This completed cross-sectional observational study examined whether relative age within an annual selection cycle was associated with passing performance in pre-adolescent football players. Participants were classified by birth month, birth quarter and birth semester. Passing performance was assessed using the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test, in which players completed 16 passes to colour-coded targets as quickly and accurately as possible. Total performance time combined movement time, time penalties for errors and time bonuses for accurate passes. The study evaluated the distribution of players across the selection year and the association between relative age and passing-test performance while accounting for the two chronological birth cohorts represented in the sample.