Reference
FA Youth Football Rules by Age Group
Match format, pitch, goal and ball sizes for every youth age group, in one table.
In short: U7–U8 play 5v5, U9–U10 play 7v7, U11–U12 play 9v9 and U13 upwards play 11v11. Size 3 balls are used to U8, size 4 from U9 to U14 and size 5 from U15. These are the FA's recommended formats for England; your league handbook may add local rules.
| Age group | Format | Pitch | Goal | Ball | Key rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U7–U8 | 5v5 | about 40 x 30 yards | 12 x 6 ft | Size 3 | No offside. Retreat line at halfway on goal kicks. Rolling substitutions. |
| U9–U10 | 7v7 | about 60 x 40 yards | 12 x 6 ft | Size 4 | Retreat line on goal kicks. Offside only inside the marked zone. Rolling substitutions. |
| U11–U12 | 9v9 | about 80 x 50 yards | 16 x 7 ft | Size 4 | Retreat line on goal kicks. Offside applies from the retreat line. Rolling substitutions. |
| U13–U14 | 11v11 | about 90 x 55 yards | 21 x 7 ft | Size 4 | Full offside law. Check your league for substitution rules. |
| U15–U16 | 11v11 | about 100 x 60 yards | 24 x 8 ft | Size 5 | Full offside law. Check your league for substitution rules. |
Common questions
What format do U9s and U10s play?
U9 and U10 play 7v7 on a pitch of about 60 x 40 yards with 12 x 6 ft goals and a size 4 ball.
When do children start 11-a-side football?
In England, 11v11 starts at U13. U11 and U12 play 9v9 first to bridge the jump.
What is the retreat line?
On goal kicks in 5v5, 7v7 and 9v9, the opposition must drop back behind a set line (halfway or a marked line) so the goalkeeper can play out. It encourages passing from the back.
Is heading allowed in youth football?
FA guidance removes heading from training at U11 and below and limits it in older groups. Match rules on deliberate heading are being phased in, so check your county FA and league for the current season.
Should every player get equal minutes?
The FA encourages fair playing time in youth football, especially in development formats. A rotation plan made before kick-off is the simplest way to keep it fair.