How to play and manage 5v5 games

Who plays 5v5?

From the 2026-27 season, changes are being made to the formats to improve the experience young players get across the country. And one of them is that U8s and U9s will play 5v5 on matchday.

Note that this is the maximum format players can play at these age groups. So, as a coach, it’s fine to let them experience smaller formats still, especially at training. That way players get plenty of variety.

Check out the Future Fit digital content hub to discover all the changes.

What does 5v5 look like?

Here’s the insight to help you set up 5v5 on matchday. Pitch sizes are shown as how long the pitch is x how wide it is.

Equipment for 5v5

• Recommended pitch size: 37x27m.
• Minimum pitch size: 27x18m.
• Maximum pitch size: 37x27m.
• Goal size: 12x6ft.
• Ball: Size three.

Basic rules for 5v5

• Match officials needed: Yes.
• Substitutes: Rolling substitutes.
• Match length: Games last up to 40 minutes.
• Competitions: Trophy events.
• Goalkeepers: Yes.
• Retreat line: Yes.
• Powerplay: Yes.
• Heading: No heading.
• Sideline restarts: Either pass or dribble in for sideline restarts.
• Offside: No offside.

How to manage matchday

As a coach, it’s important to create the right environment on a matchday. After all, we want to help players have fun, develop, and fall in love with the game.

So be positive. Give your players freedom to express themselves and offer plenty of encouragement. We want players to learn how to play the game. Shouting instructions and telling them what to do all the time won’t help them become great problem-solvers. Be respectful and encourage respect as well. It’s important everyone enjoys the matchday experience.

And, at this age, use your rolling subs effectively to give players equal game time. Best practice would be that each player gets to play at least 50% of the game. You can also keep subs involved by giving them observational tasks. Or, if you have the space, by setting up small-sided games for them.

You can also help players develop their skills by letting them try out different playing positions. Speaking of positions, are you wondering what 5v5 could look like on the pitch? If so, here are a couple of formations you can use.