Under 12 Football Guide
Under 12 is the new entry point for 9v9 football. Players move to a Size 4 ball, start playing with the offside rule, and step up from the 7v7 game played at U10 and U11.
From 2026/27, U12 is the new entry point for 9v9 (previously U11 played 9v9). Format and ball size are unchanged for U12s.
U12 Overview
Player Development Focus
From 2026/27, U12 is the entry point for 9v9 football. The focus is on developing tactical flexibility, combining technical skills with spatial awareness, and stepping up from the 7v7 game played at U10 and U11. Players move to a Size 4 ball and standard offside rules. Being part of a team and understanding gameplay are the central themes.
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 should wear the 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
- FA Mini-Soccer rules apply at 9v9. Offside is enforced from U12 onwards (the start of 9v9).
- Roll-off/roll-on substitutions are permitted, which differs from full IFAB Laws.
Substitutions
Roll-off/roll-on substitutions permitted, subject to referee permission. Players who have been substituted may re-enter.
Playing Time & Competition Limits
U12 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
Leagues and cup competitions are common. Under the 2026/27 pathway, U12 and U13 both play 9v9, giving players two full seasons in the 9v9 format before stepping up to 11v11 at U14.
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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