What format do Under 12s and Under 13s play in 2026/27?
Rule- England
- England Football
- Youth football
- 9v9
- Under 12
- Under 13
- 2026/27
- Coaches
Under The FA's FutureFit changes, which took effect from the start of the 2026/27 season, the Standard Code of Rules sets 9v9 as the maximum format for both Under 12 (Year 7) and Under 13 (Year 8). 11v11 now starts at Under 14.
| Age group | Max format |
|---|---|
| Under 10-Under 11 | 7v7 |
| Under 12-Under 13 | 9v9 |
| Under 14 and up | 11v11 |
- These are maximums: players must not take part in a match with more players a side than their age group allows, but smaller formats are allowed.
- The change lines formats up with school years, so players move to 9v9 as they start secondary school.
- Under 13s who would previously have moved up to 11v11 now play a second season of 9v9.
Added 21 Oct 2026