U23

U23 stands for under-23, an age category used across many team sports to designate players who are younger than 23 at a defined reference date. The exact cutoff varies by competition, but the aim is to focus on players who are early in their professional careers and still eligible for youth development pathways.

In football (soccer), the designation is particularly common for national teams and for club development squads. National associations field U23 teams to aid transition to the senior level and to participate in age-restricted events and Olympic qualification. In the men's Olympic tournament, the competition is organized as an under-23 event, with up to three players over the age limit allowed per squad.

At club level, many countries maintain U23 or reserve teams to give young players regular, competitive matches separate from the senior first team. These teams may compete in dedicated U23 leagues, reserve divisions, or lower-tier senior competitions; examples include England's Premier League 2 and similar development leagues elsewhere.

In other sports, U23 categories exist to promote talent development and provide a bridge between junior and senior competition; distinctions in age cutoffs and competition formats depend on the governing bodies of each sport.

Overall, U23 serves as a practical framework for nurturing young talent while preserving competition for professional, adult players.