Football

Football pitch sizes change with different age groups and game types.

In this guide we covers 5v5, 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 player formats, with a break down of key dimensions of football pitches over different age groups – to help grounds staff of schools and clubs of all levels.

5-a-side dimensions summary

Pitch length	40 yds (36.6m)
Pitch width	30 yds (27.4m)
Penalty spot distance	6.5 yds (6m)
Centre circle (radius)	3 yds (2.75m)

5-a-side football pitch dimensions and markings

Based on The FA’s guidance, 5v5 football pitches should measure 40 yards (36.6m) in length by 30 yards (27.4m) wide, maintaining the traditional rectangular shape of a full-sized pitch.

A major element which makes 5v5 unique is the pitch markings, particularly the curved penalty area, which is not used in other forms of the game. The edge of the penalty area must be 6.5 yards (6m) from the centre of the goal. This is where the penalty spot is located.

A halfway line should be drawn across the width of the pitch. Centre circles are optional for 5v5 pitches, but if included, it should have a radius of 3 yards (2.75m).

7-a-side dimensions summary

Pitch length	60 yds (54.9m)
Pitch width	40 yds (36.6m)
Penalty area length	18 yds (16.5m)
Penalty area width	10 yds (9.1m)
Penalty spot distance	8 yds (7.3m)
Centre circle (radius)	6 yds (5.5m)

7-a-side football pitch dimensions and markings

7v7 pitches are typically for players aged 9–10years old. Due to the increased number of players, the pitch is larger than 5v5 and more closely resembles a full-sized pitch. A regulation 7v7 pitch should measure 60 yards (54.9m) by 40 yards (36.6m).

This level is the first to include rectangular penalty areas. These should measure 18 yards (16.5m) x 10 yards (9.1m). Penalty spots should be positioned 8 yards (7.3m) from the centre of the goals. The “D” at the edge of the penalty box is optional at this level, as is a centre circle. If it is included, the centre circle should have a radius of 6 yards (5.5m).

9-a-side dimensions summary

Pitch length	80 yds (73.2m)
Pitch width	50 yds (45.7m)
Penalty area length	13 yds (11.88m)
Penalty area width	32 yds (29.26m)
Penalty spot distance	9 yds (8.2m)
Goal area length	4 yds (3.65m)
Goal area width	14 yds (12.80m)
Centre circle (radius)	7 yds (6.4m)
Corner quadrants	1 yd (0.9m)

9-a-side football pitch dimensions and markings

The recommended pitch size for U11 and U12 Youth teams is 9v9, which should measure 80 yards (73.2m) by 50 yards (45.7m). In terms of line markings, 9v9 is the same as 11v11 – just smaller. Corner segments and the goal area, colloquially known as the ‘6-yard box’, begin being included at this pitch size. In this format, the penalty spot should be marked 9 yards (8.2m) from the centre of each goal. Corner quadrants should have a diameter of 1yd (0.9m) and the new goal area (measuring 14 yards (12.80m) x 4 yards (3.65m)) should be positioned inside the penalty area (13 yards (11.88m) by 32 yards (29.26m)).

11-a-side PROFESSional dimensions

11v11	U13/U14	90 yds (82.3m)	55 yds (50.3m)
11v11	U15/U16	100 yds (91.4m)	60 yds (54.9m)
11v11	U17/U18 & Senior	110 yds (100.6m)	70 yds (64.0m)

11-a-side Professional football pitch dimensions and markings

From U13 Youth up to the professional level, The FA recommends 11v11 football. However, because of this wide range of age groups, determining the dimensions of an 11v11 pitch can be difficult as the length and width of the pitch can vary greatly.

As shown in the table below, the recommended size of an 11v11 field can range from 90-110 yards (82.3m-100.6m) in length and 55-70 yards (50.3m-64.0m) wide.

Despite the flexibility in length and width options, there are some dimensions that remain constant on all 11v11 pitches:

Penalty spot (from the goal line): 12 yards (11m)
Goal area length: 6 yards (5.5m)
Penalty area length: 18 yards (16.5m)
Centre circle radius: 10 yards (9.15m)
Corner quadrants: 1 yard (0.9m)

Football, or soccer as it’s known in some parts of the world, is a sport that unites billions. Its beauty lies in its simplicity: a ball, two goals, and a field of play. But from a professional 11-a-side match to a high-intensity game of Futsal, the pitch and rules can vary significantly.

This guide will walk you through the official dimensions and rules for the most common formats of this beautiful game.

The Global Standard: 11-a-Side Football

This is the classic format you see in the FIFA World Cup, the Premier League, and La Liga. It’s a game of strategy, endurance, and teamwork played on a large, open pitch.

Pitch Dimensions

According to FIFA, the dimensions for a standard international pitch have a required range, not a single fixed size.

Length (Touchline): Between $100$ meters and $110$ meters ( $110 - 120$ yards).
Width (Goal Line): Between $64$ meters and $75$ meters ( $70 - 80$ yards).
Penalty Area: Extends $16.5$ meters ( $18$ yards) from the goal line into the pitch.
Goal Size: $7.32$ meters ( $8$ yards) wide by $2.44$ meters ( $8$ feet) high.

Key Game Rules (11-a-Side)

Objective: Score goals by getting the ball into the opposing team’s net. The team with more goals after two 45-minute halves wins.
Players: Two teams of 11 players each (including a goalkeeper).
Restarts:
- Kick-off: To start each half and after a goal is scored.
- Throw-in: When the ball crosses the touchline.
- Goal kick: When the attacking team kicks the ball over the defending team’s goal line.
- Corner kick: When the defending team kicks the ball over their own goal line.
Fouls: Illegal contact, handballs, and unsporting behavior can result in a direct or indirect free kick. Fouls committed inside the penalty area result in a penalty kick.

The Indoor Dynamo: Futsal (5-a-Side)

Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced version of football played indoors on a hard court. It emphasizes creativity, technique, and quick thinking. It is the only 5-a-side format officially recognized by FIFA.

Court Dimensions

Court: An official Futsal court is a hard surface without walls or boards.
Length: $38 - 42$ meters.
Width: $20 - 25$ meters.
Ball: Futsal uses a smaller, low-bounce ball (Size 4) which stays on the ground better and encourages technical footwork.

Key Game Rules (Futsal)

Players: Two teams of five players each.
Game Duration: Two halves of 20 minutes (with a clock that stops when the ball is out of play).
Restarts: There are no throw-ins. When the ball goes out of bounds on the sideline, play is restarted with a kick-in. The ball must be stationary on the line, and the player has 4 seconds to play it.
Goalkeepers: They can handle the ball for only 4 seconds in their own half and cannot receive the ball back from a teammate unless an opponent has touched it first.
Fouls: Slide tackles are generally forbidden. After a team commits five fouls in a half, every subsequent foul results in a direct free kick from the second penalty mark (10 meters out).

Whether you prefer the tactical expanse of the grass pitch or the lightning-fast action of the Futsal court, there’s a version of football for everyone to enjoy.