Football pitch sizes can vary dramatically, especially across different age groups and game types.
This guide, covering 5v5, 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 team sizes, will break down the key dimensions recommended by The FA's guidance for regulation football pitches across all age groups – helping grounds staff at schools and clubs of all levels mark out perfect pitches every time.
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).
Penalty spot distance
Centre circle (radius)
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).
Penalty area length
Penalty area width
Penalty spot distance
Centre circle (radius)
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)).
