So, you’re a soccer player or a busy parent, and you’re wondering how long U14 soccer games are. Well, we’re here to tell you that the answer is… it depends!
The length of U14 soccer games can vary depending on a few factors, like the level of competition, the rules of the league, and even the weather! But in general, the game time for U14 soccer matches is 70 minutes, with two 35-minute halves and a 10-minute half-time break.
We know—that’s a long time! But don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the length of U14 soccer games. We’re going to go through them as well in this article just to help you out.
After reading this short guide, you’ll be well on your way to playing your best in U14 soccer games, no matter how long they are!
Table of Contents
How Long Are U14 Soccer Games?
U14 soccer matches are 70 minutes of game time, with two 35-minute halves and a 10-minute half-time break.
This is 10 minutes longer than U13 soccer games, and 20 minutes shorter than adult soccer games.
The extra 10 minutes in U14 soccer games is to allow for the physical development of the players. At this age, players are still growing and developing, and they need additional time to rest and recover.
U14 soccer games can also be affected by the level of competition, the rules of the league, and the weather.
For example, professional matches may be longer with more extra time, and games played in hot weather may have shorter halves.
Length of Soccer Games By Age.
What Are the Different Factors That Can Affect the Length of a U14 Soccer Game?
As we know, a number of factors can affect the length of a soccer game and result in game cancellations or delays. These include:
External Factors
- Weather conditions, such as extreme heat or lightning.
- Poor field conditions, like a waterlogged or frozen pitch.
- Referees have the authority to halt or suspend a game if they believe the conditions are unsafe.
Internal Factors
- Injuries can occur during the course of a game, which may result in additional stoppage time being added to the end of each half.
- Other stoppages in play, such as a substitution or a yellow card, can also impact game duration.
- Referees are responsible for determining the amount of extra time to add after each half due to the reasons above.
That said, players and coaches need to be mentally and physically prepared to play for the full duration of the game and extra time if need be.
Plus, referees can ensure that the actual game is played safely and fairly by accounting for these factors in their decision-making.
What Are the Rules for Stoppage Time in U14 Soccer Games?
In U14 soccer games, the referee adds stoppage time to the end of each half to account for any time lost due to injuries, substitutions, or other stoppages in play.
The amount of stoppage time added is at the discretion of the referee, but it’s typically between 1 and 5 minutes per half.
You already know that the referee keeps track of stoppage time by using a stopwatch.
When the referee blows the whistle to signal the end of the half, they’ll also signal the amount of stoppage time that has been added.
What Happens if a U14 Soccer Game Is Tied After Regulation Time?
If a U14 soccer game is tied after regulation time, there are a few things that can happen:
- The game can end in a tie.
- The game can go into extra time, which is two 15-minute halves.
- The game can go to penalty kicks, which is a series of kicks taken by each team from the penalty spot until a team scores.
The decision of whether to go into extra time or take penalty kicks is made by the referee—in consultation with the two coaches, of course.
Tips for Players Playing Youth Soccer Games
Here are a few tips for young soccer players to prepare better for U14 soccer games:
- Get in shape. This means running, swimming, biking, or whatever you enjoy doing to get your heart rate up. It also means eating healthy and getting enough sleep.
- Train for endurance. Do exercises that help you run for long periods of time and increase your skill level, like long-distance running or interval training.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after games. It helps reduce the chance of injury too.
- Take additional breaks when you need them. If you need to take a break during a game, do it! It’s better to take a short break than to get injured.
- Stay positive and motivated. The longer the game, the more important it is to stay positive and motivated.
The Final Score
U14 soccer games are typically 70 minutes long, with two 35-minute halves and a 10-minute half-time break.
The length of the game can be affected by factors such as weather conditions, field conditions, injuries, and stoppages in play. It might end in a tie or a penalty shootout—you never know!
Most importantly though, have fun! Playing soccer is a great way to stay active and healthy, so enjoy the game!
Want to read more about kid soccer? Check out this article next.
