US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, American Youth Soccer Association, and Girls Academy have decided to move to an age-group formation that changes player placement from teams formed around birth year (January 1 to December 31), to teams formed around school grade year (using the August 1 to July 31 school-age group calendar), to better align players with their school-grade peers.

The change will go into effect for the 2026-2027 season

Because VYS is a member of both US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer, we must follow U.S. Soccer's August 1-July 31 school grade year standard, which is used nationwide for leagues, tournaments, and college recruiting.

We recognize this national August 1-July 31 calendar differs from our local Fairfax County school grade placement range (October 1 - September 30). This means that VYS players born in August or September may not be on peer grade-level teams. Because this is a national system—all clubs in our leagues must follow the same structure to maintain competitive balance.

While this change may feel unfamiliar initially, players typically adjust quickly. Our priority is placing every child in an environment that supports their development and long-term growth.

If you have questions or concerns about your child's placement, please use the US Soccer Age Group Calculator.

No, there is no fee to tryout.

Yes, a player may be chosen to play up. The decision on player placement is made by coaching staff and technical leadership with several factors in mind: player skill level, soccer maturity, current development level, predicted future development level, and player commitment. 

No, national guidelines prohibit players from playing down an age group. Players who were held back a grade in school will play with their appropriate age group based on their birth date. 

Players will know if they have been accepted or not by the end of the tryout process

Please note that you will have a 48-hour response period to accept your team placement.