Divisions are the age and gender-based groupings used in AYSO programs. They include three components:
- A letter G (indicating girls) or B (indicating boys)
A number (indicating age)
And a U; which means “under” - For example, G12U means girls under age 12, B8U means boys under age 8.
What’s New in the Fall of 2026
The cutoff date for player divisions has moved from December 31 to August 1.
This change was instituted by AYSO, US Youth Soccer, and US Club Soccer in the Summer of 2025. (For the 2025-2026 season, see here.)
This affects players born between August 1–December 31. For the upcoming Fall 2026 season, players with birthdays in this date range will remain in the same division they were in during the Fall 2025 season. This will result in approximately 40% of players in Region 13 playing an additional year in a specific division. For example, players born between Aug 1 and Dec 31 may spend two years in 7U, or three years in 12U.
Children with birthdays between January 1–July 31 will experience no changes.
Can My Child Play Up a Division?
Requests to play up in the next higher division for a specific season are considered on a case-by-case basis. Decisions are based on several factors, including total player registration numbers, the number of teams that can be formed given volunteer availability, whether the move would negatively impact either division, and player ability.
To request to play up, fill out this form.
For more on playing up requests, please refer to the AYSO national guidelines.
One notable exception: Athletes who played in the 8U division during the 2025 Fall season AND participated in Grad Series in the Winter of 2026 are likely to have their requests approved.