What format, pitch, goals and ball does each age group use?

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Accepted Answer

These are the FAW 2026/27 maximum formats. Leagues can offer smaller formats too. Age group (school year) Format Goalkeeper Max pitch Goals Ball Under 6-Under 7 (Years 1-2) 4v4 No, no goal area 28 x 20 yards 3-4ft high x 4-6ft wide (pop-up goals allowed) Size 3 Under 8-Under 9 (Years 3-4) 5v5 Yes, 7 x 12 yard goal area 35 x 25 yards 4 x 8ft Size 3 Under 10-Under 11 (Years 5-6) 7v7 Yes, 10 x 15 yard goal area 44 x 40 yards 6 x 12ft Size 4 Under 12 (Year 7) 9v9 Yes 64 x 44 yards 7 x 16ft Size 4 Under 13 (Year 8) 9v9 Yes 76 yards long, 44-54 yards wide 7 x 16ft Size 4 9v9 penalty areas are 28 yards wide and 12 yards deep, with the penalty spot 9 yards out. An 11v11 pitch can be adapted for 9v9 by playing between the penalty boxes and across the width of the penalty area. Pitches may vary by up to 5 yards in length or width when a venue can't fit the exact size. Mark pitches with lines, marker discs or small cones. Domed cones must not be used. Kit: shin guards covered by socks (the FAW doesn't recommend "mini" shin pads), footwear suited to the surface, and no jewellery.

Age group (school year)	Format	Goalkeeper	Max pitch	Goals	Ball
Under 6-Under 7 (Years 1-2)	4v4	No, no goal area	28 x 20 yards	3-4ft high x 4-6ft wide (pop-up goals allowed)	Size 3
Under 8-Under 9 (Years 3-4)	5v5	Yes, 7 x 12 yard goal area	35 x 25 yards	4 x 8ft	Size 3
Under 10-Under 11 (Years 5-6)	7v7	Yes, 10 x 15 yard goal area	44 x 40 yards	6 x 12ft	Size 4
Under 12 (Year 7)	9v9	Yes	64 x 44 yards	7 x 16ft	Size 4
Under 13 (Year 8)	9v9	Yes