diff --git a/backend/app/models/formations.py b/backend/app/models/formations.py
index 768556d..f4b4f58 100644
--- a/backend/app/models/formations.py
+++ b/backend/app/models/formations.py
@@ -76,6 +76,10 @@ class Identity(Base):
     signature_pattern_codes: Mapped[list] = mapped_column(JSON, nullable=False, default=list)
     keystone_roles_json: Mapped[dict | list | None] = mapped_column(JSON, nullable=True)
     youth_takeaway: Mapped[str] = mapped_column(Text, nullable=False)
+    # Bible 8.2.4 / doc 03 amendment (T-012, founder decision 2026-07-16):
+    # every identity carries an age-suitability hint alongside its youth
+    # takeaway, same rule and shape as library_items.age_hint.
+    age_hint: Mapped[str] = mapped_column(String(60), nullable=False)
     block: Mapped[str | None] = mapped_column(String(10), nullable=True)  # high|mid|low
     # style archetypes only (Bible 5.7 row): encouraged, tolerated,
     # discouraged, tempo_rule.
diff --git a/backend/app/schemas.py b/backend/app/schemas.py
index da01c2f..d351133 100644
--- a/backend/app/schemas.py
+++ b/backend/app/schemas.py
@@ -264,6 +264,7 @@ class IdentityOut(BaseModel):
     # rather than a fixed model (mirrors LibraryItemOut.extras above).
     keystone_roles: list | None = Field(default=None, validation_alias="keystone_roles_json")
     youth_takeaway: str
+    age_hint: str
     block: Literal["high", "mid", "low"] | None
     # style archetypes only (Bible 5.7): encouraged/tolerated/discouraged/tempo_rule.
     pass_risk: dict | None = Field(default=None, validation_alias="pass_risk_json")
diff --git a/backend/migrations/versions/0005_identity_age_hint.py b/backend/migrations/versions/0005_identity_age_hint.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1a4e236
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/migrations/versions/0005_identity_age_hint.py
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+"""identities.age_hint (founder decision 2026-07-16, T-012): doc 03 section
+5's identities schema had no age_hint column when T-010 shipped, so Bible
+8.2.4's "every identity carries a youth takeaway line and an age-suitability
+hint" rule was only honoured for library_items (patterns/deliveries/
+rotations), not identities. The founder has since decided to amend the
+schema rather than leave identity cards without an age hint.
+
+Added nullable=False with server_default="" (rather than a bare add, doc
+03's identities table already has rows in any dev DB that ran T-010's
+seed): SQLite's batch-recreate for an ALTER TABLE ADD COLUMN NOT NULL needs
+a value for existing rows, and scripts/seed.py's upsert-by-code re-run
+overwrites every row's placeholder with its real Bible-backed value
+immediately afterward, so the empty string never surfaces to a user who
+runs `make seed` after upgrading.
+
+Built off 0003 (players.flank, T-033) in parallel with T-043's 0004
+(role-scoped join codes); T-043 merged first, so this migration was
+re-pointed onto 0004 at integration merge (orchestrator resolution).
+
+Revision ID: 0005
+Revises: 0004
+Create Date: 2026-07-16 00:00:00.000000
+
+"""
+
+from typing import Sequence, Union
+
+import sqlalchemy as sa
+from alembic import op
+
+revision: str = "0005"
+down_revision: Union[str, None] = "0004"
+branch_labels: Union[str, Sequence[str], None] = None
+depends_on: Union[str, Sequence[str], None] = None
+
+
+def upgrade() -> None:
+    with op.batch_alter_table("identities") as batch_op:
+        batch_op.add_column(
+            sa.Column("age_hint", sa.String(length=60), nullable=False, server_default="")
+        )
+
+
+def downgrade() -> None:
+    with op.batch_alter_table("identities") as batch_op:
+        batch_op.drop_column("age_hint")
diff --git a/backend/tests/test_identity_routes.py b/backend/tests/test_identity_routes.py
index 8535e3a..4bb6ec1 100644
--- a/backend/tests/test_identity_routes.py
+++ b/backend/tests/test_identity_routes.py
@@ -73,6 +73,7 @@ def _seed_identities() -> None:
                 signature_pattern_codes=["A1"],
                 keystone_roles_json=[{"role": "single_pivot", "note": "The pivot."}],
                 youth_takeaway="A youth takeaway line.",
+                age_hint="U13+",
                 block="high",
                 pass_risk_json=None,
                 shape_render="animated",
@@ -93,6 +94,7 @@ def _seed_identities() -> None:
                 signature_pattern_codes=[],
                 keystone_roles_json=[{"role": "stopper_cb", "note": "The stopper."}],
                 youth_takeaway="Another youth takeaway.",
+                age_hint="U11+",
                 block="mid",
                 pass_risk_json=None,
                 shape_render="static",
@@ -113,6 +115,7 @@ def _seed_identities() -> None:
                 signature_pattern_codes=["B5"],
                 keystone_roles_json=["single_pivot", "false_9"],
                 youth_takeaway="A style youth takeaway.",
+                age_hint="U13+",
                 block="high",
                 pass_risk_json={
                     "encouraged": ["Short circulation"],
@@ -138,6 +141,7 @@ def _seed_identities() -> None:
                 signature_pattern_codes=[],
                 keystone_roles_json=None,
                 youth_takeaway="A cult corner youth takeaway.",
+                age_hint="U9+",
                 block=None,
                 pass_risk_json=None,
                 shape_render="details_only",
@@ -203,3 +207,15 @@ def test_players_can_browse_identities_too(client: TestClient) -> None:
 def test_identity_route_requires_authentication(client: TestClient) -> None:
     _seed_identities()
     assert client.get("/api/identities").status_code == 401
+
+
+def test_every_identity_carries_a_non_empty_age_hint(client: TestClient) -> None:
+    """T-012 (Bible 8.2.4 / doc 03 amendment): every identity, of every
+    kind, must serve a non-empty age_hint through the route, same rule
+    LibraryItemOut already enforces for patterns/deliveries/rotations."""
+    _seed_identities()
+    coach = _coach_with_team()
+    identities = coach.get("/api/identities").json()
+    assert len(identities) == 4
+    for item in identities:
+        assert item["age_hint"], f"{item['code']}: missing age_hint"
diff --git a/backend/tests/test_seed_content.py b/backend/tests/test_seed_content.py
index 55c48e5..dbf492c 100644
--- a/backend/tests/test_seed_content.py
+++ b/backend/tests/test_seed_content.py
@@ -133,6 +133,10 @@ def test_identity_entries_carry_the_bible_youth_and_traceability_fields(fname: s
         assert _word_count(item["tag_line"]) <= 25, f"{fname} {code}: tag_line over 25 words"
         assert item["core_idea"], f"{fname} {code}: missing core_idea"
         assert item["youth_takeaway"], f"{fname} {code}: missing youth_takeaway"
+        # T-012 (Bible 8.2.4, founder decision 2026-07-16): every identity
+        # carries an age-suitability hint alongside its youth takeaway,
+        # same rule library_items already enforces (age_hint check above).
+        assert item["age_hint"], f"{fname} {code}: missing age_hint"
         assert item["source_ref"].startswith("bible:"), f"{fname} {code}: bad source_ref"
 
 
diff --git a/e2e/identity.spec.ts b/e2e/identity.spec.ts
index 059c283..30635c7 100644
--- a/e2e/identity.spec.ts
+++ b/e2e/identity.spec.ts
@@ -173,6 +173,8 @@ test.describe("identity: five-part Section 6 template, pass-risk, cult corner",
     await expect(panel.getByTestId("identity-detail-youth-takeaway")).toContainText(
       "Positions before players"
     );
+    // T-012: Bible 8.2.4's age-suitability hint, added after Youth takeaway.
+    await expect(panel.getByTestId("identity-detail-age-hint")).toContainText("U13+");
     // A reference team's own pass_risk_json is null: the block never renders.
     await expect(panel.getByTestId("identity-detail-pass-risk")).toHaveCount(0);
     // Order in the DOM matches the template's own order.
@@ -185,6 +187,7 @@ test.describe("identity: five-part Section 6 template, pass-risk, cult corner",
       "identity-detail-signature-patterns",
       "identity-detail-keystone-roles",
       "identity-detail-youth-takeaway",
+      "identity-detail-age-hint",
     ]);
     await page.getByTestId("identity-details-close").click();
     await expect(page.getByTestId("identity-details-panel")).toHaveCount(0);
@@ -206,6 +209,7 @@ test.describe("identity: five-part Section 6 template, pass-risk, cult corner",
     await page.getByTestId("identity-details-toggle").click();
     await expect(page.getByTestId("identity-detail-formation")).toContainText("4-2-3-1");
     await expect(page.getByTestId("identity-detail-youth-takeaway")).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(page.getByTestId("identity-detail-age-hint")).toContainText("U13+");
 
     await assertCleanPage(page, issues);
   });
@@ -229,6 +233,7 @@ test.describe("identity: five-part Section 6 template, pass-risk, cult corner",
     // Style archetypes' core_idea has no "Formation:" leading sentence, so
     // the template does not fabricate a Formation & shape row for them.
     await expect(page.getByTestId("identity-detail-formation")).toHaveCount(0);
+    await expect(page.getByTestId("identity-detail-age-hint")).toContainText("U13+");
 
     await assertCleanPage(page, issues);
   });
@@ -251,6 +256,7 @@ test.describe("identity: five-part Section 6 template, pass-risk, cult corner",
     await expect(page.getByTestId("identity-detail-keystone-roles")).toHaveCount(0);
     await expect(page.getByTestId("identity-detail-pass-risk")).toHaveCount(0);
     await expect(page.getByTestId("identity-detail-signature-patterns")).toHaveCount(0);
+    await expect(page.getByTestId("identity-detail-age-hint")).toContainText("U11+");
 
     await assertCleanPage(page, issues);
   });
diff --git a/frontend/src/identityApi.ts b/frontend/src/identityApi.ts
index 8c40ca8..1a54857 100644
--- a/frontend/src/identityApi.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/identityApi.ts
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@ export interface IdentityOutWire {
   signature_pattern_codes: string[];
   keystone_roles: KeystoneRoleWire[] | null;
   youth_takeaway: string;
+  age_hint: string;
   block: "high" | "mid" | "low" | null;
   pass_risk: PassRiskWire | null;
   shape_render: "animated" | "static" | "details_only";
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/IdentityPage.tsx b/frontend/src/pages/IdentityPage.tsx
index 8bc7e0a..de53a1a 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/IdentityPage.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/IdentityPage.tsx
@@ -7,9 +7,10 @@
 // render Details only (CLAUDE.md rule 6: no designed surface, no
 // invented one). Details follows the Section 6 five-part template
 // (Formation & shape, Core idea, Signature patterns, Keystone roles,
-// Youth takeaway); style archetypes additionally show the pass-risk
-// block (Bible 5.7) between Keystone roles and Youth takeaway. Copy rule
-// (doc 03 section 7): identities curate, never lock.
+// Youth takeaway), plus an Age hint row (Bible 8.2.4, T-012); style
+// archetypes additionally show the pass-risk block (Bible 5.7) between
+// Keystone roles and Youth takeaway. Copy rule (doc 03 section 7):
+// identities curate, never lock.
 
 import { useEffect, useMemo, useState } from "react";
 import type { Orientation } from "../board/coords";
@@ -150,7 +151,7 @@ export function IdentityPage({ orientation }: IdentityPageProps) {
           className="app-page-info"
           aria-hidden="true"
           data-testid="identity-info"
-          title="Identities curate, never lock. Pull up Browse identities to explore the great teams and style archetypes: pick one, and its signature idea plays on the board, with the formation, keystone roles, and youth takeaway in Details."
+          title="Identities curate, never lock. Pull up Browse identities to explore the great teams and style archetypes: pick one, and its signature idea plays on the board, with the formation, keystone roles, youth takeaway, and age hint in Details."
         >
           i
         </span>
@@ -286,6 +287,10 @@ export function IdentityPage({ orientation }: IdentityPageProps) {
                     <p className="patterns-details-kicker">Youth takeaway</p>
                     <p>{selection.youth_takeaway}</p>
                   </div>
+                  <div className="identity-detail-row" data-testid="identity-detail-age-hint">
+                    <p className="patterns-details-kicker">Age hint</p>
+                    <p>{selection.age_hint}</p>
+                  </div>
                 </div>
               </div>
             )}
diff --git a/scripts/validate_seeds.py b/scripts/validate_seeds.py
index a8a7676..fd338f2 100644
--- a/scripts/validate_seeds.py
+++ b/scripts/validate_seeds.py
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@
 SYNERGY_REQUIRED_FIELDS = ["code", "name", "why_it_works", "source_ref", "content_version"]
 CLASH_REQUIRED_FIELDS = ["code", "name", "trigger_expression", "warning_copy", "source_ref", "content_version"]
 IDENTITY_REQUIRED_FIELDS = [
-    "code", "name", "tag_line", "core_idea", "youth_takeaway", "shape_render",
+    "code", "name", "tag_line", "core_idea", "youth_takeaway", "age_hint", "shape_render",
     "source_ref", "content_version",
 ]
 
diff --git a/seeds/identities_archetypes.json b/seeds/identities_archetypes.json
index 5bf8575..2b6c4d8 100644
--- a/seeds/identities_archetypes.json
+++ b/seeds/identities_archetypes.json
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
         "single_pivot", "advanced_8", "false_9", "inside_forward", "touchline_winger"
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Teach the team to occupy zones and form triangles, and the free man appears from structure, not from individual talent.",
+      "age_hint": "U13+",
       "block": "high",
       "pass_risk_json": {
         "encouraged": ["Short circulation", "line-breakers into feet", "F7 slide-rule through balls", "prepared B3 switches", "F1 cutbacks"],
@@ -40,6 +41,7 @@
         "overlapping_fb", "anchor_destroyer", "classic_10", "wide_forward", "runner_in_behind"
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "A team does not need the ball to be dangerous: know exactly who sprints and where the instant it is won back.",
+      "age_hint": "U11+",
       "block": "mid",
       "pass_risk_json": {
         "encouraged": ["First pass forward", "F8 ball over the top", "F7 slide-rule through balls", "F2 early crosses"],
@@ -65,6 +67,7 @@
         "box_to_box_8", "false_9", "inside_forward"
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Effort can be a system, not just a vibe: pressing has choreography, with curved runs and triggers, that can be trained like a passing drill.",
+      "age_hint": "U13+",
       "block": "high",
       "pass_risk_json": {
         "encouraged": ["Vertical ground passes", "F3 driven crosses", "quick F7 through balls after regains"],
@@ -90,6 +93,7 @@
         "anchor_destroyer", "box_to_box_8", "target_man", "runner_in_behind"
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Defending deep is a plan, not a surrender: never send a block out without an outlet to break with.",
+      "age_hint": "U11+",
       "block": "low",
       "pass_risk_json": {
         "encouraged": ["F13 channel outlets", "long clearances to the target", "F8 over the top when sprung"],
@@ -115,6 +119,7 @@
         "box_to_box_8", "touchline_winger", "target_man", "second_striker"
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Winning the loose ball after a long pass is a team job that can be organised and drilled, not left to chance.",
+      "age_hint": "U9+",
       "block": "mid",
       "pass_risk_json": {
         "encouraged": ["F13 channel balls", "long diagonals to the target", "F4 floated crosses", "forward throw-ins"],
@@ -140,6 +145,7 @@
         "anchor_destroyer", "classic_10", "second_striker", "target_man"
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Teams do not have to pick a single lane: the sanest identity for most youth sides is one that can do both.",
+      "age_hint": "U13+",
       "block": "mid",
       "pass_risk_json": {
         "encouraged": ["The possession menu when controlling the game", "the counter menu on transition"],
diff --git a/seeds/identities_cult_corner.json b/seeds/identities_cult_corner.json
index d75a0ae..73cc20a 100644
--- a/seeds/identities_cult_corner.json
+++ b/seeds/identities_cult_corner.json
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@
       "signature_pattern_codes": [],
       "keystone_roles_json": null,
       "youth_takeaway": "A complete defensive plan, drilled without compromise, can beat teams with far more individual talent.",
+      "age_hint": "U11+",
       "block": "low",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -29,6 +30,7 @@
       "signature_pattern_codes": ["C2"],
       "keystone_roles_json": null,
       "youth_takeaway": "A restart can be a weapon: rehearse the throw-in with the same care as any other delivery.",
+      "age_hint": "U9+",
       "block": null,
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -46,6 +48,7 @@
       "signature_pattern_codes": ["C2"],
       "keystone_roles_json": null,
       "youth_takeaway": "Organisation without the ball is a repeatable advantage, not a lesser style of play.",
+      "age_hint": "U9+",
       "block": "low",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -63,6 +66,7 @@
       "signature_pattern_codes": ["C2"],
       "keystone_roles_json": null,
       "youth_takeaway": "Commitment to a simple plan, played without hesitation, can unsettle a more talented opponent.",
+      "age_hint": "U9+",
       "block": null,
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -80,6 +84,7 @@
       "signature_pattern_codes": ["B5"],
       "keystone_roles_json": null,
       "youth_takeaway": "A youth-development pathway can produce a team that outplays clubs with far larger squads.",
+      "age_hint": "U13+",
       "block": "high",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -97,6 +102,7 @@
       "signature_pattern_codes": ["D1"],
       "keystone_roles_json": null,
       "youth_takeaway": "A clear defensive job for every player can be a title-winning identity on its own.",
+      "age_hint": "U11+",
       "block": "high",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
diff --git a/seeds/identities_reference_teams.json b/seeds/identities_reference_teams.json
index 054fc88..1899299 100644
--- a/seeds/identities_reference_teams.json
+++ b/seeds/identities_reference_teams.json
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
         {"role": "overlapping_fb", "note": "Alves, supplying all right-side width"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Positions before players: teach players to occupy zones and form triangles, and the free man appears by structure, not talent. The rondo is this entire identity in a ten-yard square.",
+      "age_hint": "U13+",
       "block": "high",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "animated",
@@ -58,6 +59,7 @@
         {"role": "box_to_box_8", "note": "Henderson and Fabinho supplying engine and anchoring"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Effort can be a system, not just a vibe: pressing has choreography, with curved runs and triggers, that can be trained like a passing drill. Width does not have to come from wingers.",
+      "age_hint": "U13+",
       "block": "high",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "animated",
@@ -101,6 +103,7 @@
         {"role": "stopper_cb", "note": "Ramos, the front-foot stopper"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Defending deep is a plan, not a surrender: the block's job is to choose where the opponent loses the ball, and a counter needs runners without the ball as much as the star with it.",
+      "age_hint": "U11+",
       "block": "mid",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "animated",
@@ -140,6 +143,7 @@
         {"role": "inside_forward", "note": "Mahrez, isolated on the far side"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "A team that knows exactly what it is can beat eleven better players who don't.",
+      "age_hint": "U11+",
       "block": "mid",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "animated",
@@ -176,6 +180,7 @@
         {"role": "target_man", "note": "Costa, the outlet nine as a weapon"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "A block is not passive: this team attacked opponents with its shape as much as with the ball.",
+      "age_hint": "U9+",
       "block": "mid",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "static",
@@ -213,6 +218,7 @@
         {"role": "advanced_8", "note": "De Bruyne, the half-space assassin"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Formations are just phone numbers: what matters is the shape in possession, and it can differ from the shape without the ball.",
+      "age_hint": "U15+",
       "block": null,
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "static",
@@ -251,6 +257,7 @@
         {"role": "target_man", "note": "Giroud, target man as a function rather than a scorer"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "A team does not need the ball to be in charge: asymmetry is legal, since one flank can defend while the other attacks.",
+      "age_hint": "U13+",
       "block": "mid",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -271,6 +278,7 @@
         {"role": "advanced_8", "note": "Xavi as tempo dictator, Iniesta as the pressure-release dribbler in the half-spaces"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Patience can be a weapon: a team that never gives the ball away cannot lose its shape chasing it. The striker is optional, the free man is not.",
+      "age_hint": "U13+",
       "block": "high",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -294,6 +302,7 @@
         {"role": "complete_forward", "note": "Lewandowski"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Bravery is structural: an aggressive high line only works if the keeper sweeps and someone on the back line has the recovery pace to cover for it.",
+      "age_hint": "U15+",
       "block": "high",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -315,6 +324,7 @@
         {"role": "target_man", "note": "Gullit and van Basten pressing as the first defenders"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Compactness is measurable: give players the actual number of metres, not just an instruction to work harder.",
+      "age_hint": "U13+",
       "block": "high",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -335,6 +345,7 @@
         {"role": "classic_10", "note": "Hernández, the release-valve ten"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Man-marking is the most teachable press for young players, since every job is clear, and it is the most physically honest system too.",
+      "age_hint": "U9+",
       "block": "high",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -356,6 +367,7 @@
         {"role": "anchor_destroyer", "note": "Kanté"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Changing shape mid-season can rescue a team: it helps to teach players two shapes, not just one.",
+      "age_hint": "U13+",
       "block": "mid",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -377,6 +389,7 @@
         {"role": "classic_10", "note": "Kaká, the transition-carrying ten"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "A player's best position may be one nobody has tried yet: profile matters more than the label on the shirt.",
+      "age_hint": "U13+",
       "block": "mid",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -398,6 +411,7 @@
         {"role": "false_9", "note": "Mertens, the micro false nine"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Scripting the first few passes removes decisions for developing players and frees their attention for the choices that matter most.",
+      "age_hint": "U11+",
       "block": "high",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",
@@ -420,6 +434,7 @@
         {"role": "defensive_fb", "note": "Eto'o, a star forward converted to auxiliary right back as the tactical sacrifice"}
       ],
       "youth_takeaway": "Defending with total commitment is a skill and an honour, not a failure: it is the cultural counterweight every possession-obsessed environment needs.",
+      "age_hint": "U15+",
       "block": "low",
       "pass_risk_json": null,
       "shape_render": "details_only",