Youth Football Clubs
Looking for football for your child? Thousands of grassroots clubs across England run youth sections for boys and girls aged 5 to 18. Find a club near you and get them started in the beautiful game.
How to Find a Youth Football Club
Search by Location
Use our club directory to find football clubs in your area. Most non-league and grassroots clubs run youth sections alongside their senior teams.
Find clubs near youContact Your County FA
Your County FA maintains a register of all affiliated youth clubs and leagues. They can recommend clubs accepting new players at your child's age group.
Grassroots football guideAsk at School
Many youth clubs have links with local schools. School PE teachers and after-school football clubs often know which grassroots clubs are best for beginners.
Browse all clubsYouth Football Age Groups
Youth football in England is organised by age group, with different formats for each stage. The FA sets the rules for pitch sizes, team sizes and match durations at each level.
Under 7s (Mini Soccer)
5v5 on small pitches. First introduction to team football — up from 4 players per side.
Under 8s & 9s
5v5 to 7v7. Rolling subs, smaller goals, no league tables (results are informal).
Under 10s & 11s
7v7 format. Slightly bigger pitches and goals. Some leagues begin recording results.
Under 12s & 13s
9v9 on medium pitches. Transition phase before full 11-a-side.
Under 14s to 16s
Full 11-a-side football. More tactical, more competitive. County cups and league structures.
Under 17s & 18s
Adult-size pitches and laws. Final youth stage before moving into open-age football.
Choosing the Right Club
Not all youth football clubs are the same. Here's what to look for when choosing a club for your child:
- FA Charter Standard. Look for clubs with FA Charter Standard status — this means they meet the FA's minimum standards for safeguarding, coaching qualifications, and club management.
- Qualified coaches. All youth coaches should hold at least an FA Level 1 coaching badge and a current DBS check. Ask the club about their coaching credentials.
- Fun over results. For younger children (under 10s), the focus should be on enjoyment, skill development and making friends — not winning. Good clubs prioritise player development over league positions.
- Playing time. Does the club guarantee every player gets match time? At grassroots level, all children should play regardless of ability.
- Location and schedule. Training is usually one or two evenings per week, with matches on Saturdays or Sundays. Choose a club that's practical for your family's routine.
- Trial sessions. Most clubs offer free trial sessions so your child can try before committing. It's also a chance for you to assess the coaching quality and club culture.
Youth Football by City
Browse football clubs in your nearest city.
Youth Football Costs
Youth football is affordable, but costs vary by club and region.
Girls' Football
Girls' football is the fastest-growing participation sport in England. The FA has invested heavily in getting more girls playing, with the Wildcats programme providing free introductory sessions for girls aged 5–11 who have never played before.
Most grassroots clubs now run dedicated girls' teams alongside their boys' sections. Girls can also play in mixed teams up to and including under-18s, though dedicated girls' leagues are increasingly common from under-12 level upwards.
To find girls' football near you, browse our women's and girls' club directory or contact your local County FA.
Safeguarding in Youth Football
The safety of children in football is paramount. All FA-affiliated clubs must have a designated Club Welfare Officer, and all adults working with children must hold a valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
If you have concerns about a child's welfare in football, contact the FA Safeguarding team on 0800 169 1863 or email safeguarding@thefa.com. You can also contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.