What game format do U6 to U9 use, and how many players are on the field?

Canada Soccer's Grassroots Standards group these ages in two stages (Fundamentals):

• U6-U7: 3v3 (no goalkeeper is listed).
• U8-U9: 4v4 with no goalkeeper, or 5v5 with a goalkeeper.

Younger players (U4-U6) in the Active Start stage play informal games. Smaller formats give each child more touches on the ball. The standards say they become mandatory for all member organizations (clubs, academies, districts/regions, leagues) in Canada in advance of the 2026 playing season; a member organization that cannot meet them can apply to its Provincial/Territorial Member Association for a special dispensation.

Source: Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards (https://canadasoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-CS-GrassrootsStandards-EN_final91.pdf)