Age Groups and Divisions
Explained
AYSO Irvine (and most AYSO regions) divide players into different groups, called divisions. These divisions are usually based on age and/or gender, and often have many names when we refer to them. Our registration system will automatically offer you the correct divisions based on your child's information. But this page will help explain Divisions for anyone wanting or needing to understand better.
Divisions go by many names, you might see 8U, u8, u08, B8, b8u, Bu08, and they could all be referring to the division for the same child. The division name has two parts - an age group and a gender.
Membership Year
AYSO's soccer year, or 'Membership Year', begins August 1st and ends July 31st. It's often referred to with MY and the year it begins. MY26 begins August 1st, 2026 and ends July 31st, 2027.
- Our primary season is Fall. And this is also our First season of the year.
- The second season of the AYSO year is Winter. We usually have All Stars, and sometimes we may consider other programs.
- Spring is the third season of the AYSO year, and is a big season for us.
- Summer is the final season of the AYSO year. Summer will usually be a casual jamboree program and maybe a camp or two. MY26 ends after Summer.
Age
Previously with the 'u' at the beginning, like u8, now usually putting the letter 'u' after, such as 8u, the 8 means the child will turn 8 sometime during the membership year. Your child becomes 8 years old sometime during the soccer year.
Gender
- The notation for gender is B for boys, G for girls, or U to refer to both or coed.
- Example: 8u division plays with a size 3 soccer ball.