Youth football age groups and formats in England
From the 2026/27 season, England Football's FutureFit pathway sets the maximum permitted format for each youth age group. Smaller formats can still be used, so treat the table as a ceiling rather than a guarantee of the format used by every club, league or tournament.
This page covers England only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have their own governing body and their own rules — see the age-group rules hub.
Format by age group for 2026/27
Maximum format and ball size by age group, England, 2026/27
| Age group | School year | Maximum format | Ball size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 7 | Year 2 | 3v3 | Size 3 |
| Under 8 | Year 3 | 5v5 | Size 3 |
| Under 9 | Year 4 | 5v5 | Size 3 |
| Under 10 | Year 5 | 7v7 | Size 3 |
| Under 11 | Year 6 | 7v7 | Size 3 |
| Under 12 | Year 7 | 9v9 | Size 4 |
| Under 13 | Year 8 | 9v9 | Size 4 |
| Under 14 | Year 9 | 11v11 | Size 5 |
| Under 15 | Year 10 | 11v11 | Size 5 |
| Under 16 | Year 11 | 11v11 | Size 5 |
These are maximum formats. A club or tournament may use a smaller-sided game, such as 2v2 at U7 or 7v7 at an older age, but should not exceed the maximum format for the age group where the FutureFit rules apply.
What about Under 17 and Under 18?
Under-17 and Under-18 football continues at 11v11 with a size 5 ball. The table above focuses on the Under-7 to Under-16 age groups covered by England Football's published FutureFit format and ball-size table.
What changed for 2026/27?
The two headline changes are the introduction of 3v3 as the entry format for Under 7s and the move to 11v11 from Under 14 rather than Under 13. England Football has also adjusted ball sizes and age-appropriate restarts as part of the pathway.
Under-7 3v3: what coaches, parents and organisers need to know
The move from 5v5 to 3v3 is designed to give younger players more touches of the ball, more playing time and more opportunities to make decisions. England Football developed the change after research and testing across grassroots youth football.
3v3 at a glance
- Three outfield players per side.
- No goalkeepers. All players take part in attack and defence.
- No substitutes sitting out during an individual game. England Football recommends a matchday squad of six to 12 players, with several short games taking place at once. Teams can be changed between games.
- Size 3 ball.
- Recommended pitch: 15m x 10m. The published maximum is 20m x 15m, without run-off.
- Recommended goal size: 4ft x 2.5ft.
- No traditional match official. In community football, one adult pitch facilitator applies per 3v3 pitch.
- Pass or dribble in at restarts. This includes goal-line restarts, corners, sidelines and free kicks. Opponents should be at least three metres away.
- At a goal-line restart, the opposition retreat into their own half.
- No deliberate heading or penalty kicks in 3v3.
What does a pitch facilitator do?
A pitch facilitator helps maintain a safe environment, gives positive encouragement, supports children in understanding the 3v3 rules and makes sure both teams are ready after each break. Clubs should use appropriately DBS-checked and safeguarding-trained coaches or adults in line with England Football safeguarding requirements.
Heading rules: matches and training
From the 2026/27 season, deliberate heading is not permitted in affiliated grassroots matches from Under 7 to Under 11. A deliberate header is penalised with an indirect free kick. Heading is introduced in matches from Under 12.
Training guidance is separate. Heading should not be introduced in training for Under 7 to Under 11 players. At Under 12 and Under 13, limited unopposed heading practice may be introduced using light balls, with no more than five headers in one session and no more than one heading session per week.
What this means when choosing a tournament
Always check the format shown on the individual tournament listing. The maximum for an age group does not mean every event must use that exact number of players, and a smaller format may affect how many players you need to bring. For affiliated Under 7 to Under 11 tournaments and festivals where England Football rules apply, the deliberate-heading match rule also applies.
Our guide to choosing the right level covers the other half of the decision: whether an event suits your squad.
Official guidance and updates
This guide is based on England Football's FutureFit guidance (opens in a new tab) for the 2026/27 season. Rules and guidance can change, so clubs, coaches and tournament organisers should also check the latest England Football information and any instructions issued by their league or County FA.
Find a tournament near you
Search tournaments by location, age group, format and level, then check the individual listing before entering. Start at the tournament search near you.
Organising a tournament?
Check the correct age-group format, then create a free tournament listing on FindMeFootball. Our guide to listing a tournament walks through it step by step.
Common questions
Is 3v3 compulsory for every Under-7 team in England?
From 2026/27, 3v3 is the maximum permitted and entry format for Under-7 football under the FutureFit pathway. An event should not use a larger format where those rules apply, although smaller games such as 2v2 can be used.
Can a tournament use a smaller format than the maximum?
Yes. The published formats are ceilings. A tournament can use a smaller-sided format, so check the individual event listing before entering.
Can Under-7 3v3 use goalkeepers?
No. England Football's 3v3 format has no goalkeepers. All six players are active outfield players.
Do the heading rules apply on matchday?
Yes. From 2026/27, deliberate heading is not permitted in affiliated Under-7 to Under-11 matches. Heading is introduced in matches from Under 12.
Where can I check a specific tournament format?
Each FindMeFootball tournament listing states the event format. Use tournament search and check the individual listing before entering.