Under 17s Football
15–16 years old · 11v11 format · Performance — full adult format, adult laws, pathway to senior football
U17 format & FA rules at a glance
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.
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. For boots that suit U17 pitch types, see our football boots buying 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 5,000+ 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.