Under-11 football rules: 7v7
Under-11 changes more than any other age group in 2026-27. Last season under-11s played 9v9 with heading allowed; now they play 7v7, and they're the newest age group in The FA's heading ban. Here's the full picture.
By Squadcard. Last updated .
In short
- Under-11s (school Year 6) play 7v7 from 2026-27; before that, under-11s played 9v9.
- Deliberate heading is out at under-11 from 2026-27, the last stage of The FA's phase-out.
- Games last up to 50 minutes on a 55 by 37 metre pitch, goals 12 by 6 feet, a size 3 ball.
- Sideline restarts are throw-ins at under-11, not pass-ins.
- No offside; the retreat line applies; rolling substitutes.
Two big changes this season
- Format: 7v7 instead of 9v9. England Football's FutureFit changes play each format a year later, so 9v9 now starts at under-12.
- Heading: The FA has phased deliberate heading out of grassroots matches one age at a time: under-7 to under-9 from 2024-25, under-10 from 2025-26 and under-11 from 2026-27. A deliberate header is an indirect free kick, taken where it happened; inside the player's own penalty area, it's taken from the edge of the area. No card, unless it's persistent. Everything else that changed this season is in new football rules for 2026/27.
The format
- Who: under-11s, which in England is school Year 6, the last year of primary school.
- Players: seven a side, including a goalkeeper. 7v7 is the maximum.
- 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
- Sideline restarts: throw-ins, the first age group to take them. See our throw-in rules.
- Offside: none.
- 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. Next season brings 9v9, offside and heading: see the under-12 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-11 football 7v7 or 9v9?
7v7 in England from the 2026-27 season. Under-11s used to play 9v9, but 9v9 now starts at under-12.
Can under-11s head the ball?
No, not from 2026-27. Under-11 is the last age group added to The FA's ban on deliberate heading in grassroots matches. It's an indirect free kick.
How long is an under-11 football match?
Up to 50 minutes, according to England Football's 7v7 guidance.
Do under-11s take throw-ins?
Yes. Under-11 is the first age group to take throw-ins; under-10s use pass-ins or dribble-ins.
Is there offside in under-11 football?
No. Offside comes in at 9v9, from under-12.