Under 18s Football

U18 is the final youth tier. Players become eligible for senior open-age football and can begin the FA coaching qualification ladder (Playmaker, Level 1). Many U18 squads play in regional youth-alliance leagues feeding into senior non-league football.

The FA's development phase for Under 18s is Senior pathway — transition to open-age football, FA Level 1 coaching eligibility. 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 U18, start with our first match guide covering kit, arrival times, and matchday etiquette. For boots that suit U18 pitch types, see our football boots buying guide.

Common questions at U18: 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.