US Youth Soccer (USYS) has announced a nationwide update to its player age-group formation policy, beginning with the 2026-27 season.  This change shifts age groups from the current calendar-year model (January-December) to a school-year model (August-July).  

Blue Ridge United is adopting this structure in full, along with all clubs that compete in the National Capital Soccer League (NCSL).  In addition, we are introducing Local Evaluation Guidelines designed to support families whose children fall near the academic cutoff date used in Virginia schools.