Union FC Indy Age Group Change
Understanding U.S. Soccer’s New Age Group Reclassification: What Union FC Indy Families Need to Know
Starting with the 2026-27 season, US Youth Soccer and Indiana Soccer are shifting to a school year (Aug 1–July 31) age group structure. Initiated by major organizations like US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer, this change aims to align team formation with academic grade levels, reducing "trapped player" issues and increasing participation, especially through the middle and
high school age groups.
As a member of US Youth Soccer and Indiana Soccer, Union FC Indy will be adopting this change at tryouts in June of 2026.
The new age group cohorts are as follows:
The age group change will see every single roster within the club change. Rosters from previous years will not impact roster creation in 2026-27.
Exceptions:
There are two exceptions to be considered:
1. Advanced School Placement
Players who are officially enrolled in a school grade above their designated age group due to early school enrollment or grade acceleration may be permitted to play with their school-year cohort through approval of both the Union FC Indy DOC and the player’s parents/guardians.
2. Impact Player Development Policy
The club recognizes that, in rare cases, a player’s developmental age may exceed their chronological age. These players demonstrate significantly advanced technical ability, tactical understanding, physical maturity, and overall game impact compared to peers in
their age group.
In these exceptional cases, a player may be invited by the DOC, in consultation with the age group coaches, to train with an older age group for a trial period, up to several weeks.
Following this evaluation period, a player may be deemed an “impact player” if they demonstrate the ability to perform within the top 20% of players on the older team. Impact player programming typically involves training and matches with an older team, while often, still participating in some training sessions and/or games with the player’s own age group. The exact balance will be determined based on what the club deems to be the most beneficial for the individual player’s development.
It is important to note that this policy is an exception, not the rule. It is up to the staff, and the staff only, to identify players who possess the technical ability, soccer intelligence, as well as the physical and emotional maturity required to succeed at an older age level.
The sole consideration in implementing this policy for any player is what best supports the individual player’s development. Decisions will not be influenced by team needs, competitive outcomes, prestige, or external pressure from parents or families.
Impact players’ development pathways are evaluated annually. Approval in one season does not guarantee placement in an older age group in future seasons, and prior team affiliation will not factor into future decisions.
Town Hall Meeting: Join the Conversation
To help families better understand the transition and ask questions directly, Union FC Indy will host an open town hall:
📅 Thursday, February 5
🕖 7:00–8:00 PM
📍 Zionsville Town Hall, Room #207
Club leadership will provide an overview of the new age group structure, followed by time for age group Directors of Coaching (DOCs) to address individual questions.
If you have immediate concerns before the town hall, you’re encouraged to reach out to your age group DOC.
Moving Forward Together
Change can bring uncertainty, but it also brings opportunity. Union FC Indy appreciates your patience, trust, and continued support as we navigate this shift. Our commitment remains the same: to provide a positive, development‑focused environment for every player in our club.
For questions, you can contact:
Robert Klatte
Union FC Indy
317‑938‑2854
rklatte@unionfcindy.org
