What format does each age group play in 2026/27?

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From 2026/27 The FA's new youth formats (part of "FutureFit") apply to girls' and boys' football alike. These are the maximum formats in the FA Standard Code of Rules for Mini Soccer and Youth Football; leagues can play smaller formats. Age group Max format Ball Max match length Recommended goal Under 7 3v3 Size 3 10 min 4ft x 2.5ft Under 8, Under 9 5v5 Size 3 40 min 12ft x 6ft Under 10, Under 11 7v7 Size 3 50 min 12ft x 6ft Under 12, Under 13 9v9 Size 4 60 min 16ft x 7ft Under 14 11v11 Size 5 70 min 21ft x 7ft (24ft x 8ft allowed) Under 15 11v11 Size 5 70 min 24ft x 8ft (21ft x 7ft allowed) Under 16 11v11 Size 5 80 min 24ft x 8ft Under 17, Under 18 11v11 Size 5 90 min 24ft x 8ft Key differences by stage: Under 7 (3v3): no goalkeepers, no substitutes (everyone plays), no league tables or trophy events. Under 8 to Under 11: no league tables; up to three trophy events a season. Pass-ins or dribble-ins instead of throw-ins, a retreat line at goal kicks, no offside and no deliberate heading. Under 12 and up: throw-ins, offside and heading apply, and league tables are allowed. Your age group is based on your age on 31 August at the start of the season.

Age group	Max format	Ball	Max match length	Recommended goal
Under 7	3v3	Size 3	10 min	4ft x 2.5ft
Under 8, Under 9	5v5	Size 3	40 min	12ft x 6ft
Under 10, Under 11	7v7	Size 3	50 min	12ft x 6ft
Under 12, Under 13	9v9	Size 4	60 min	16ft x 7ft
Under 14	11v11	Size 5	70 min	21ft x 7ft (24ft x 8ft allowed)
Under 15	11v11