Under-7 football rules: 3v3

From the 2026-27 season, under-7s in England play 3v3: three players a side, tiny goals, no goalkeepers and no referee. It's the newest format in the grassroots game and the biggest change for parents of the youngest players. Here's how it works.

By Squadcard. Last updated 23 October 2026.

In short

Under-7s (school Year 2) play 3v3 from 2026-27, with no goalkeepers, no substitutes and no referee.
Games last 6 to 10 minutes; children play several, for 30 to 40 minutes in all.
Pitch about 15 by 10 metres (at most 20 by 15), goals 4 by 2.5 feet, a size 3 ball.
No heading, no penalties and no offside; every restart is a pass-in or dribble-in.
It isn't competitive: teams can be mixed so everyone gets a game.

The format

Who: under-7s, which in England is school Year 2.
Players: three a side. If numbers are short, 2v2 or 3v2 is fine.
Goalkeepers: none. Substitutes: none, so everyone plays all the time.
Officials: no referee. One adult per pitch helps the children make their own decisions safely.
Competition: none. The under-7 game is non-competitive, and squads can be mixed to make enough teams.

Pitch, goals and ball

Pitch: 15 by 10 metres recommended, 20 by 15 metres at most, marked with cones or flat discs.
Up to four 3v3 pitches fit on one 5v5 pitch, and teams rotate round them after each game.
Goals: 120 by 75 centimetres (4 by 2.5 feet).
Ball: size 3.

Game length and the rules

Each game lasts 6 to 10 minutes. Children play several short games, adding up to 30 to 40 minutes of football.
Restarts: every restart, from the sideline, the goal line, a corner or a free kick, is a pass-in or a dribble-in. Opponents stand at least 3 metres away.
Goal line restarts: the other team retreats to its own half.
Scoring: a goal only counts if the shooter was in the opponents' half. After a goal, the team that conceded restarts from its goal line.
No heading, no penalty kicks and no offside.

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 they move up to 5v5: see the under-8 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 squad

Questions

Do under-7s play 3v3 or 5v5?

In England, under-7s play 3v3 from the 2026-27 season. 5v5 now starts at under-8.

How long is an under-7 football game?

Each 3v3 game lasts 6 to 10 minutes, and children play several games, adding up to 30 to 40 minutes.

Are there goalkeepers in under-7 football?

No. The 3v3 format has no goalkeepers and no substitutes, so everyone plays all the time.

What size goals do under-7s use?

120 by 75 centimetres, which is 4 by 2.5 feet.

Is there a referee in under-7 football?

No. One adult facilitator per pitch helps the children make their own decisions.