Penfield Fusion Soccer Club

New Age Matrix Overview

Fusion Travel teams play in the Rochester District Youth Soccer League and follow the US Youth Soccer Assocation's age group formation. In the past, this matrix was based on a calendar year and resulted in players being placed on teams by birth year. Last year, US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer jointly adopted a new age group formation cycle that runs from August 1 – July 31, replacing the birth year model (January 1 – December 31). This change was also adopted by our governing body, the New York State West Youth Soccer Association. For more information, you may want to check out their FAQ on the decision.

This shift is designed to better align players with their school-grade peers and support greater inclusion and participation across the sport. This grouping will likely result in most kids playing on teams with their grade level peers. This change begins with the 2027 season. Please see below for new age grouping chart also aligned by grade level.

Players Returning to Penfield Fusion for the 26-27 Season

Players New to Penfield Fusion for the 26-27 Season

Players Returning to Penfield Fusion for the 26-27 Season

What Does This Mean for Your Child?

For returning players with birthdays between August 1 and December 31, this change may affect which age group they fall into under the new matrix.

Families affected by this change will have a choice:

Option 1 – Continue on the current path: Your child moves up to the next age group as expected. (Example: Your child plays U12 this season and moves to U13 next season.)

Option 2 – Align with the new age matrix: Your child remains in their current age group for one additional season. (Example: Your child plays U12 this season and stays at U12 next season.)

How Do You Know If Your Child Is Affected?

If you're unsure whether your child falls within the affected birthday window, you may use the chart above. Find your child's birth year in the right column and then move to their birth month. This will show you which age level they fall under on the new 2026-27 matrix. You're also welcome to reach out to us directly with any questions at fusion@penfieldfusionsoccer.org.

Players New to Penfield Fusion for the 26-27 Season

What Does This Mean for Your Child?

Players new to Fusion with birthdays between August 1 and December 31 may end up in an age level group not aligned with their grade level. If the age matrix places a new player in an age group that is a year below their grade level, players will be given the option to play at grade level - considered grade appropriate play. If a player falls into this category, Fusion volunteers will reach out after tryout registration is complete.

How Do You Know If Your Child Is Affected?

If you're unsure whether your child falls within the affected birthday window, you may use the chart above. Find your child's birth year in the right column and then move to their birth month. This will show you which age level they fall under on the new 2026-27 matrix. You're also welcome to reach out to us directly with any questions at fusion@penfieldfusionsoccer.org.