Frequently asked questions.
U.S. Youth Soccer Age Division Chart (2025–2026 Season)
This chart shows the official U.S. Youth Soccer age groups based on the player's birth year for the 2025 Fall–2026 Spring season.
| Age Group | Birth Year |
|---|---|
| Northern Niño | 2022 |
| U5 | 2021 |
| U6 | 2020 |
| U7 | 2019 |
| U8 | 2018 |
| U9 | 2017 |
| U10 | 2016 |
| U11 | 2015 |
| U12 | 2014 |
| U13 | 2013 |
| U14 | 2012 |
| U15 | 2011 |
| U16 | 2010 |
| U17 | 2009 |
| U18 | 2008 |
| U19 | 2007 |
Note: "U" stands for "Under." For example, U15 means players who are 14 or younger as of December 31, 2025. U.S. Soccer uses birth year registration based on the calendar year.
NMYSA will be using new division definitions starting with the 2026-2027 season. If you would like to view this update, click here.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes. We are proud to offer financial assistance! Click here to submit your application. If approved, we will issue you a coupon code to use at checkout.
What time are practices?
For Development League, Northern Academy or Northern Ninos please CLICK HERE.
If you are apart of our Select Soccer program your practice times will be assigned before the season begins.
My kid has never played soccer before can they play down an age division?
No. Northern Soccer Club follows NMYSA and US Youth Soccer guidelines. We are not allowed to play kids down an age division. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of in experienced or beginner players in all divisions of our Development League.
Do they need soccer shoes?
Soccer shoes are not required, but we do recommend them. All of our activities are played on grass, so having cleats is very beneficial.
How to I register to be a Volunteer Coach for the Development League?
Scroll down and click “Register a Volunteer”.
Find the name of the program in which the team you wish to coach is affiliated.
Click “View Divisions”.
Select the division for which you wish to coach.
Scroll down and click “View Selected Opportunities”.
Click “Select” under the title for which you wish to volunteer.
Click “Sign up [Your Name]”
Click “Continue”.
Complete the form provided.
Click “Continue”.
What kind of support will I get a Volunteer Coach with the Development League?
We provide you with the following specific to your team’s division:
Coaches’ Checklist and Guidelines* - This includes information such as a checklist for your first practice, game day rules, game play guidelines, game rules, etc. For U7 and up, basic goals, basic soccer terms, etc.
Weekly Practice Plans* - Easy to follow curriculum.
*Resources found at the Coaches’ Corner on the Northern Soccer Club website under your athlete’s division.
What is the commitment needed from me as a Volunteer Coach with the Development League?
Volunteer Head Coaches will need to attend the following:
Practice - Run their team’s weekly practice. Practices are an hour, 5:30PM-6:30PM.
League Games - Games will be on Saturdays. The duration of your team’s game will depend on the division. These specifics can be found in the Coaches’ Checklist and Guidelines document.
What if I need to miss a practice or game as a Volunteer Coach with the Development League?
If a coach needs help covering a practice or game, we ask that they communicate with the other parents of the team to request support for coverage on the days they will have to miss. While we expect others to step up when needed, if you are having trouble getting someone to commit, we will help you find someone from your team.
I have never played soccer. Does this matter for being a Volunteer Coach with the Development League?
No! This is a recreational league. Everyone is learning together. What matters the most is that you are willing to learn a little using the Coaches’ Corner resource mentioned in FAQ 1 and provide a positive environment for the athletes!
What are the requirements to coach?
Below are requirements set by NMYSA, the governing body that sanctions all Northern events. You will still be able to register without having these completed. But they need to be completed by your first practice.
Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments Certification
SafeSport Certification
Click here for links and instructions if you will need to complete these.