Under-9 football rules: 5v5
If you had an under-9 last season, they played 7v7. From 2026-27 they don't: England's FutureFit changes play each format a year later, so under-9s stay at 5v5 for a second year. Here's what that means and what the rules are.
By Squadcard. Last updated .
In short
- Under-9s (school Year 4) play 5v5 from 2026-27; before that, under-9s played 7v7.
- Games last up to 40 minutes, with goalkeepers, rolling substitutes and a referee.
- Pitch 37 by 27 metres (at least 27 by 18), goals 12 by 6 feet, a size 3 ball.
- No offside and no heading; sideline restarts are a pass-in or dribble-in.
- Next season they move to 7v7 at under-10.
Why under-9s stay at 5v5
England Football's FutureFit changes, from the start of the 2026-27 season, play each format one year later than before. England Football describes it as smaller formats played for longer, with restarts changed to keep the ball in play. So under-9s get a second year of 5v5 on the same pitch and goals as under-8, and 7v7 waits until under-10.
The format
- Who: under-9s, which in England is school Year 4.
- Players: five a side, including a goalkeeper. 5v5 is the maximum; leagues can play smaller.
- Game length: up to 40 minutes.
- Substitutes: rolling, with every player getting at least half the game as best practice.
- Pitch: 37 by 27 metres recommended (also the maximum), at least 27 by 18 metres.
- Goals: 12 by 6 feet. Ball: size 3.
The rules on the pitch
- Offside: none.
- Heading: not allowed; a deliberate header is an indirect free kick.
- Sideline restarts: a pass-in or a dribble-in, not a throw-in. Learn the real thing in our throw-in rules for later.
- Retreat line: the other team drops into its own half 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 it's 7v7 on a bigger pitch: see the under-10 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-9 football 5v5 or 7v7?
5v5 in England from the 2026-27 season. Under-9s used to play 7v7, but each format now starts a year later, so 7v7 begins at under-10.
How long is an under-9 football match?
Up to 40 minutes, according to England Football's 5v5 guidance.
How many players are in an under-9 football team?
Five on the pitch, including the goalkeeper, with rolling substitutes from the rest of the squad.
What size pitch do under-9s play on?
37 by 27 metres is recommended and the maximum; the minimum is 27 by 18 metres.
Do under-9s take throw-ins?
No. At 5v5, sideline restarts are a pass-in or a dribble-in.