How to play and manage 7v7 games

Who plays 7v7?

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 U10s and U11s will play 7v7 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 7v7 look like?

Here’s the insight to help you set up 7v7 on matchday. Pitch sizes are shown as how long the pitch is x how wide it is.

Equipment for 7v7

• Recommended pitch size: 55x37m.
• Minimum pitch size: 46x27m.
• Maximum pitch size: 55x37m.
• Recommended goal size: 12x6ft.
• Ball: Size three.

Basic rules for 7v7

• Match officials needed: Yes.
• Substitutes: Rolling substitutes.
• Match length: Games last up to 50 minutes.
• Competitions: Trophy events.
• Goalkeepers: Yes.
• Retreat line: Yes.
• Powerplay: Yes.
• Heading: No heading.
• Sideline restarts: Either pass or dribble in for sideline restarts (U10s), throw-ins (U11s).
• 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 7v7 could look like on the pitch? If so, here are a couple of formations you can use.