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9-a-side football rules

9-a-side, or 9v9, is the step between small-sided and full 11-a-side football: a keeper and eight outfield players. In England it's the youth format for under-12s and under-13s from the 2026-27 season, and plenty of adults play it too.

By Squadcard. Last updated .

In short

  • Nine a side: a keeper and eight outfield players.
  • In England, U12s and U13s play 9v9 on matchday from the 2026-27 season.
  • Youth 9v9: a pitch of up to 73 by 46 metres, goals 16 by 7 feet, a size 4 ball and games of up to 60 minutes.
  • Offside applies, there's no retreat line, heading is allowed and subs are rolling.
  • Adult 9-a-side has no national rulebook: leagues and friends' games set their own.

Youth 9v9 in England

England Football's guidance for 9v9:

  • Age groups: from the 2026-27 season, U12s and U13s play 9v9 on matchday (see the under-12 and under-13 rules).
  • Pitch: 73 by 46 metres recommended (also the maximum), at least 64 by 37 metres.
  • Goals: 16 feet wide by 7 feet high.
  • Ball: size 4.
  • Match length: up to 60 minutes.
  • Offside: yes, it's introduced in 9v9. Retreat line: no.
  • Heading: allowed. Substitutes: rolling.

Adult 9-a-side

For adults there's no national 9-a-side rulebook, so leagues and venues set their own, usually close to 11-a-side: offside (sometimes only in the final third), throw-ins and normal penalty areas. In a friends' game agree three things before kick-off: offside or not, slide tackles or not, and how long you're playing.

Nine a side is 18 players, which is a lot to organise every week. The team generator splits them fairly, the lineup builder draws the shape, and the pitch sizes guide has the dimensions.

Draw a 9-a-side team

Questions

Is there offside in 9-a-side?

In youth 9v9 in England, yes: England Football's guidance says offside is introduced in 9v9. Adult 9-a-side leagues set their own rules, and most play offside.

What age is 9v9 football?

In England, from the 2026-27 season, U12s and U13s play 9v9 on matchday.

How long is a 9v9 game?

Up to 60 minutes for youth 9v9, according to England Football's guidance. Leagues set the exact length within that.

What size ball is used in 9v9?

A size 4 ball.

Sources (checked 23 October 2026)