How does 9v9 differ from 7v7 mini-soccer?

Question

Accepted Answer

The FA's Standard Code of Rules (2026/27) changes these rules when players move from 7v7 (Under 10-Under 11) to 9v9 (Under 12-Under 13): Rule 7v7 (U10-U11) 9v9 (U12-U13) Offside No Yes Heading No deliberate heading Allowed Sideline restart Pass-in or dribble-in Throw-in Retreat line Yes No Power Play Optional No Results and tables Not published; up to 3 trophy events League tables allowed Ball Size 3 Size 4 Goals 12ft x 6ft 16ft x 7ft Max match / day 50 / 90 minutes 60 / 120 minutes Unchanged: goalkeepers, referees, corners, free kicks, the back-pass rule and rolling substitutes. The 9v9 laws are The FA's Guide to 9v9 Football, which applies the Laws of the Game except where it says otherwise.

Rule	7v7 (U10-U11)	9v9 (U12-U13)
Offside	No	Yes
Heading	No deliberate heading	Allowed
Sideline restart	Pass-in or dribble-in	Throw-in
Retreat line	Yes	No
Power Play	Optional	No
Results and tables	Not published; up to 3 trophy events	League tables allowed
Ball	Size 3	Size 4
Goals	12ft x 6ft	16ft x 7ft
Max match / day	50 / 90 minutes