Under 9s Football

U9 steps up to 7v7 with a bigger pitch and a Size 4 ball. Offside applies but only inside the opposition's defending third (partial offside). The retreat line still applies on goal kicks. Heading remains prohibited at this age.

The FA's development phase for Under 9s is Skill Acquisition phase — 1v1s, scanning, decision-making under light pressure. 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.

Heading note: the FA prohibits heading at U9 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.

Retreat line: at U9 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.

If this is your child's first season at U9, start with our first match guide covering kit, arrival times, and matchday etiquette. For boots that suit U9 pitch types, see our football boots buying guide.

Common questions at U9: 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.