Welcome to Highline Premier's FC 2026/27 High School Boys Tryouts.
Please note the NEW birth year matrix for the upcoming season.
If you're younger, don't hesitate to inquire about Open Session Tryouts with our established teams.
High School Boys Tryouts
Tryout information for the 2026/27 Heat season
Boys 2026/27 Tryouts
| Birth Year | Dates | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U16 | Born between Aug 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 | February 24 & 25 | TBA | TBA |
| U17 | Born between Aug 1, 2009 – July 31, 2010 | February 24 & 25 | TBA | TBA |
| U18 | Born between Aug 1, 2008 – July 31, 2009 | February 24 & 25 | TBA | TBA |
| U19 | Born between Aug 1, 2007 – July 31, 2008 | February 24 & 25 | TBA | TBA |
Tryouts and the 2026–27 Seasonal Year
US Soccer has continued its nationwide shift to birth-year–based age groupings to create greater consistency across leagues, competitions, and player pathways. This is a national standard that all sanctioned leagues are required to follow and is not a club-level decision.
At Highline Premier FC, we have been intentional in how we’ve approached this transition. Over the past year, players trained and competed in school-year groupings and we were proud to expand our competitive platform to include Regional Club League play. This season has provided valuable insight into our player pool across age groups and positions.
To support the move to seasonal year teams, we offered optional training sessions aligned with the new age groupings. These sessions are were not mandatory and are not tryouts. They are strictly developmental and observational and are not used to determine roster placement or offers.
Our coaching leadership meets regularly and will continue meeting throughout the tryout process to discuss teams and players. A player’s performance over the year in trainings and games, combined with tryout observations and positional needs, informs placement decisions during the official tryout window.
If your child lives in West Seattle, Burien, or the greater Highline area, we encourage you to come out and be part of a local club focused on development, competition, and community.
Seasonal Year Age Groups FAQ
What is changing?
Beginning with the 2026–27 season, US Soccer is transitioning youth soccer to seasonal year age groups based on an August 1 – July 31 date range. This change applies nationwide and impacts all clubs, leagues, and players.
At Highline Premier FC, families can reference the Birth Year Chart on our tryout page to see exactly which age group their player will be evaluated in for the upcoming season.
Why is this change happening?
US Soccer’s move to a seasonal year model is grounded in long-term player development research and alignment across the youth soccer landscape. The goals include:
- Greater consistency across leagues, competitions, and national team pathways
- Reducing challenges for players who previously felt “caught between” age groups
- Improved clarity for college recruiting and talent identification
- A more standardized development model that supports player mobility without disruption
This change is part of a broader effort by US Soccer to simplify age grouping rules and create clearer, more predictable development pathways nationwide.
Can I request that my player stay with their current team or play up?
No. Players must try out in their assigned age group based on birthdate.
- Play-up decisions are Director-led only
- Directors will initiate communication if a play-up opportunity is being considered
Families should not request play-ups directly.
My player is in the same grade as their current teammates but has an August or later birthday. Do they need to try out with a new age group?
Yes. All players must try out based on birthdate, not grade level, even if this results in a change in school-year grouping.
We recognize that this can feel disruptive. Our staff is intentional about helping players feel supported, grounded, and confident as they move into new training environments.
How are age groups determined?
Age groups are determined solely by birthdate using the US Soccer August 1 – July 31 range.
- Grade or graduation year does not determine age group
- Players may not play down
- There are no exceptions to US Soccer birthdate ranges
Families should use the Birth Year Chart on our tryout page as the definitive reference.
How will tryouts work?
The tryout process itself is not changing.
- Players must attend tryouts for their assigned age group
- Play-up opportunities are evaluated and approved by Directors only
- Families will be contacted directly if a play-up is being considered
Will rosters change?
Yes. Because teams will be formed using new age-group ranges, families should expect roster movement for the 2026–27 season.
While change can be challenging, our priority remains placing players where they can best thrive developmentally while maintaining a stable, supportive environment.
How is Highline Premier FC preparing for this transition?
- Coaching leadership is actively planning new age-group structures
- Optional seasonal year training sessions may be offered for development and observation
- These sessions are not tryouts and do not determine roster placement
- Staff are focused on helping players build new connections and confidence as groups shift
Where can I learn more about this change from US Soccer?
US Soccer has published guidance and supporting materials outlining the rationale and implementation of the seasonal year model. We will continue to link to official US Soccer resources directly from our tryout page as updates are released.
Our approach at HPFC
As a community-based club serving West Seattle, Burien, and the greater Highline area, our focus is on keeping players developing locally, supported by familiar faces and clear communication. We are committed to managing this transition thoughtfully for both players and families.
Do you have questions about our program?
FAQs
See our comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions. We've got answers to just about any questions you can think of.
