Football Size Guide banner showing different ball sizes for youth and adult players, helping schools and PE teachers choose the right football for each age group.

Top banner for the Football Size Guide featuring footballs in multiple sizes to help coaches, teachers and players find the correct match and training ball.

Football Size Guide header image displaying a range of football sizes designed to support schools, clubs and PE staff in selecting the right ball for every age.

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.

Looking for some quick answers to common football questions?

From choosing the right ball, goal, or pitch size to understanding the basics of the game, we’ve pulled together answers to the questions we hear most. If you’re looking for quick, straightforward guidance, you’ll find it here.

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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.

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Puma Vitoria Football

£8.00

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Puma Orbita 5 Football

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Puma Orbita 2 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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Puma Vitoria Footballs - Pack of 10

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Key Stage 1 Skills Bundle

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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.

FAQs

What size football for schools?

Football sizes in schools are determined by age, school year, and key stage, as shown in the size guide above.

In general:

Size 2 – EYFS–Year 1 (ages 4–6)
Size 3 – Year 2–Year 4 (ages 6–9)
Size 4 – Year 5–Year 9 (ages 9–14)
Size 5 – Year 10+ (ages 14+)

These size recommendations follow FA guidance and ensure pupils are using a ball that is appropriate for their development, ability, and match format.

For a full breakdown by Key Stage, year group, and team age, refer to the table above.

How long is a football match?

A standard football match lasts 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves. In schools, match length is usually shortened depending on age and lesson time, often ranging from 20–60 minutes in total.

To access more in-depth information on the FA's recommended game length by age group, you can click here (The FA, n.d. B)

How many players are on the pitch in school football?

The number of players on the pitch in school football varies by age group and format, with smaller team sizes used for younger pupils to support skill development and game understanding.

In line with FA guidance:

EYFS–Year 2 – 3v3
Year 3–Year 4 – 5v5
Year 5–Year 6 – 7v7
Year 7–Year 8 – 9v9
Year 9+ – 11v11

This progressive increase in team size helps pupils build confidence, spatial awareness, and tactical understanding as they move through school.

3v3 football is a more recent introduction to the grassroots game, designed to maximise time on the ball and encourage greater involvement for every player. You can find out more about 3v3 football here.

What size is a football pitch?

Football pitch sizes in schools vary depending on the age group and format being played, with smaller pitches used for younger players to support skill development.

Based on FA guidelines:

EYFS–Year 2 (3v3) – approx. 15 x 10 yards

Year 3–Year 4 (5v5) – approx. 37 x 27 yards

Year 5–Year 6 (7v7) – approx. 55 x 37 yards

Year 7–Year 8 (9v9) – approx. 73 x 46 yards

Year 9+ (11v11) – from approx. 82 x 50 yards up to 100 x 64 yards

As pupils progress through school, both the pitch size and number of players increase, helping to develop spatial awareness, fitness, and tactical understanding.

For a full breakdown by year group, team size, and goal dimensions, refer to the table above.

What size goal is used in school football?

Goal sizes in school football vary depending on the age group and format, with smaller goals used for younger pupils to support development and enjoyment.

Based on FA guidance:

EYFS–Year 2 (3v3) – 4ft x 2.5ft
Year 3–Year 4 (5v5) – 12ft x 6ft
Year 5–Year 6 (7v7) – 12ft x 6ft
Year 7–Year 8 (9v9) – 16ft x 7ft
Year 9+ (11v11) – 21ft x 7ft (Year 9), progressing to 24ft x 8ft (Year 10+)

Using the correct goal size helps ensure matches are age-appropriate, safe, and engaging for all players. For a full breakdown, refer to the table above.

What equipment do you need to play football in schools?

Basic football equipment for schools includes:

Footballs (age-appropriate sizes)
Goals and nets
Cones or markers for pitches and drills
Bibs for team identification
A pump and needle for inflating balls

Additional items like agility equipment or rebounders can help support skills development in PE lessons.

What size goal is used in school football?

Goal sizes in school football vary depending on the age group and format, with smaller goals used for younger pupils to support development and enjoyment.

Based on FA guidance:

EYFS–Year 2 (3v3) – 4ft x 2.5ft
Year 3–Year 4 (5v5) – 12ft x 6ft
Year 5–Year 6 (7v7) – 12ft x 6ft
Year 7–Year 8 (9v9) – 16ft x 7ft
Year 9+ (11v11) – 21ft x 7ft (Year 9), progressing to 24ft x 8ft (Year 10+)

Using the correct goal size helps ensure matches are age-appropriate, safe, and engaging for all players. For a full breakdown, refer to the table above.

What is the correct football size for KS1 and KS2?

Football sizes for KS1 and KS2 are designed to suit younger players and support early skill development:

KS1 (Years 1–2) – Size 2–3
Lower KS2 (Years 3–4) – Size 3
Upper KS2 (Years 5–6) – Size 4

Using smaller, lighter footballs at these stages helps pupils improve control, passing, and confidence while learning the basics of the game.

What is the correct football size for KS3 and KS4?

As pupils move into secondary school, football sizes increase to prepare them for full match play:

KS3 (Years 7–9) – Size 4
KS4 (Years 10–11) – Size 5

This progression allows players to develop technique, strength, and match awareness using equipment that matches the standard adult game.

References:

England Football (n.d.) A closer look at 3v3. Available at: https://futurefit.englandfootball.com/futurefit/a-closer-look-at-3v3/index.html (Accessed: 15 May 2026).

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).

The FA (n.d. B) Play your part: All you need to know to create the environment where everyone can enjoy football. Available at: https://www.thefa.com/-/media/cfa/cheshirefa/files/facilities/play-your-part.ashx (Accessed: 15 May 2026).

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