Pre-season is a busy stretch. New squads, fresh fixtures and for this season, a new format for the youngest age group. Before the first whistle of the new campaign, it's worth a five-minute check against the FA's current pitch and goal size recommendations - the FutureFit guidance that most County FAs are now working from.
Here's the full breakdown by age group, straight from the FA, so you can plan goals, pitches and ball orders in one sitting.
FA pitch and goal sizes by age group
| Age group | Format | Ball | Recommended pitch (m) | Goalpost size (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 7 (Yr 2) | 3v3 | Size 3 | 15 x 10 | 4 x 2.5 |
| Under 8 (Yr 3) | 5v5 | Size 3 | 37 x 27 | 12 x 6 |
| Under 9 (Yr 4) | 5v5 | Size 3 | 37 x 27 | 12 x 6 |
| Under 10 (Yr 5) | 7v7 | Size 3 | 55 x 37 | 12 x 6 |
| Under 11 (Yr 6) | 7v7 | Size 3 | 55 x 37 | 12 x 6 |
| Under 12 (Yr 7) | 9v9 | Size 4 | 73 x 46 | 16 x 7 |
| Under 13 (Yr 8) | 9v9 | Size 4 | 73 x 46 | 16 x 7 |
| Under 14 (Yr 9) | 11v11 | Size 5 | 82 x 50 | 21 x 7 |
| Under 15 (Yr 10) | 11v11 | Size 5 | 91 x 55 | 24 x 8 |
| Under 16 (Yr 11) | 11v11 | Size 5 | 91 x 55 | 24 x 8 |
Minimum and maximum permitted sizes also apply, so if your pitch is tight on space the FA gives you a bit of wiggle room either side. Worth checking the full FA guidance before fixtures kick off.
What this means for your goal stock
A few things tend to catch clubs out at the start of the season:
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U7s have their own format. 3v3 with 4x2.5ft goals is a smaller setup than many clubs might realise. If you've been making do with mini 5-a-side goals for this group, the new season is the moment to fix that. Shop 4x2.5 mini goals
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The 12x6 stays in play from U8 to U11. One goal size covering four age groups - probably the best-value buy on the list for a growing club. Browse 12x6 portable goals
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9v9 needs a 16x7. A frequent miss when U11s step up to U12. See 16x7 goals
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U14s move to 21 x 7, U15s and U16s play full 24 x 8. Plan ahead if you've got a squad ageing up. Shop full-size goals
Pre-season prep checklist
A quick run-through before week one:
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Match every squad to the format and goal size above.
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Count what you have in stock. Photograph any damage to nets, posts or weights.
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Order replacements for anything bent, snapped or missing.
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Check your ball stock against the size column - Size 3 for U7 to U11, Size 4 for U12 and U13, Size 5 from U14 up.
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Mark out the correct pitch dimensions on training nights too, not just match days. Players settle into the right playing area faster when they see it every week.
Kit the whole club from one place
QuickPlay's range covers every age group on the FA table, from 4x2.5 Kickster goals for U7 sessions through to full 24x8 senior posts. Portable, weather-tested, and packed down small enough to fit in the back of a coach's car on a Saturday morning.
Have a strong season.