How To Join

Beginning with the 2026–27 season, US Soccer is transitioning youth soccer to seasonal year age groups based on an August 1 – July 31 date range. This change applies nationwide and impacts all clubs, leagues, and players.

At Highline Premier FC, families can reference the Birth Year Chart on our tryout page to see exactly which age group their player will be evaluated in for the upcoming season.

US Soccer’s move to a seasonal year model is grounded in long-term player development research and alignment across the youth soccer landscape. The goals include:

• Greater consistency across leagues, competitions, and national team pathways
• Reducing challenges for players who previously felt “caught between” age groups
• Improved clarity for college recruiting and talent identification
• A more standardized development model that supports player mobility without disruption

This change is part of a broader effort by US Soccer to simplify age grouping rules and create clearer, more predictable development pathways nationwide.

No. Players must try out in their assigned age group based on birthdate.

• Play-up decisions are Director-led only
• Directors will initiate communication if a play-up opportunity is being considered

Families should not request play-ups directly.

Yes. All players must try out based on birthdate, not grade level, even if this results in a change in school-year grouping.

We recognize that this can feel disruptive. Our staff is intentional about helping players feel supported, grounded, and confident as they move into new training environments.

Age groups are determined solely by birthdate using the US Soccer August 1 – July 31 range.

• Grade or graduation year does not determine age group
• Players may not play down
• There are no exceptions to US Soccer birthdate ranges

Families should use the Birth Year Chart on our tryout page as the definitive reference.

The tryout process itself is not changing.

• Players must attend tryouts for their assigned age group
• Play-up opportunities are evaluated and approved by Directors only
• Families will be contacted directly if a play-up is being considered

Yes. Because teams will be formed using new age-group ranges, families should expect roster movement for the 2026–27 season.

While change can be challenging, our priority remains placing players where they can best thrive developmentally while maintaining a stable, supportive environment.

• Coaching leadership is actively planning new age-group structures
• Optional seasonal year training sessions may be offered for development and observation
• These sessions are not tryouts and do not determine roster placement
• Staff are focused on helping players build new connections and confidence as groups shift

US Soccer has published guidance and supporting materials outlining the rationale and implementation of the seasonal year model. We will continue to link to official US Soccer resources directly from our tryout page as updates are released.

As a community-based club serving West Seattle, Burien, and the greater Highline area, our focus is on keeping players developing locally, supported by familiar faces and clear communication. We are committed to managing this transition thoughtfully for both players and families.