Under 11 Football Guide
Under 11 stays in 7v7 from 2026/27 with a Size 3 ball, rather than progressing to 9v9. The extra year in 7v7 builds technique and small-group tactical understanding before the step up to U12.
From 2026/27, U11 stays in 7v7 with a Size 3 ball, rather than moving up to 9v9. The extra year in 7v7 builds technical foundations before the step up.
U11 Overview
Player Development Focus
From 2026/27, U11 stays in the 7v7 format with a Size 3 ball, rather than moving to 9v9. The extra year in 7v7 gives players more time on the ball to refine technique, decision-making and small-group tactics before stepping up to the 9v9 game at U12. The focus is on building good habits with structured 7v7 patterns — awareness of positioning, spacing, and understanding transitions in a manageable game environment.
Game Information & Rules
Equipment & Safety
- Shin pads: Mandatory and must be fully covered by knee-high socks.
- Footwear: Appropriate footwear is required. No metal studs on artificial grass pitches (3G/4G/5G). Moulded studs or astro football boots are recommended.
- Clothing: For matches, players wear official team kit (shirt, shorts, socks). Goalkeepers must wear a different coloured kit for clear identification. For training, appropriate sportswear is acceptable. In adverse weather, players may layer appropriately, but hooded tops are not permitted during matches.
- Jewellery/watches: For safety/FA rules, all items of jewellery, including watches and earrings, must be removed before a match. Taping or covering jewellery is not an acceptable alternative.
Laws of the Game / Offside Rules
- No offside in 7v7 mini-soccer.
- Game restarts emphasise keeping the ball in play to maximise development time.
Substitutions
Roll-off/roll-on substitutions permitted, subject to referee permission. Players who have been substituted may re-enter.
Playing Time & Competition Limits
U11 players may play up to 80 minutes in a day during training or friendlies. Maximum permitted in competition: 120 minutes in a single day.
Competition Structure & Philosophy
Teams compete in league and knockout formats. The retained 7v7 structure gives players an additional year to develop technical and tactical foundations before the step up to 9v9 at U12. England Football suggests six weeks of trophy events, three times a season.
Disclaimer
The information provided in these templates is based on The FA's published guidelines for youth and adult football in England. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, rules and regulations may vary by county FA, league, or competition. Coaches and clubs should always check with their league or governing body for the most up-to-date and applicable rules.
These resources are provided by tactico for guidance and educational purposes only.
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