Skip to main content
    Away Day Parent

    Under 17s Football

    15–16 years old · 11v11 format · Performance — full adult format, adult laws, pathway to senior football

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

    Under 17s rules in brief: U17 football is played 11v11 on a 110×70 yards pitch with a Size 5 ball, 45-minute halves, and full offside law.

    What are the Under 17s rules? U17 format at a glance

    Format
    11v11
    Pitch size
    110×70 yards (100×64 m)
    Goal size
    24×8 ft (full-size)
    Ball size
    Size 5
    Match length
    45-minute halves (90 mins total)
    Offside
    Full offside applies
    Retreat line
    No
    Heading allowed
    Yes (with FA limits)

    U17 key facts

    • U17 is played 11v11 on a 110×70 yards (100×64 m).
    • Matches are 45-minute halves (90 mins total), with a Size 5 ball.
    • U17 uses full offside law.
    • Heading is permitted in matches, with FA limits on training at U17.

    Source: The Football Association.

    Under 17s — what to expect

    U17 plays the full adult format on adult pitches with adult match length. This is the highest youth tier in many grassroots leagues. FA heading guidelines align with the senior game from this age onward.

    The FA's development phase for Under 17s is Performance — full adult format, adult laws, pathway to senior football. 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 17s

    If this is your child's first season at U17, start with our first match guide covering kit, arrival times, and matchday etiquette, and our kit checklist for what they actually need. The U17 11v11 format is explained alongside every other stage in our football formats guide.

    Common questions at U17: 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 U17 football near you

    Clubs offering U17

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

    Leagues catering for U17

    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 U17

    How U17 fits into the FA development pathway to senior football.

    ← Previous age group

    Under 16s

    11v11 · Performance phase — adult-game intensity, contract decisions, academic balance

    Next age group →

    Under 18s

    11v11 · Senior pathway — transition to open-age football, FA Level 1 coaching eligibility