Soccer, known globally as “the beautiful game,” is played on fields that vary in size depending on the participants’ level of play and age. From young players learning the sport to professional athletes competing in international tournaments, the dimensions of the soccer field influence the flow, tactics, and style of the game. Have you ever wondered, “How big is a soccer field?” This guide covers all the dimensions across different levels of the sport.
Standard Soccer Field Dimensions
At the highest level of play, FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, sets out clear regulations regarding the size of soccer fields for international matches. These fields, used for senior-level international games, must fall within the following dimensions:
- Length (Minimum): 110 yards (105.6 meters)
- Length (Maximum): 120 yards (109.7 meters)
- Width (Minimum): 70 yards (64 meters)
- Width (Maximum): 80 yards (73.2 meters)
Most professional fields fall on the larger end of this range, often being close to 115 yards long and 75 yards wide. This size ensures plenty of space for dynamic play, encouraging both attacking and defensive strategies.
Field Dimensions for Different Age Groups
Field size is adjusted for youth players to ensure that the game remains manageable and promotes skill development. As players grow older and more experienced, the field increases in size. Here’s a breakdown of field dimensions by age group:
Under 7 & Under 8
Young players aged 7 and 8 typically play in smaller formats, such as 4 vs. 4 or 5 vs. 5, which helps them develop key soccer skills like dribbling and passing.
- Length: 25-35 yards (22.9-32 meters)
- Width: 15-25 yards (13.7-22.9 meters)
Smaller fields encourage more involvement, allowing players more opportunities to handle the ball and learn positional play.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Looking Soccer Players in 2024: Hottest Picks
Under 9 & Under 10
For players aged 9 and 10, the field size increases slightly to accommodate more players, typically in 6 vs. 6 or 7 vs. 7 formats.
- Length: 55-65 yards (50.3-59.4 meters)
- Width: 35-45 yards (32-41.1 meters)
This larger space allows players to develop teamwork, positioning, and tactical awareness while keeping the game accessible.
Under 11 & Under 12
For players in this age group, the game often shifts to larger teams and fields. The typical formats include 8 vs. 8 or full 11 vs. 11 matches.
- Length: 70-80 yards (64-73.15 meters)
- Width: 45-55 yards (41.1-50.3 meters)
At this level, players begin to experience the more traditional aspects of the game, such as offside rules and larger formations.
Under 13 & Older
Once players reach age 13 and older, they play on full-size fields, often in the standard 11 vs. 11 format. At this point, the field dimensions align closely with professional standards.
- Length: 100-130 yards (91.4-118.9 meters)
- Width: 50-100 yards (45.7-91.4 meters)
Youth leagues may still choose a field within the range that fits the specific league’s needs or available space, but most strive for full-size pitches.
Also Read: The Tallest Football Player: Who Holds the Record?
Soccer Field Dimensions by Number of Players
The number of players on the field also affects the size of the pitch. The field is scaled down to maintain balance and engagement in small-sided games, such as futsal or small-sided youth soccer.
5-a-side Soccer Field
In 5-a-side soccer, the field is small, typically measuring 40-50 yards long and 30-40 yards wide. Due to the limited space and fewer players, this format promotes quick, intense gameplay with a focus on ball control and fast passing.
6-a-side Soccer Field
The field size increases slightly for 6-a-side matches, usually between 50-60 yards long and 30-40 yards wide. The extra player allows for more structured play, but the game remains fast-paced, encouraging teamwork and quick decision-making.
7-a-side Soccer Field
For 7-a-side, the field is larger, ranging from 55-65 yards in length and 35-45 yards in width. This format introduces more tactical elements, such as spacing and positioning, while maintaining a quicker pace than full-sided soccer.
9-a-side Soccer Field
In 9-a-side games, the field measures 70-80 yards in length and 45-55 yards in width. This format is closer to full-sided soccer, giving players more space for strategic play while retaining a fast tempo.
Also Read: Top 10 Hottest Female Footballers Who Are Turning Heads
11-a-side Soccer Field
The full-sized 11-a-side field ranges from 100-130 yards in length and 50-100 yards in width. This standard format is used in professional, college, and high school soccer, offering the largest space for advanced tactics, positioning, and long passes.
High School Soccer Field Dimensions
High school soccer fields generally follow similar dimensions to those used in adult or professional play, though they may vary slightly depending on the school’s facilities. Most high school fields measure:
- Length: 100-120 yards (91.4-109.7 meters)
- Width: 55-80 yards (50.3-73.2 meters)
The flexibility allows schools to fit the field within existing spaces, but most strive to keep the size within FIFA’s guidelines to ensure fairness and consistency.
College Soccer Field Dimensions
College soccer fields are comparable to professional ones, usually falling within the same range. In the United States, NCAA regulations recommend fields that measure:
- Length: 110-120 yards (100-110 meters)
- Width: 70-80 yards (64-73.2 meters)
These dimensions are used in both men’s and women’s collegiate competitions, ensuring a high level of play.
FIFA Soccer Field Size Regulations for International Games
FIFA’s regulations for international senior games establish more specific dimensions than those for general play. For top-tier tournaments like the World Cup, fields must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Length (Minimum): 110 yards (105.6 meters)
- Length (Maximum): 120 yards (109.7 meters)
- Width (Minimum): 70 yards (64 meters)
- Width (Maximum): 80 yards (73.2 meters)
These dimensions ensure a consistent playing experience at the highest levels of competition, regardless of where the match is held.
Also Read: 400+ Catchy Gaming Channel Names to Level Up Your YouTube Game!
US Youth Soccer Association Field Sizes by Age Group
Here is a helpful table that summarizes recommended field sizes based on age group as per the US Youth Soccer Association:
| Age Group | Game Format | Length (yds) | Length (m) | Length (ft) | Width (yds) | Width (m) | Width (ft) |
| Under 6 | 3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4 | 25-35 | 22.9-32 | 75-105 | 15-25 | 13.7-22.9 | 45-75 |
| Under 7 & 8 | 4 vs 4 or 5 vs 5 | 25-35 | 22.9-32 | 75-105 | 15-25 | 13.7-22.9 | 45-75 |
| Under 9 & 10 | 6 vs 6 or 7 vs 7 | 55-65 | 50.3-59.4 | 165-195 | 35-45 | 32.0-41.1 | 105-135 |
| Under 11 & 12 | 8 vs 8-11 vs 11 | 70-80 | 64-73.15 | 210-240 | 45-55 | 41.1-50.3 | 135-165 |
| Under 13+ | 11 vs 11 | 100-130 | 91.4-118.9 | 300-390 | 50-100 | 45.7-91.4 | 150-300 |
11-a-side Soccer Field Lines
An 11-a-side soccer field contains several important markings that influence the flow of the game:
- Center Circle: This circle has a radius of 10 yards (9.15 meters) from the center spot. It’s used for kickoffs, and opposing players must stay outside this area until the ball is in play.
- Penalty Area: This rectangular area is 18 yards (16.5 meters) from the goal line and 44 yards (40.3 meters) wide. It marks the area where the goalkeeper can handle the ball and where penalties are taken.
- Goal Area: A smaller box within the penalty area, the goal area is 6 yards (5.5 meters) from the goal line and used for goal kicks.
- Touchlines & Goal Lines: The longer boundary lines are called touchlines, and the shorter lines are goal lines. These define the edges of the field.
Also Read: 10 Inspiring Black Female Artists You Need to Know Today
Conclusion
Now you know how big a soccer field can be, depending on the level of play and the number of players. From youth leagues to professional soccer, field size plays a critical role in shaping the pace and tactics of the game. Whether you’re playing 5-a-side or watching a World Cup match, the dimensions of the pitch are vital to creating an exciting, fair contest.