Explore our Football Size Guide to find the right ball size, pitch dimensions, and goal specifications for every age and level. Learn official standards for youth, amateur, and pro play to make sure your gear matches your game.

Football Size Guide: Sizes for Footballs, Goals, and Pitches Explained

In school football, using the right sizes for balls, goals and pitches helps players develop skills safely and fairly. As students move through different age groups, the equipment and playing areas gradually increase in size, leading up to the full-size balls, goals and pitches used at under-18 level. This guide brings together the key measurements in one place so teachers, coaches and organisers can set up training and matches with confidence.

Football Ball Sizes

Choosing the right equipment starts with knowing how school year groups line up with youth football age groups. This section makes it easy to see which teams fall into each bracket and which football ball sizes they should be using. By matching age groups with the correct gear, schools can set up training and matches that are safe, enjoyable and in line with national guidelines.

The size chart below shows the official football sizes and age ranges to help you pick the perfect match for your pupils.

Football size guide for schools and PE teachers showing Size 2 football for ages 3–6, Size 3 football for ages 6–9, Size 4 football for ages 9–14, and Size 5 football for ages 14+. Helps educators choose the right ball for age and skill level.

Size 3 Football - U7–U9 (Years 2, 3 & 4)

A Size 3 football is the ideal choice for young players in the Under-7 to Under-9 football age groups. This smaller, lightweight football helps children in Years 2, 3, and 4 develop their ball control, passing, and dribbling skills. The Size 3 football is the recommended football size for 7s, 8s, and 9s, making it perfect for junior training sessions and early match play.

Size 4 Football - U10–U14 (Years 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9)

A Size 4 football is the recommended ball for players in the Under-10 to Under-14 age groups. Slightly larger and heavier than a Size 3, this mid-size football suits growing players in Years 5 to 9 who are developing power, control, and technique. The Size 4 football helps bridge the gap between junior and full-size play, preparing young footballers for the transition to Size 5 match balls.

Size 5 Football - U15–U18 (Years 10, 11, 12 & 13)

A Size 5 football is the official full-size football used in all adult and professional matches. It’s designed for players in the Under-15 to Under-18 age groups, as well as senior-level football. This full-size match ball is perfect for older teens in Years 10 to 13, offering the standard weight and circumference required for competitive play. The Size 5 football helps players adapt to the demands of adult football with improved control, power, and precision.

Ball size recommendations are based on The FA guidelines (The FA, n.d.).

Browse Our Range of Footballs

Now that you know the correct football ball sizes for each age group, you can browse our full range of Mitre footballs here.

We even colour-code our white footballs by size, making it easier for coaches and teachers to choose the right ball for training and matches.

Picture of each colour variant – Mitre footballs in all colors school football.

Yellow ball – Yellow Mitre football school football.

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Mitre Impel Evo Football

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Mitre Impel Lite Football

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Football Goals, Pitch Sizes & Team Formats

Just like football sizes, goal dimensions and pitch sizes should match the age and stage of the players. Using the appropriate goal size, pitch dimensions, and match format helps young footballers develop skills, build confidence, and enjoy the game in a realistic and manageable environment. This guide outlines the FA-recommended goal sizes, pitch measurements, and team formats for each age group, ensuring training sessions and matches are safe, fun, and developmentally appropriate from mini-soccer through to full 11-a-side football.

The guide below outlines the recommended football goal, pitch, and team sizes for each school year and age group, helping you choose the right setup for your pupils.

Illustrated guide showing football pitch dimensions for schools, including goalpost sizes for age groups, pitch markings, and layout tips. Designed to help PE teachers choose appropriate equipment and set up pitches for different school levels.

Year 2-3 (U7-U8) – 5-a-Side Football

Recommended Goal Size: 12ft x 6ft

Pitch Size: 40yd x 30yd

For U7–U8 football, matches are played in a 5-a-side format using 12ft x 6ft goals on a 40 by 30-yard pitch. This smaller setup helps young players in Years 2 and 3 focus on basic ball control, passing, and teamwork. The reduced football pitch size and goal dimensions ensure a more enjoyable learning environment, promoting confidence and skill development at an early age. Following FA-recommended 5-a-side football pitch sizes also helps coaches create fun, structured sessions for mini-soccer teams.

Year 4-5 (U9-U10) – 7-a-Side Football

Recommended Goal Size: 12ft x 6ft

Pitch Size: 60yd x 40yd

For U9–U10 football, the game moves up to the 7-a-side format, still using 12ft x 6ft goals but on a larger 60 by 40-yard pitch. This step up from 5-a-side allows players in Years 4 and 5 to experience more space and tactical play while continuing to develop control and teamwork. The FA-recommended 7-a-side football pitch size gives young players a smooth transition between mini-soccer and the next stages of youth football. Keeping the same goal size ensures familiarity while introducing wider passing, positioning, and match awareness.

Year 6-7 (U11-U12) – 9-a-Side Football

Recommended Goal Size: 16ft x 7ft

Pitch Size: 80yd x 50yd

At U11–U12 level, players move into 9-a-side football with 16ft x 7ft goals on an 80 by 50-yard pitch. This FA-recommended 9-a-side format bridges the gap between mini-soccer and full-size 11-a-side matches, helping players in Years 6 and 7 adapt to larger spaces and more complex game situations. The increased pitch size encourages positional awareness, longer passes, and tactical teamwork, while the goal size remains suitable for developing goalkeepers and outfield players as they build towards the full game.

Year 8–9 (U13–U14) – 11-a-Side Football

Recommended Goal Size: 21ft x 7ft

Pitch Size: 100yd x 60yd

From U13 to U14, players move into the full 11-a-side format, using 21ft x 7ft goals on a 100 by 60-yard football pitch. This marks an important step in youth football, as players in Years 8 and 9 adapt to the size, shape, and demands of the full game. The FA-recommended 11-a-side football pitch size encourages realistic match play, improved stamina, and tactical awareness. With the larger goal size and wider pitch, players experience the same setup used in senior football, helping prepare them for U15s and beyond.

Year 10–11 (U15–U16) – 11-a-Side Football

Recommended Goal Size: 24ft x 8ft (full size)

Pitch Size: 110yd x 70yd

At U15–U16 level, players use the full-size 11-a-side football pitch with 24ft x 8ft goals, the same dimensions used in senior and professional matches. This stage represents the complete transition into adult football, with FA-recommended pitch sizes that challenge players in Years 10 and 11 to apply advanced tactics, positioning, and teamwork. The larger football pitch size promotes realistic match conditions, greater physical development, and the ability to manage space effectively — all key skills for progression into older youth and adult teams.

Year 12–13 (U17–U18) – 11-a-Side Football

Recommended Goal Size: 24ft x 8ft (full size)

Pitch Size: 110yd x 70yd

At U17–U18 level, players compete on a full-size 11-a-side football pitch using 24ft x 8ft goals, identical to adult and professional standards. This stage represents the peak of youth football, preparing players in Years 12 and 13 for senior-level competition. The FA-recommended football pitch size and goal dimensions provide a true match-day experience, helping players refine their technical ability, tactical understanding, and physical performance. Playing on a full-size pitch ensures a seamless transition into adult football leagues and development pathways.

All sizes and formats shown are the maximum allowed.

Goal, pitch, & team size recommendations are based on The FA guidelines (The FA, n.d.).

Browse Our Range of Football Coaching Equipment

Explore our range of portable and free-standing football goals here — perfect for training sessions, schools, and youth teams of all ages.

For everything else you need to coach, train, and teach football effectively, browse our wide selection of coaching equipment, including cones, markers, and training aids here.

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Samba uPVC Trainer Goal

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Mitre Impel Club Football Pack

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By following these recommended football ball sizes, goal dimensions, pitch measurements, and team formats, you can ensure every match and training session is safe, enjoyable, and developmentally appropriate. Whether you’re equipping a youth team, school class, or coaching session, our range of footballs, goals, and training equipment provides everything you need to support players at every stage.

References:

The FA. (n.d.) An at-a-glance guide to junior football [PDF]. The Football Association. Available at: https://www.thefa.com/-/media/cfa/northridingfa/files/safeguarding-and-welfare/121022-rulesperagegroups.ashx?la=en (Accessed: 29 September 2025).

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