Soccer Field Sizes By Age – Youth Soccer Field Dimensions.

From mini-pitches on small patch of grass to grandiose stadiums that host world-class tournaments, there are a wide variety of soccer field sizes on which to play the beautiful game.

Which size pitch you’ll play on doesn’t just depend on the league you’re in or the type of tournament you’re playing in; it also depends on your age.

Here’s a handy breakdown of soccer field sizes by age so you can stay on top of the rules!

Soccer field sizes by age.

Whether you are a seasoned player, a parent of a young soccer star or just a fan looking to catch a game, knowing the right dimensions of the field you’re playing on will help you strategize and make the most of every game.

Here are the FA approved pitch measurements for every age.

U7-U8 5-a-side pitch

Firstly, the 5-a-side soccer field is for the youngest players, aged U7-U8.

It should measure approximately 40 yards (36.5m) in length and 30 yards (27.5m) in width.

The field markings are similar to an 11-a-side soccer pitch, but reduced in size. A “D” shape marks the designated goalie area instead of a box.

The FA recommends that for 5-a-side games 12ft wide x 6ft high goals should be used for Under 7 and Under 8 football games and mini soccer.

This size is suitable for the little ones, as it’s small enough to allow them to learn the basics of the game without feeling intimidated or overwhelmed by the size of the field or goal.

It also encourages them to get more touches on the ball and develop their skills.

What surface is a 5 vs 5 soccer pitch?

5-a-side pitches are normally made of astroturf, 3G or 4G surfaces. So less muddy kits to wash but lots of black rubber bits getting everywhere!

What type of soccer cleats do you wear on a 5 vs 5 pitch?

On a 5 vs 5 pitch, the type of cleats you wear is crucial. Here you have two options.

Astros have small, rubber studs that are perfect for indoor courts or hard, dry surfaces.

Artificial Grass (AG) boots are equipped with longer, more durable studs that are designed to grip and support your feet on 3G or 4G pitches.

Whether you’re making quick moves or taking long strides, the right cleats will give you the traction and stability you need to dominate the game.

U8-U10 7-a-side pitch

Moving up a level, we have the 7-a-side soccer field, which is recommended for U8-U10 players.

This field should measure around 60 yards (55m) in length and 40 yards (36.5m) in width.

On this pitch you’ll see a penalty box and spot and sometimes a ‘D’ shape penalty arc too.

The goal posts sizes are usually around 12FT X 6FT (3.7M X 1.8M)

With slightly larger dimensions, it allows for more space for the little ones to run and play and helps them develop their skills such as dribbling, shooting, and passing.

What surface is a 7 vs 7 soccer pitch?

We’re part of a 7-a-side league here at Kit Queen and love the pace of this smaller sided game. These pitches can be 3G, 4G or grass.

What type of soccer cleats do you wear on a 7 vs 7 pitch?

For artificial grass, AG boots are the way to go. These boots are specifically designed to provide traction on synthetic surfaces, with small rubber studs that grip the turf.

But if you’re playing on natural grass too, you’ll want to look for MG multiground boots.

These have a mixture of conical and bladed studs, providing a balanced grip across a range of surfaces.

Whatever type of cleats you choose, make sure your soccer cleats fit properly and offer the support you need to stay comfortable and confident on the pitch. 

U11-U12 9-a-side pitch

For U11-U12 players, the 9-a-side soccer field is the pitch for you.

This field should measure approximately 80 yards (73.2m) in length and 55 yards (50.3m) in width.

This pitch comes with all the trimmings – a 5-yard goal box for the keeper to take goal kicks from, a penalty box, penalty spot and penalty arc too.

The goal posts sizes for this pitch are usually 16FT X 7FT (4.9M X 2.1M).

As the kids grow older, they need more space to run and more opportunities to execute and develop high-level skills.

The recommended field size should be able to challenge players of this age group and help them fine-tune their skills.

What surface is a 9 vs 9 soccer pitch?

We find the 9-a-side pitch feels a lot bigger in practice from 7-a-side! This pitch can be natural turf or artificial grass.

What type of soccer cleats do you wear on a 9 vs 9 pitch?

If you’re playing on artificial grass, AG boots are the way to go.

Their specialized studs are designed to provide the necessary traction on the unique surface.

If you play on both natural and artificial grass, multi-ground (MG) boots are versatile and can handle both surfaces.

If you only play on natural grass, firm ground (FG) or soft ground (SG) boots may be the best choice – depending on the weather!

Both offer different stud configurations that can cater to different field conditions.

U13-U19 11-a-side pitch

Lastly, for ages U13 and right up to adult age, the full-sized 11-a-side soccer field is recommended.

The recommended size for this field should be approximately 115 yards (105m) in length and 75 yards (68.5m) in width.

This pitch has all the markings of a 9-a-side pitch with one thing no other pitch has – or should we say four! An 11-a-side pitch comes with corner arcs!

The goal size for 11 vs 11 is 21FT X 7FT (6.4M X 2.1M) for ages U14, and 24FT X 8FT (7.3M X 2.4M) upward from that.

This size field allows for a more strategic game, encourages long-range shots and there would be more players on the field at the same time.

This size also provides ample space for players to execute plays and strategies efficiently while keeping the game fast-paced and exciting.

What surface is an 11 vs 11 soccer pitch?

You can get 11 vs 11 pitches in artificial turf, but most games are played on natural grass.

What type of soccer cleats do you wear on a 11 vs 11 pitch?

If you’re getting ready for an intense 11 vs 11 soccer game on a natural grass pitch, you’ll need the right footwear.

For this type of playing surface, FG (firm ground) or SG (soft ground) boots are your best bet.

FG cleats typically have molded studs that work well on most natural grass surfaces, while SG cleats feature longer, removable studs that provide greater grip on wet or muddy fields.

Make sure to keep an eye on the weather leading up to the game and adjust your choice of cleats accordingly!

Watch and learn: The soccer field and markings.

If you really want to geek out and learn more about the soccer field dimensions, or maybe you’re planning to mark out a field yourself, here’s a detailed video that shows you how.

Why are there different sized soccer fields?

The size of a soccer field depends on the age of the players and the level of competition.

Young children play on smaller fields to help them develop their skills and build confidence.

As players grow older and stronger, the field size increases to match their abilities.

And for professional players, the field must be regulation size so that they can showcase their talents and perform at their very best.

So, the next time you’re watching a soccer game, remember that the field size is not random, but rather a well-thought-out decision to cater to the skills and abilities of the players!

Why is a soccer field called a pitch?

Did you know that a soccer field is actually called a pitch?

Maybe you’ve never given it much thought, but the reason behind this name is actually pretty interesting.

Back in the 19th century, when soccer was just starting to gain popularity in England, teams would often play their games on cricket pitches.

This was because they were the only available fields that were the right size and shape for soccer games.

So, the name “pitch” just stuck, and now we still use it today.

The final score

Soccer is a great sport for all ages, and it’s important to ensure that everyone plays on a suitable field size for their age.

By following the recommended guidelines for field sizes, you can help your children enjoy the game while keeping them safe and allowing them to develop their skills.

Whether you’re a player, a parent, or a soccer fan, understanding the appropriate field sizes is crucial to make the game enjoyable for everyone.

So next time you’re setting up a soccer match, make sure to consult this blog post and get the perfect field size for your age group.