How do 5v5 games work for Under 8s?
Rule- England
- England Football
- Mini-soccer
- Under 7
- Under 8
- 3v3
- 5v5
- FutureFit
- 2026/27
- Parents
Under 8s play up to 5v5, including a goalkeeper, with a referee.
| Under 8 (5v5) | |
|---|---|
| Match length | Up to 40 minutes (2 x 20, or quarters); half-time no more than 5 minutes |
| Pitch | Up to 37 x 27 m (minimum 27 x 18 m) |
| Goals | 12ft x 6ft |
| Ball | Size 3 |
| Minimum players to start | 4 |
Key rules
- No offside.
- Pass-in or dribble-in instead of throw-ins. Opponents stand 5 yards away and a goal can't be scored directly from it.
- Retreat line: at a goal kick, the team without the ball must go back into its own half until the ball is in play.
- Back-pass rule: the goalkeeper can't pick up a ball deliberately kicked to them by a team-mate.
- No deliberate heading (indirect free kick).
- Free kicks are direct (except for heading), with opponents 5 yards away. Penalties are awarded for fouls in the penalty area.
- Power Play (optional, if the league uses it): a team losing by 4 goals can add a sixth player, and a seventh if 6 behind. Players come off again as the gap closes.
Leagues can set shorter match times, up to the maximum. Smaller games such as 4v4 are also allowed.
Added 21 Oct 2026