region 1678 follows US Soccer and AYSO guidelines for division of play. These guidelines can be found here: Player Age Matrix.

EXCEPTION TO PLAYER AGE MATRIX: Since our Region falls within the Capo USD boundaries, the age cut off for school is September 1^st. This discrepancy between August 1 and September 1 leaves August born players in a different division than their school grade peers. An exception to the player Age Matrix for players born between August1 and August 31 will be allowed. Parents MUST fill out the Play Up form annually by June 30^th to be considered to “play up” a division with their peers. The player’s birth certificate will be verified by the RC before any change will be made. No other birthdate exceptions will be allowed under this guideline. This exception is for all divisions. 

ALL OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES: In extraordinarily rare circumstances, the Region may allow a player to Play Up a division due to their skill level (no other reasons qualify). Requests for a player to Play Up to the next division will be considered on an individual basis annually. Play Up requests will NOT be considered after June 30th.

General Guidelines:

• Requests to Play Up must be requested via the Play Up form. The Regional Commissioner makes the final decision to grant or deny the play up in writing.

• Region 1678 will not automatically recognize Play Ups granted by other AYSO Regions.

• Play Up requests will only be considered if space is available in the higher division.

• A Player may not switch age divisions between the Fall and Spring Seasons. In other words, if a Player plays up in the Fall, they must play up in the Spring.

• Play Up requests will not be granted for 5U or 6U players. (e.g. play up to 6U or 7U)

• Play Down requests will NOT be considered at any age level.

·       Play-up requests will not be granted to bypass any age division changes (except August birthdays, see above) and/or to allow players to join friends, former teammates, or siblings

·       This play up policy does not apply to any EXTRA teams at any time.  

In addition to the general guidelines, 7U-19U Play Up Requests must meet the following criteria:

• Player’s parent MUST be the Head Coach of the team. (Parent must complete the necessary coaching requirements prior to July 31st. – e.g. Volunteer Application Form, background check with Sterling, Safe Haven, Concussion Awareness, Sudden Cardiac Arrest, SafeSport, LiveScan and age appropriate AYSO Coach Certification/Training)

• Player misses the cutoff date for the next age division by no more than 2 months (no later than 9/30).

• If a player’s birthday falls within the 12U age matrix, they cannot play up to 13/14U due to the Heading Rule. NO EXCEPTIONS.

** Effective Fall 2026 Season **