Under-13 football rules: 9v9
Under-13s in England played 11v11 until last season. From 2026-27 they don't: FutureFit moves 11-a-side to under-14, so under-13 is a second year of 9v9 and the last year before the full-size game. Here's what applies.
By Squadcard. Last updated .
In short
- Under-13s (school Year 8) play 9v9 from 2026-27; before that, under-13s played 11v11.
- 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.
- Offside and heading apply; throw-ins on the sideline; no retreat line.
- 11v11 starts next season, at under-14, on an 82 by 50 metre pitch with 21 by 7 foot goals.
Why under-13s stay at 9v9
England Football's FutureFit changes, from 2026-27, play each format a year later: 3v3 for under-7s, 5v5 for under-8s and under-9s, 7v7 for under-10s and under-11s, 9v9 for under-12s and under-13s, and 11v11 from under-14. So under-13s get a second 9v9 season instead of jumping to the full-size pitch.
The format
- Who: under-13s, which in England is school Year 8.
- 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.
- Offside: yes (offside rule). Heading: allowed. Retreat line: no. Sideline restarts: throw-ins.
Getting ready for 11v11
At under-14 (school Year 9) the game goes to 11v11: an 82 by 50 metre pitch recommended, goals 21 by 7 feet and a size 5 ball. The 11-a-side pitch size and football positions guides show what's coming, and the 11-a-side lineup builder draws the shape.
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. Before this came under-12, the first 9v9 year.
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-13 football 11-a-side?
No. In England from the 2026-27 season, under-13s play 9v9. They used to play 11v11 (11-a-side), but 11v11 now starts at under-14.
How long is an under-13 football match?
Up to 60 minutes, according to England Football's 9v9 guidance.
What size ball do under-13s use?
A size 4 ball. Size 5 comes in with 11v11 at under-14.
Is there offside in under-13 football?
Yes. Offside applies in 9v9.
When do children start playing 11-a-side?
In England, at under-14 from the 2026-27 season.