When does my child's team move up to 9-a-side or 11-a-side?
Rule- Scotland
- Scottish FA
- Scottish Youth FA
- Player Journey
- Small-sided games
- Born 2014-2020
- Ages 6-12
- 2026
- Parents
The Scottish FA's 2026 rules set fixed dates for moving up:
- 7v7 to 9v9 (born 2015): no earlier than 1 June 2026. Teams must finish their 7-a-side fixtures first. 9v9 then runs from June 2026 to May 2027.
- 9v9 to 11v11 (born 2014): no earlier than 1 May 2026. Teams must finish their scheduled 9-a-side fixtures. Fixtures can't be cancelled to move up early, and teams can't turn a 9s fixture into an 11v11 match.
Before playing 11-a-side, the club must meet Rule 22 of the SYFA Supplementary and Playing Rules. Every team playing 11-a-side from August 2026 needs at least one coach with the Scottish FA Level 1.2 Youth/Adult Coaching Certificate. Children's Pathway coaching qualifications don't count at 11-a-side.
Before league fixtures start, teams playing friendly matches need a permit from the Scottish Youth FA.
Added 21 Oct 2026