Under 9s Football
7–8 years old · 7v7 format · Skill Acquisition phase — 1v1s, scanning, decision-making under light pressure
Under 9s rules in brief: U9 football is played 7v7 on a 60×40 yards pitch with a Size 4 ball, 20-minute halves, and partial offside in the defending third.
What are the Under 9s rules? U9 format at a glance
U9 key facts
- U9 is played 7v7 on a 60×40 yards (55×36.5 m).
- Matches are 20-minute halves (40 mins total), with a Size 4 ball.
- U9 uses partial offside (defending third only).
- Heading is not permitted, per FA guidance at U9.
Source: The Football Association.
Under 9s — what to expect
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.
Is heading allowed at U9?
No — 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.
Does U9 have a retreat line?
Yes — 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.
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 9s
If this is your child's first season at U9, start with our first match guide covering kit, arrival times, and matchday etiquette, and our kit checklist for what they actually need. The U9 7v7 format is explained alongside every other stage in our football formats 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.
Find U9 football near you
Clubs offering U9
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Pathway from U9
How U9 fits into the FA development pathway to senior football.