2026 Season Key Dates & League Structures

As we look toward the 2026 soccer season, the East Central Soccer District is excited to share our proposed calendar. Below is the information for our four primary programs and the key milestones you need to know. Please note that these dates are currently proposed and subject to final board approval on January 24, 2026. Divisions of play are as follows:

  • Recreational Divisions in Spring 2026
    • 8U-12U recreational for both Girls and Coed
    • 14U recreational coed
    • High School Recreational Coed – 15U and up
    • Adult League Recreational
  • Classic Divisions in Spring 2026
    • Girls Divisions – 11U, 12U, 13U, **15U(8th grade girls)
    • Coed Divisions – 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U, 17U, 19U
    • When the placement committee reviews the teams and their request for placement they may be placed in a division that will promote the best possible competition.

Classic League

Our Classic program is designed for the competitive player looking to hone their skills. These teams often travel within the district and beyond to face high-level competition.

  • Focus: Technical precision, tactical awareness, and preparing players for high school and collegiate levels.
  • Play Style: Standard FIFA rules apply, and standings are tracked to determine league placement and rankings.
Classic Program DatesApril 20–June 20
Team application deadlineMarch 9
Placement meeting to determine team levelsMarch 10
Final day to appeal team placementMarch 12
Appeals satisfied; scheduling beginsMarch 13
First draft schedule with date assignments presented to clubsMarch 16-19
Inter-club schedule adjustment periodMarch 20- March 29
Referee SchedulingMarch 30-31
Schedule goes live to publicApril 1
Proposed Classic League Days of Play
Age GroupPrimarySecondary
11U CoedThursdayTuesday
12U CoedWednesdayMonday
13U CoedThursdayTuesday
14U CoedMondayWednesday
15U CoedSunday * Wednesday
16U CoedSunday *Wednesday
17U CoedSunday *Wednesday
18U CoedSunday *Wednesday
19U CoedSunday *Wednesday
11U GirlsTuesdayThursday
12U GirlsMondayWednesday
13U GirlsThursdayTuesday
15U GirlsTuesdayThursday
High School GirlsMondayWednesday

*For High School aged Coed teams, Sunday is the primary day of play during the school year. Once school is completed, days of play shift to weeknights.

Clubs will have the opportunity to move games off of any dates that they have conflicts with during rescheduling window.

Youth Academy

The Academy is the bridge between recreational and competitive play for our younger athletes (typically U8–U10).

  • Focus: “Player first” development. The Academy follows the WYSA Player Development Initiatives, prioritizing touches on the ball over winning games.
  • Format: Rather than a traditional league table, Academy teams typically participate in “Festivals,” where multiple games are played on a single day in a fun, high-energy day. Matches are typically held on Saturdays.
Academy Program DatesApril 25–June 20
Team application deadlineMarch 31
Placement meeting to determine team levelsBefore April 2
First Phase Draft of Schedule – Week 1 and 2April 2
First Phase Revisions due back to scheduler – Week 1 and 2April 3
First Phase Schedule posted – Week 1 and 2April 6
Team additions or subtractionsApril 6
Second Phase Draft of schedule – Weeks 3-8April 13
Second Phase Revisions due back to scheduler – Weeks 3-8April 16
Second Phase Schedule posted – Weeks 3-8April 21

Recreational League

The heart of our district, the Recreational League, is built on the foundation of community and fun.

  • Focus: Equal playing time and a low-pressure environment. It is the perfect place for new players to learn the fundamentals of the “Beautiful Game.”
  • Geography: We strive to keep travel minimal, often grouping teams based on their local clubs in the Fox Valley and surrounding areas.
Recreational League Program DatesMay 17- July 19
Team application deadlineApril 5
Schedule drafted
(games clustered for referee assigning)
April 12
Schedule goes liveApril 19
Final Rosters SubmittedMay 10
First Week of GamesMay 17
Proposed Recreational League Days of Play
Age Group Day of PlayAlternate Days of Play
8U CoedThursdayTuesday
10U CoedMondayWednesday
12U CoedTuesdayThursday
14U CoedThursdayTuesday
*16U CoedSunday/ThursdayTuesday
*19U CoedSunday/WednesdayMonday
8U GirlsTuesdayThursday
10U GirlsWednesdayMonday
12U GirlsMondayWednesday
14U GirlsTuesdayThursday

*Boy’s teams will start the season playing Sunday late afternoon games. During the week of June 1, teams will also start playing weekday games.

Adult Recreational League

Soccer is a lifelong sport! Our Adult Recreational League provides an outlet for former players and newcomers alike to stay fit and enjoy the camaraderie of a team.

Format: Matches are typically held on Sundays to accommodate work schedules, with an emphasis on fair play and fitness.

Adult League Program DatesJune 7 – Aug 9
Team application deadlineMay 4
Schedule drafted (games clustered for referee assigning)May 11
Schedule goes liveMay 13
Final Rosters SubmittedJune 1
First Week of GamesJune 7


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