Free tool for parents, coaches and club registrars
Enter a player's date of birth or school year. The checker shows their FA age group for the season, the birth dates in that group, the match format and ball size, and whether they can play up.
Reference
| Age group | School year | Born between | Format | Ball |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 7 | Year 2 | 1 Sept 2019 – 31 Aug 2020 | 3v3 | Size 3 |
| Under 8 | Year 3 | 1 Sept 2018 – 31 Aug 2019 | 5v5 | Size 3 |
| Under 9 | Year 4 | 1 Sept 2017 – 31 Aug 2018 | 5v5 | Size 3 |
| Under 10 | Year 5 | 1 Sept 2016 – 31 Aug 2017 | 7v7 | Size 3 |
| Under 11 | Year 6 | 1 Sept 2015 – 31 Aug 2016 | 7v7 | Size 3 |
| Under 12 | Year 7 | 1 Sept 2014 – 31 Aug 2015 | 9v9 | Size 4 |
| Under 13 | Year 8 | 1 Sept 2013 – 31 Aug 2014 | 9v9 | Size 4 |
| Under 14 | Year 9 | 1 Sept 2012 – 31 Aug 2013 | 11v11 | Size 5 |
| Under 15 | Year 10 | 1 Sept 2011 – 31 Aug 2012 | 11v11 | Size 5 |
| Under 16 | Year 11 | 1 Sept 2010 – 31 Aug 2011 | 11v11 | Size 5 |
| Under 17 | Year 12 | 1 Sept 2009 – 31 Aug 2010 | 11v11 | Size 5 |
| Under 18 | Year 13 | 1 Sept 2008 – 31 Aug 2009 | 11v11 | Size 5 |
Age group = age on 31 August 2026 plus one. Formats and ball sizes follow the FA's FutureFit changes that start in 2026/27: 3v3 at Under 7, and 11v11 now starts at Under 14 instead of Under 13. Children under 6 cannot play matches.
Calculation
Age group = the player's age at midnight on 31 August of the season, plus one. Age 6 on 31 August 2026 = Under 7 for 2026/27.
In England this matches the school year: Under N = Year (N − 5). Year 2 is Under 7, Year 7 is Under 12, Year 13 is Under 18.
Competitions that use a calendar-year cutoff (31 December) are also supported.
Example
A player born on 18 April 2015 is 11 on 31 August 2026 and is in Year 7.
Their age group for 2026/27 is Under 12: 9v9 with a size 4 ball. They can also play up to Under 13, which is still 9v9.
Limits
Common questions
Take your child's age on 31 August 2026 and add one. A child who was 8 on 31 August 2026 is Under 9. In England this matches the school year: Under 9 is Year 4, Under 12 is Year 7.
The FA uses a player's age at midnight on 31 August of the playing season (Standard Code of Rules for youth football, Rule 18(C)). Children aged 6 on that date are Under 7, aged 7 are Under 8, and so on.
Yes. Under FA rules a child can play one age group above their own, even if the format changes. The exception is a child who turns 6 after 31 August: they can only play Under 7, not Under 8.
Girls playing in all-female teams may be permitted to play one age group down, under FA Rule 4(F). The league has to allow it, so check with your competition.
The FA's FutureFit changes start in 2026/27. Under 7s now play 3v3, each format is played one year later than before, and 11v11 starts at Under 14 instead of Under 13.
From 2026/27: size 3 from Under 7 to Under 11, size 4 for Under 12 and Under 13, and size 5 from Under 14 upwards.
From 2026/27, players move to 11v11 at Under 14 (Year 9). Under 12 and Under 13 play 9v9.
At least 6. Children who turn 6 during the season can join Under 7 matches once they are 6.
Under 12 means the player is under 12 on the cutoff date, so a player aged 11 on 31 August falls into Under 12.
Sources
These sources support the calculation and definitions used on this page:
Last reviewed: 26 September 2026