5v5 vs 7v7 vs 9v9 vs 11v11: Youth Football Formats Explained
Grassroots football in England isn't one game — it grows with your child. The FA uses smaller formats for younger players so they get more of the ball, then steps them up through 7v7, 9v9 and finally 11-a-side. Here's how each format compares, and what changes at every stage.
| Format | Age groups | Pitch | Ball | Match length | Offside | Retreat line |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5v5 | U7–U8 | 37×27 yards | Size 3 | 10-minute halves | None | Yes |
| 7v7 | U9–U10 | 60×40 yards | Size 4 | 20-minute halves | partial | Yes |
| 9v9 | U11–U12 | 80×50 yards | Size 4 | 30-minute halves | full | No |
| 11v11 | U13–U18 | 90×55 yards | Size 4 | 35-minute halves | full | No |
U7–U8 · 5 a side (incl. GK)
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.
U9–U10 · 7 a side (incl. GK)
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.
U11–U12 · 9 a side (incl. GK)
U11 introduces 9v9 with a bigger pitch and full offside law. The retreat line is removed. Heading is still prohibited in training but allowed in matches only when unavoidable. This is the first season many clubs introduce a recognisable formation (typically 3-3-2 or 3-2-3).
U13–U18 · 11 a side (incl. GK)
U13 is the step up to 11v11 on a near-adult pitch. Ball remains Size 4. FA heading guidelines permit up to 1 session per week with a maximum 5 headers per player per session. This is the typical age for academy scouts to start serious assessment.
Full rules for every age group
Common questions
Why don't young children play 11-a-side?
The FA phases players up through smaller formats so they get far more touches of the ball, more shots, and more decisions per game. On a full pitch a six-year-old might barely touch the ball; in 5v5 they're involved constantly. Formats grow with the child — 5v5, then 7v7, 9v9 and finally 11v11 at U13.
What is the retreat line?
In mini-soccer (5v5 and 7v7) the opposition must retreat behind a marked line when the goalkeeper has the ball or at a goal kick. It gives the team in possession time and space to play out from the back rather than launching it long, which builds better habits early.
When does offside start to apply?
There's no offside at U7–U8. At U9–U10 a 'partial' offside applies only inside the opposition's defending third. From U11 (9v9) upward, full offside law is in force.
When can my child head the ball?
Under FA guidance heading is not taught or permitted in matches through the mini-soccer years. It's phased in gradually from U12 in training (strictly limited) and allowed in matches from U13. See each age group page for the exact limits.