Under 15s Football

U15 steps up to a Size 5 (adult) ball, a longer pitch and full-size goals. Match length extends to 40-minute halves. FA heading guidance allows up to 1 session per week with a maximum 10 headers per player per session.

The FA's development phase for Under 15s is Performance phase — tactical complexity, physical preparation, role mastery. 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.

If this is your child's first season at U15, start with our first match guide covering kit, arrival times, and matchday etiquette. For boots that suit U15 pitch types, see our football boots buying guide.

Common questions at U15: 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.