For the 2026-2027 season, all our travel teams will be transitioning to an age group classification system based on the school year. To help you better understand how this change might affect your child(ren), we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions. 

If you have additional questions not answered in the FAQs, please contact your gender-specific Director of Coaching (DOC)- 

Girls DOC: Marty Beall at girlsdirector@fcrichmond.com

Boys DOC: Trip Dunville at tripdunville@fcrichmond.com 

How are these new age groups being defined?

Starting in the 2026 fall competitive season, youth player age groups will be determined by school year (August 1-July 31) rather than by birth year (January 1- December 31)

Who made this decision?

Earlier this year, the governing bodies of soccer in the US - USYS, US Club, US Soccer decided to shift to the August 1-July 31 age group classification.

How does this change benefit the players?

The change will help to reduce “trapped” players, players with birthdates in the last quarter of the year, who continue in high school after the rest of their team have moved on to college.

Does this affect the 2026 spring season?

No, all teams will remain under the current birth year system through the end of the 2025-2026 season. 

Is this true for every league (MLS Next AD, NPL, GA ASPIRE, ADSL, USYS NL)?

Yes, all teams will transition to the age group classification in the 2026-2027 season. 

Will spring tryout registration now be based on the player's grade in school?

Not exactly. While age groups will continue to be determined by birth date, the birth date window will shift from Jan- Dec to Aug-July. Players attending a grade outside of their age group will play in the group that corresponds to their date of birth.

Can my player play up an age group to remain with his/her current team?

Approval for playing up will be given by the gender-specific DOC and will be based on what is best for the individual player. Skill level, maturity, and overall development needs are the main factors considered. Generally, playing up will be approved only in exceptional circumstances.

Can younger players born in August and September play up to remain with other players in their grade?

Again, approval for playing up will be a technical staff decision made in the player’s best developmental interest. Grade level alone will not guarantee they will play up.

I have more questions. Who do I contact?

We recognize transitions can be difficult and we are here to help every family have clarity and feel heard. Please direct any further questions or concerns to your gender specific DOC. For girls travel players, please contact Marty Beall at girlsdirector@fcrichmond.com. For boys travel players, please contact Trip Dunville at tripdunville@fcrichmond.com.