Birth Year to School Year Change Information - New Mexico Rapids Soccer Club

Please find information below about next fall’s Birth Year to School Year change:

NM Rapids FAQs Academic Year Registration

What Does Academic Year Registration Mean?
Starting in the fall of 2026, youth soccer age groups will be registered by academic year across the entire country. The Academic year calendar is August 1st- July 31st.

U5 8/1/21 – 7/31/22
U6 8/1/20 – 7/31/21
U7 8/1/19 – 7/31/20
U8 8/1/18 – 7/31/19
U9 8/1/17 – 7/31/18
U10 8/1/16 – 7/31/17
U11 8/1/15 – 7/31/16
U12 8/1/14 – 7/31/15
U13 8/1/13 – 7/31/14
U14 8/1/12 – 7/31/13
U15 8/1/11 – 7/31/12
U16 8/1/10 – 7/31/11
U17 8/1/09 – 7/31/10
U18 8/1/08 – 7/31/09

Why Is Academic Year Registration Taking Effect At All Levels Of Play/Ages?

Following extensive review and discussion, US Youth Soccer/US Club Soccer have collectively decided to move to an age group player formation cycle that will run from August 1 to July 31, starting with the 2026-27 season/registration year. This change was made based on additional critical feedback, data, and expert input to better align players with their school-grade peers.

Click Here for Info from USclub

Will All NM Rapids SC Rosters Be Transitioning to Academic Year Registration?

Yes. As a club we plan on implementing academic year rosters across the entire club. For our players to have the best experience, and to remain competitive, transitioning to academic year teams will be essential. In certain situations, if the coaching staff believe a player would benefit from continuing to play in the age group above their academic year; that player will be given the opportunity to play up. The club’s directors and the coaches of each team will be involved in reviewing what is best for all teams and players as we go through this transition.

NM Rapids SC Youth Academy and Starters (U5 through U8) will also be implementing academic year registration in all ages starting in the fall of 2026.

What Steps is NM Rapids SC Taking to Support the Transition to Academic Year?

Below is a general timeline/structure for the process:

Directors and Coaches watching games and evaluating players (All Year)
FAQs released (Jan)
Age Group Directors and Head coaches look at how their current team roster breaks down based on academic year (December/January/February)
Coaching announcements (January Through March)
Each team’s parent group will meet with their head coach to review the 2026-27 season plans for the team (February/March/April)
Player/parent/coach conversations about the 2026-27 season to discuss individual player development plans and commitment to team and registration (January through May)