How to play and manage 9v9 games

Who plays 9v9?

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 U12s and U13s will play 9v9 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 9v9 look like?

Here’s the insight to help you set up 9v9 on matchday. Pitch sizes are shown as how long the pitch is x how wide it is.

Equipment for 9v9

• Recommended pitch size: 73x46m.
• Minimum pitch size: 64x37m.
• Maximum pitch size: 73x46m.
• Recommended goal size: 16x7ft.
• Ball: Size four.

Basic rules for 9v9

• Match officials needed: Yes.
• Substitutes: Rolling substitutes.
• Match length: Games last up to 60 minutes.
• Competitions: League tables and cups.
• Goalkeepers: Yes.
• Retreat line: No.
• Powerplay: No.
• Heading: Heading allowed.
• Sideline restarts: Throw-ins.
• Offside: Offside introduced.

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.

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 9v9 could look like on the pitch? If so, here are a couple of formations you can use.