Under-10 football rules: 7v7
Under-10 is the step up to 7v7 in England from the 2026-27 season: two more players a side, a pitch half as long again, and longer games. The goals and the ball stay the same as 5v5. Here's what changes.
By Squadcard. Last updated .
In short
- Under-10s (school Year 5) play 7v7 from 2026-27: six outfield players and a goalkeeper.
- Games last up to 50 minutes, with rolling substitutes.
- Pitch 55 by 37 metres (at least 46 by 27), goals still 12 by 6 feet, a size 3 ball.
- No offside and no heading; sideline restarts are still a pass-in or dribble-in.
- The retreat line applies, and the power play is allowed.
What's new at under-10
Seven a side means a real shape: England Football's examples are a 1-2-3-1 and a 1-3-2-1 (the 1 is the keeper). The pitch grows from 37 to 55 metres long, and games from 40 to 50 minutes. The goals stay 12 by 6 feet and the ball stays a size 3, so the keeper's job gets harder, not the target smaller. Draw the shapes on our 7-a-side lineup builder.
The format
- Who: under-10s, which in England is school Year 5.
- Players: seven a side, including a goalkeeper. 7v7 is the maximum; leagues can play smaller.
- Game length: up to 50 minutes.
- Substitutes: rolling, every player at least half the game as best practice.
- Pitch: 55 by 37 metres recommended (also the maximum), at least 46 by 27 metres.
- Goals: 12 by 6 feet. Ball: size 3.
The rules on the pitch
- Offside: none.
- Heading: not allowed. Under-10s have been in The FA's heading ban since 2025-26.
- Sideline restarts: a pass-in or a dribble-in at under-10. Throw-ins start at under-11.
- Retreat line: yes, at goal kicks.
- Power play: allowed.
Outside England
These are England's grassroots formats. Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and other countries set their own, and leagues can play smaller formats than these, so check your league's handbook. Under-11 is the same format with throw-ins: see the under-11 rules.
A game for the grown-ups
Coaches and parents who play themselves can have their own weekly game too. Squadcard runs it: who's in from a link in the group chat, fair teams, and ratings from your mates after every game. Starting from nothing? See how to start a 5-a-side group.
Start a squadQuestions
Is under-10 football 7v7?
Yes. In England from the 2026-27 season, under-10s and under-11s play 7v7 on matchday.
How long is an under-10 football match?
Up to 50 minutes, according to England Football's 7v7 guidance.
Is there offside in under-10 football?
No. Offside doesn't apply at 7v7; it comes in at 9v9, from under-12.
Do under-10s take throw-ins?
No. At under-10, sideline restarts are a pass-in or a dribble-in. Throw-ins start at under-11.
What size goals do under-10s use?
12 by 6 feet, the same as 5v5.