CJSL Official Announcement: Age Group Formation Cycle Change for 2026–27 Season

The CJSL is part of the US Youth Soccer pathway through ENYYSA.

The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) is announcing that, beginning with the 2026–27 season, we will align with the newly adopted August 1-July 31 player formation cycle established by US Youth Soccer, AYSO, and US Club Soccer. This change applies to the CJSL Elite Travel, CJSL 4v4 Development and Girl’s City programs.

This change marks a return to school-year alignment, reversing the previous January-December birth year cycle. The decision was made after extensive feedback from members and stakeholders nationwide and is designed to create maximum opportunities for our clubs, teams, and players.

US Youth Soccer CEO Tom Condone explained the change at USYS as, “we believe this shift to an August 1 player formation cycle better aligns with school calendars, supports social and individual needs, and ultimately enhances the youth soccer experience for families across the country.”

The CJSL fully understands the challenges that come with shifting from birth year to school year age groups. For many clubs, this will mean rethinking rosters and, in some cases, moving players to different teams for the Fall 2026 season based on their school year placement. We recognize how difficult those changes can be for coaches, families, and players, but this adjustment is essential to ensure that every CJSL team remains fully eligible for the most important competitions.

CJSL President Paul Kontonis emphasizes the league’s commitment to helping clubs through the transition: “We recognize how disruptive any change to age group structures can be for our member clubs. We did not make this decision lightly. Ultimately, we felt it was necessary to maximize opportunities for our players—from State Cups to ODP to the National League. That’s why we are announcing this shift eight months in advance of Fall 2026 registration, and why we will be rolling out tools, programs, and resources to support clubs every step of the way.”

By staying in alignment with the new national standard, CJSL teams will be guaranteed eligibility for the prestigious Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association’s State Cup and Challenge Cup, gain direct alignment with ODP programs that strengthen player pathways to regional and national opportunities, and have seamless access to all USYS competitions, including the National Championships, Presidents Cup, and National League.

Beginning with the current season, ENYYSA State Cup champions will advance directly to the USYS National Championships, eliminating the traditional Regional Championship round. With New York Life continuing as presenting sponsor, this exciting evolution of the “crown jewel” of USYS competition enhances the value and visibility of State Cups as the core qualifying events, streamlines the championship pathway to reduce travel demands and ease the burden on families, and celebrates tradition while embracing progress to deliver a more focused, player-centered experience at the national level.

From the most competitive matches in the metropolitan region in the CJSL and Girls City leagues, our teams and players can earn opportunities to step into USYS National League play which is the only national platform offering both boys’ and girls’ team-based and club-based competition, including regional leagues, national events, and postseason play. Like the CJSL, standards are high, and the rewards are unmatched.

Players continue to choose and return to CJSL teams because of the unmatched opportunities the league provides. CJSL players gain access to college scholarships and low- to no-cost college showcases, giving them a clear advantage in the recruiting process. CJSL clubs and players benefit from ODP visibility, ensuring that player talent is seen and recognized at the highest USYS regional and national levels. 

For those seeking an alternative pathway, there are local player opportunities for advancement into the MLS NEXT Homegrown Division, the most elite youth platform in North America. And beyond U.S. borders, CJSL is strengthening international club partnerships in France, Poland, and Spain, providing the highest level of development opportunities and helping bridge the gap between U.S. soccer and the global game.

CJSL remains dedicated to being the premier youth soccer environment in New York City. This transition reinforces our mission: to provide every player with the best developmental, competitive, and professional opportunities available.

The future is clear: from CJSL to National League, to MLS NEXT and international clubs. CJSL players have the strongest pathways in youth soccer.