Age Appropriate Recommendations

US Soccer Age Appropriate Recommendations:
  • U-6:  K and 1st graders
    • Focus:  Ball Control and Creativity
    • Game Format:  3 v 3
    • Goalkeepers:  No 
    • Field:  3 v 3 (30 yards by 20 yards), 4 v 4 (40 yards by 25 yards)
    • Ball Size:  3
  •  U-8:  1st and 2nd graders
    • Focus:  Ball Control and Creativity
    • Game Format:  3 v 3
    • Goalkeepers: Optional
    • Field:  3 v 3 (30 yards by 20 yards), 4 v 4 (40 yards by 25 yards)
    • Ball Size:  3
  •  U-10:  3rd and 4th graders
    • Focus:  Ball Skill, Creativity, and Gradual Insight to the Game
    • Game Format:  maximum of 6 v 6, including keeper
    • Goalkeepers: Yes
    • Field:  60 yards by 40 yards
    • Ball Size: 4
  •  U-12:  5th and 6th graders
    • Focus:  Ball Skill, Creativity, and Insight to the Game
    • Game Format:  maximum of 9 v 9, including keeper
    • Goalkeepers: Yes
    • Field:  55-60 yards by 80-85 yards
    • Ball Size: 4
  •  U-14:  7th and 8th graders
    • Focus:  Functioning in a Group
    • Game Format:  11 v 11, including keeper
    • Goalkeepers: Yes
    • Field:  100 yards by 60 yards
    • Ball Size:  5
  • U-16:  9th and 10th graders 
    • Focus:  Functioning in a Group
    • Game Format:  11 v 11, including keeper
    • Goalkeepers: Yes
    • Field:  115-120 yards by 70 yards
    • Ball Size:  5
  • U-18+:  11 grade+
    • Focus:  Competition and Outcome
    • Game Format:  11 v 11, including keeper
    • Goalkeepers: Yes
    • Field:  115-120 yards by 70 yards
    • Ball Size:  5