Under 10s Football

U10 continues 7v7. Match length increases to 25-minute halves. Partial offside and the retreat line still apply. Heading is still prohibited but coaches may begin age-appropriate technique introduction in non-match settings under FA guidance.

The FA's development phase for Under 10s is Skill Acquisition — combination play, receiving on the half-turn, defensive shape. That means training sessions should weight ball mastery, decision-making, and enjoyment over tactical complexity, with progressively more game-realistic small-sided practices as players move through the season.

Heading note: the FA prohibits heading at U10 level in both training and matches. This follows research linking repeated youth heading to long-term neurological risk. See our safeguarding hub for the full FA heading guidelines by age.

Retreat line: at U10 the opposition must retreat to the halfway line on goal kicks, giving the team in possession space to build out. Use this rule to teach playing-out-from-the-back without the pressure of a full press.

If this is your child's first season at U10, start with our first match guide covering kit, arrival times, and matchday etiquette. For boots that suit U10 pitch types, see our football boots buying guide.

Common questions at U10: how much should my child train each week? When should I let them play in goal? What if they aren't enjoying it? See our advice hub and FAQ for age-appropriate guidance.