Youth Football Guide — Everything You Need to Know
Youth football is where the love of the game begins. Whether your child has just kicked their first ball or is already training with a local club, this guide covers the age groups, rules, team sizes, safeguarding and how to find the right club.
Age Groups & Match Formats
The FA sets age-appropriate formats to ensure young players develop in the right environment. Pitch sizes, team sizes and match durations scale up as children grow.
| Age Group | Format | Pitch Size | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-7 / Under-8 | 5v5 | Mini (40×30 yards) | 20 min halves |
| Under-9 / Under-10 | 7v7 | Small (60×40 yards) | 25 min halves |
| Under-11 / Under-12 | 9v9 | Medium (80×50 yards) | 30 min halves |
| Under-13 / Under-14 | 11v11 | Full size (100×60 yards) | 35 min halves |
| Under-15 / Under-16 | 11v11 | Full size | 40 min halves |
| Under-17 / Under-18 | 11v11 | Full size | 45 min halves |
Safeguarding & Welfare
Every FA-affiliated youth club must have a designated Welfare Officer. All coaches and volunteers who have regular contact with children must hold:
- A valid Enhanced DBS check (renewed every 3 years)
- An FA Safeguarding Children workshop certificate
- An FA Emergency First Aid in Football certificate
Parents should ask to see these certificates. If a club cannot confirm their coaches are fully vetted, consider finding an alternative.
Finding a Youth Club
Finding the right club for your child is important. Here are some ways to search:
- County FA website — search your local County FA for affiliated clubs
- LeaguePages Club Directory — browse clubs by location, type and gender, or use our Youth Football Finder for age-specific searches
- School connections — teachers often know local youth teams
- Local leisure centres — many host football clubs and sessions
- Social media — Facebook groups often advertise youth trials and open sessions
Look for FA Charter Standard clubs — they meet higher standards for coaching, safeguarding and organisation. Most Charter Standard clubs display the FA logo on their kit and website.
What Does Youth Football Cost?
Costs vary by area and club, but a typical season for a youth player includes:
- Annual subs — £100–£300 per season (covers FA affiliation, league entry, insurance)
- Match fees — some clubs charge £3–£5 per match instead of or alongside subs
- Kit — £30–£60 for a full kit (shirt, shorts, socks). Some clubs provide this
- Boots — £20–£80 depending on brand (children outgrow them quickly!)
- Training top — £15–£25 (optional at most clubs)
Many clubs offer reduced fees for families with multiple children, and some County FAs run hardship funds. The FA's "Football for All" programme provides grants so no child is excluded due to cost.
The Player Development Pathway
For talented young players, the pathway from grassroots to professional football runs through several stages:
- Grassroots club — local Sunday/Saturday league team
- Development centre — County FA advanced coaching sessions
- Academy trial — professional club academies scout from U9 upwards
- Category 1–4 Academy — EPPP-rated professional club academy
- Scholarship (U16–U18) — full-time academy combined with education
- Professional contract — offered at 17 if progressing
Remember: only around 0.5% of academy players make it to professional level. Youth football should always prioritise enjoyment, fitness and social development above elite ambition.