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    Under 16s Football

    14–15 years old · 11v11 format · Performance phase — adult-game intensity, contract decisions, academic balance

    By the Away Day Parent editorial team · Last reviewed · Editorial process

    Under 16s rules in brief: U16 football is played 11v11 on a 100×60 yards pitch with a Size 5 ball, 40-minute halves, and full offside law.

    What are the Under 16s rules? U16 format at a glance

    Format
    11v11
    Pitch size
    100×60 yards (91×55 m)
    Goal size
    24×8 ft (full-size)
    Ball size
    Size 5
    Match length
    40-minute halves (80 mins total)
    Offside
    Full offside applies
    Retreat line
    No
    Heading allowed
    Yes (with FA limits)

    U16 key facts

    • U16 is played 11v11 on a 100×60 yards (91×55 m).
    • Matches are 40-minute halves (80 mins total), with a Size 5 ball.
    • U16 uses full offside law.
    • Heading is permitted in matches, with FA limits on training at U16.

    Source: The Football Association.

    Under 16s — what to expect

    U16 is the final mini-pitch tier. Players who join academies as full scholars typically sign at this age. Outside academies, U16 is also when players begin specialising in positions and considering coaching/refereeing qualifications.

    The FA's development phase for Under 16s is Performance phase — adult-game intensity, contract decisions, academic balance. 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.

    Season & bank holidays (England & Wales)

    Upcoming bank holidays can affect fixtures and training — check with your club before travelling.

    • Fri, 25 Dec 2026 — Christmas Day
    • Mon, 28 Dec 2026 — Boxing Day
    • Fri, 1 Jan 2027 — New Year’s Day
    • Fri, 26 Mar 2027 — Good Friday

    For parents of Under 16s

    If this is your child's first season at U16, start with our first match guide covering kit, arrival times, and matchday etiquette, and our kit checklist for what they actually need. The U16 11v11 format is explained alongside every other stage in our football formats guide.

    Common questions at U16: 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.

    Find U16 football near you

    Clubs offering U16

    Filter our 3,300+ grassroots clubs by age group and region.

    Leagues catering for U16

    Browse 400+ youth leagues across England, Scotland, Wales and NI.

    Away day grounds

    Parking, facilities, and parent tips for 950+ youth football grounds.

    Pathway from U16

    How U16 fits into the FA development pathway to senior football.

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    Under 17s

    11v11 · Performance — full adult format, adult laws, pathway to senior football