How do the Laws of the Game change for youth matches in 2026/27?
Rule- England
- England Football
- Youth football
- Mini-soccer
- Under 7-Under 18
- Laws of the Game
- 2026/27
- Referees
Youth matches follow the IFAB Laws of the Game, except that mini-soccer follows The FA's Mini-Soccer Handbook and 9v9 follows The FA's Guide to 9v9 Football. The FA's Standard Code of Rules (2026/27, after the FutureFit changes) sets these by age group:
| U7 | U8-U9 | U10-U11 | U12-U13 | U14+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max format | 3v3 | 5v5 | 7v7 | 9v9 | 11v11 |
| Ball | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Referee | No (facilitator) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Goalkeeper | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offside | No | No | No |
Added 21 Oct 2026