Under-12 football rules: 9v9
Under-12 is the year the game starts to look like proper football. From 2026-27, under-12s in England move to 9v9, and three things arrive at once: offside, heading and a bigger ball. Here's what they need to know.
By Squadcard. Last updated .
In short
- Under-12s (school Year 7) play 9v9 from 2026-27: eight outfield players and a goalkeeper.
- Offside comes in, heading is allowed again, and there's no retreat line.
- Games last up to 60 minutes, with rolling substitutes.
- Pitch 73 by 46 metres (at least 64 by 37), goals 16 by 7 feet, a size 4 ball.
- Sideline restarts are throw-ins.
What's new at under-12
- Offside: introduced at 9v9. Our offside rule guide explains it in plain words.
- Heading: allowed again. The FA's phase-out stops at under-11, and heading comes back at under-12.
- No retreat line: at goal kicks the other team can press straight away.
- Bigger everything: a size 4 ball, goals 16 by 7 feet, and a pitch 73 metres long.
The format
- Who: under-12s, which in England is school Year 7, the first year of secondary school.
- Players: nine a side, including a goalkeeper.
- Game length: up to 60 minutes.
- Substitutes: rolling, every player at least half the game as best practice.
- Pitch: 73 by 46 metres recommended (also the maximum), at least 64 by 37 metres.
- Goals: 16 by 7 feet. Ball: size 4.
- Sideline restarts: throw-ins (see throw-in rules).
Shapes and more
Nine a side suits a back three or four: draw it on the 9-a-side lineup builder, and see the 9-a-side football rules for adult 9v9 too. The 9-a-side pitch size guide has every marking.
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-13 is the same format, the last year before 11v11: see the under-13 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-12 football 9v9?
Yes. In England from the 2026-27 season, under-12s and under-13s play 9v9 on matchday.
Is there offside in under-12 football?
Yes. Offside is introduced at 9v9, so under-12 is the first age group to play it.
Can under-12s head the ball?
Yes. The FA's ban on deliberate heading goes up to under-11, and heading is reintroduced at under-12.
How long is an under-12 football match?
Up to 60 minutes, according to England Football's 9v9 guidance.
What size ball do under-12s use?
A size 4 ball.