Age Matrix

US Soccer mandates use of birth year for determining team formation and grouping. Recreational teams are formed in single birth years from U5 to U10 and then two-year age groups for the older ages. 

U = Under. Example: U12 = Under 12 years of age for the calendar year in which the fall season occurs. A child that turns 12 ANYTIME  during the year (yes, even December 31st after the fall season is over) would play in the next age bracket up since they are no longer UNDER 12 that year. 

Additionally, insurance rules and US Soccer law dictates that we are unable to allow anyone to play "down" an age group. Unfortunately there are absolutely no exemptions to this US Soccer law. However, if it can be demonstrated that a player has the skill to play "up" an age group and their coaches agree, it is possible for a player to be granted a play up request. If you are interested in seeking a play up please email our committee at requests at goldcountrysoccer dot org.