Why is youth soccer switching back to school‑year registration?

Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, U.S. youth soccer will move from birth‑year (Jan–Dec) to school‑year (Aug–July) registration. This reduces “trapped” player issues (especially around 8th grade and senior year) and better aligns with players’ academic and social progression. While there may be some short-term adjustments, this update creates a more consistent and development-focused environment for players across the country.

Tryouts: Dates, Regions, Ages

Dates: Feb 20–22
Regions: North, South, Central (tryouts run in each region)
Ages: U16, U17, U19 (school‑year chart used for 2026–27)

HS BOYS TRYOUT ELIGIBILITY (2026/27 – SCHOOL YEAR) Tryouts are open to players in the following age groups based on school-year birth dates:

U16 Boys: Born August 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011
U17 Boys: Born August 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010
U19 Boys: Born August 1, 2007 – July 31, 2009

Academy & Premier tryouts are both held in each region. You will receive offers by age group, not by team.

Will my player be able to stay with their current team?

All players are required to attend tryouts in their official school-year age group. This means teams may change, and players may not remain with the same teammates as previous seasons.

How are offers sent? (BYGA)

Platform: Offers go out via BYGA to the email on your registration.
Acceptance window: 24 hours to register and secure your spot.
Need to update your email? Contact: academy@westernwasurf.com (Academy) or premier@westernwasurf.com (Premier).

Training locations

North :
- Tambark Field in Bothell & Glacier Peak HS in Snohomish.
Central :
- Robinswood Fields in Bellevue, Central Park in Issaquah, and Marymoor in Redmond.
South:
- Heritage Rec Center in Puyallup & SERA Field in Tacoma
- Starfire Sport, Valley Ridge fields, North Seatac fields,E90 Soccer Center in Tukwila.

Premier program

We form HS Boys Premier teams in North, South, and Central (U16–U19).
Offers begin Feb 22 with a 24‑hour deadline to accept.

Registration fees & financial aid

Registration Tryout fees: $25 non‑refundable (online)
Financial Aid: Must be submitted prior to tryouts to be considered.Click here to apply.

Results & securing your roster spot

Offers begin going out on February 22 to the email entered in the player's registration. Once an offer is sent, families have 24 hours to complete the registration and secure the spot. If registration is not completed within that 24‑hour window, the offer is rescinded and extended to the next player on the list. A roster spot is officially secured only after both of the following steps are completed: