Youth Soccer is for kids aged 6-12. It is a great sport to watch for fun.
Parents are highly recommended to involve their young kids in this sport to enable them to develop high skills and physical abilities, not to mention keeping them fit and healthy.
Keep in mind that there are differences between regular soccer and youth soccer and one of these differences is the size of the field.
In this article, we have discussed in detail the youth soccer field dimensions and why they are different in size than regular soccer fields. Let’s check them out.
How Big is a Youth Soccer Field?
Youth Field Soccer is designed for children of a young age to develop skills and personal growth, and also for fun. This game is played by 6-12-year-olds in a smaller-sized field.
You can see that there is a difference between youth soccer and regular soccer, which is why there are different rules, and techniques for them.
Also, Youth Soccer Field sizes differ from one another depending on the age category, and this is done to provide an age-appropriate environment.
U6-U8(under the age of 6 and the age of 8) field size is the smallest in youth soccer because kids of that age are still so young, and at that stage, they will be learning the basics of soccer, which is dribbling, passing, kicking, etc.
Their field would be in the shape of a small rectangle, and they would be in smaller numbered teams since there is no competition whatsoever, this makes it safe for them to play. Also, they play the game without the purpose of scoring a goal.
U9-U11 field size is slightly bigger than that of U6, because, at this stage, they are growing, have more knowledge of techniques, and are beginning to become conscious of soccer as a skill. They are grouped into teams and have mini-games to participate in for fun.
The U12 field size is a lot bigger. At this point, the kids are trained and can play professionally in leagues. The U12 field is much closer to the adult field size. A Youth Soccer field ranges from 15 by 30 yards to 60 by 100 yards.
US Youth Soccer Field Size Recommendations
US Youth Soccer is the largest youth organization in the country. The organization trains and builds millions of kids in soccer and provides a fun, safe, and healthy environment for them.
US Youth Soccer arrived with the U(under the age)before the ages 6, 7, 8, and 11,12 and then proceeded to group them into three (U6-8, U9-10, U11-12) and that is because they have similar field dimensions so grouping them makes it easier than being separated.
Here is the field size recommendation given by the US Youth Soccer for every age group from U6-U12:
The field size for U6-U8 should be 15-25 yards in width(45-75ft) and 25-35 yards in length(75-105ft).
The field size for U9-U10 should be 35-45 yards in width(105-135 ft) and 55-65 yards in length(165-195 ft).
The measurement of field size for U11-12 increases to 45-55 yards in width and 70-80 yards in length.
Note that the field size measurement for each age category increases, which is one of the various reasons why U12 cannot play in a U6 field and the same way U10 can not play in a U12 field.
Elaborating on that, an under-6 is not physically strong like a U12, so exposing them to a large field size for a bigger age group will make them easily exhausted, and not even enjoy the fun of passing the ball around.
Same way, a U12 can not play on a U8 field, because they are grown, and it reduces their ability.
Also, a U7 must not be put in the same group as a U12. Not only is it against the age rule, but it could also be dangerous for the younger age group because they can sustain injury while playing.
U6, U7, U8 Soccer Field Dimensions
This soccer field for U6, U7, and U8 is 15-25 yards long and 25 yards wide. This proves it is the smallest soccer field size.
A U6-U8 should be 23-32 meters long and 14-23 meters wide.
It is known as a 4v4 pitch, which means the maximum number is 4 on each team because of the small field size and for the game to be played safely and moderately.
Also, the ball size for this age group should be size 3. This ball is lightweight compared to other balls, and this is for the safety of the players.
The game must be 10 minutes long and is broken into 4 quarters.
As mentioned earlier, this age group is still very young and just learning the basics of soccer, so there are goalposts but no requirements for other markings like penalty area, center circle, etc.
The surface of the pitch is artificial grass, so players won’t get muddy as they play, Also, they are given safer cleats to support their feet against injury.
All of the above are recommendations given by the US Youth Soccer.
When kids start playing soccer, they need to practice the basic stuff like dribbling, shooting, passing, etc. The reason why U6-8 are taught these things is because it is like laying the groundwork. But remember that improvement takes time, so they practice in a smaller space at first.
Under 9 and Under 10 Soccer Field Dimensions (7v7)
According to the US Youth Soccer recommendation, the soccer field for this age category should be slightly bigger than that of U6-U8.
The field size is 55-65 yards long and 35-45 yards wide, while in feet, it is 165-195 long and 105-135 wide. Also, there are some rules applied for soccer games in this format. Which are:
- The game will be 25 minutes long and broken into two halves.
- Ball should be a size 4, which is a little bigger than a size 3.
- There should be 7vs7 players in each team, which includes a goalkeeper; there is also a goal area, a penalty box, a penalty arc, offside rules, etc.
- Goal size is 18.5ft by 6.5ft.
- Goal area is 8 by 4 yards
- Center circle diameter is 16 yards(14.6m)
- Penalty spot should be 9 meters out from the goal.
- Apex of the penalty arc should be 7.3m from the penalty spot.
- Penalty box measures 18 yards by 10 yards.
At this point, the game starts to appear more like regular soccer, and this is where the fun begins. However, a lot of things are put in place to ensure the safety of the players because they are still young.
Under 11 and Under 12 Soccer Field Dimensions
The field size of the U11 and U12 is much bigger and also requires more players, which are divided into 9 vs.9 teams(including goalkeepers).
Usually, The field width is 45-55 yards, and the length is 70-80 yards. Like others, field rules for this game format are also different. Like:
- Game time increases to 30 minutes and is divided into two halves.
- Ball size 4, which is the same as Under 9 and 10.
- There is a requirement for markings like a penalty arc, penalty box, goal area, center circle, etc.
- The US Youth Soccer recommends that the goal frame should be 6 feet high and 18 feet wide.
- Penalty box should be 14 yards long and 36 yards wide.
- Goal area should measure 16 yards wide and 5 yards long.
- Center circle diameter is 14.6 meters.
- The corner arc diameter should be 1 yard(0.91 meters).
At this stage, the players are fully trained and skilled, which requires the need for guidelines like offside rules, build-out lines, coach training, etc.
The Size of a Youth Soccer Goal
Due to the various age categories in Youth Soccer, there are different sizes of soccer goal levels.
As you know already U6-U8 is the primary level, at which the children play in small spaces or fields (whichever name you choose to call it) in the shape of small rectangles.
Also, they do not play the game to compete. Instead, they do it for fun and enjoyment and, at the same time, to develop football skills like dribbling, shooting the ball, etc.
The maximum goal size recommended by US Youth Soccer for the under 6-8 age group is 4 feet high and 6 feet wide.
At the U9-U10 level, the kids can put their skills into practice at this level and engage in mini-competitions to challenge their abilities.
Because they are grown, their field, ball, and goal sizes increase.
The maximum goal size recommended by the US Youth Soccer for the under 9 and 10 age group, is 6.5 feet high and 18.5 wide.
At the U11-12 level, the players have learned, practiced, and are now putting their techniques into action on the field. Earlier, we already learned about the dimensions of the field size of this age group and how they adapt to large spaces as they grow.
They are bigger, more confident, and more grown than the previous groups, which means they are not only playing the game for fun but also building themselves for potential future soccer purposes.
The maximum goal size recommended by the US Youth Soccer for the under 11-12 age group is 7 feet high and 21 feet wide.
Conclusion
It is noteworthy to mention that there are no age limits in playing soccer. Soccer is a free game for everyone, and it helps a child to develop their skills faster, both psychologically and physically.
And, of course, parents play a big role in supporting their children to develop their soccer skills because it will benefit them and the generations to come.
