Under 7s Football
5–6 years old · 5v5 format · FUNdamentals — first touch, dribbling, fun-led participation
Under 7s rules in brief: U7 football is played 5v5 on a 37×27 yards pitch with a Size 3 ball, 10-minute halves, and no offside law.
What are the Under 7s rules? U7 format at a glance
U7 key facts
- U7 is played 5v5 on a 37×27 yards (33.5×24.5 m).
- Matches are 10-minute halves (20 mins total), with a Size 3 ball.
- U7 has no offside law.
- Heading is not permitted, per FA guidance at U7.
Source: The Football Association.
Under 7s — what to expect
U7 is the entry point to organised grassroots football in England. FA rules use mini-soccer 5v5 with no offside and a retreat line that gives the team in possession space to play out from goal kicks. Heading is explicitly prohibited in training and matches at this age.
The FA's development phase for Under 7s is FUNdamentals — first touch, dribbling, fun-led participation. 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.
Is heading allowed at U7?
No — the FA prohibits heading at U7 level in both training and matches. This follows research linking repeated youth heading to long-term neurological risk. See our safeguarding hub for the full FA heading guidelines by age.
Does U7 have a retreat line?
Yes — at U7 the opposition must retreat to the halfway line on goal kicks, giving the team in possession space to build out. Use this rule to teach playing-out-from-the-back without the pressure of a full press.
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 7s
If this is your child's first season at U7, start with our first match guide covering kit, arrival times, and matchday etiquette, and our kit checklist for what they actually need. The U7 5v5 format is explained alongside every other stage in our football formats guide.
Common questions at U7: 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 U7 football near you
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Pathway from U7
How U7 fits into the FA development pathway to senior football.