The US Soccer Federation Board of Directors recently approved a “Small Sided Soccer” and “Birth Year” registration mandate. This 2016-17 best practices and 2017-2018 mandate applies to all USSF members, AYSO, US Club, SAY and US Youth Soccer. For more information,please see the below initiatives along with the FAQs.
USSF press release (August 24, 2015) on coaching initiatives
USSF Player Development Initiatives (approved Jul 5, 2015)
USSF web portal for Developing Players to the Best of Their Ability (includes program overview, licenses, national coaching schools, continuing education, resources and FAQs).
New US Youth Soccer birth year age chart
US Youth Soccer 2016 SSG and birth year FAQs