What Age Can You Play 9v9? Discover the Best Time to Start

The Basics of 9v9 Soccer: What Does it Mean?

You’ve probably heard about 9v9 soccer, and if you’re thinking about playing or letting your kid play, you might be wondering, what age is appropriate for 9v9? It’s a common question, and, honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But I’ll break it down for you.

In 9v9 soccer, teams consist of 9 players instead of the usual 11, which makes the field a bit smaller and the game more dynamic. It’s a fantastic transition between the smaller-sided games (like 7v7 or 5v5) and the full 11v11 version we usually see in professional soccer.

The age at which kids can start playing 9v9 typically varies by country and league, but generally, players start at around 10 to 12 years old. In the U.S., for example, it’s common to see 9v9 leagues for kids as young as U11 (Under 11).

When Can Kids Play 9v9? Age Guidelines for Different Leagues

U11 to U12: The Starting Point for 9v9 Soccer

In most leagues, players around 10 or 11 years old begin to transition from 7v7 soccer to 9v9. Why? Because it’s at this age that children start to develop the physical strength and tactical understanding needed for a larger field. At U11 or U12, kids usually have better endurance, a sense of positioning, and the ability to think about the game at a broader level.

I remember when my cousin, Ethan, first made the switch from 7v7 to 9v9. He was about 11, and I could see a huge difference in how the game felt. The field felt bigger, and the pace was faster. But that also meant more opportunities for him to control the ball, make strategic passes, and get involved in the attack. It was like stepping up to a new level in his soccer journey.

U13 and Beyond: The Shift Toward Full-Sized Soccer

After U12, kids often transition to full 11v11 soccer, but 9v9 can continue to be a stepping stone until around U13. Some leagues may keep 9v9 for U13, especially for younger players who need more time to adjust to the bigger pitch and team dynamics.

Why 9v9? Benefits of Playing at a Younger Age

The Smaller Field = More Action

Playing 9v9 gives kids a chance to get involved in the game much more than in 11v11. On a smaller field, there’s less running around, and more action happens in a concentrated area. Players develop better ball control, positioning skills, and the ability to make decisions quickly. It also promotes more teamwork since players are closer to each other and need to communicate more often.

A Great Transition Between 7v7 and 11v11

One of the reasons 9v9 is great for kids in the U11 to U12 range is that it’s not as overwhelming as 11v11. It’s a gradual increase in field size and player numbers, so it doesn’t feel like an enormous leap. And let’s be honest: the idea of jumping straight into a full 11v11 game can be a little intimidating for younger players. So, 9v9 offers a perfect middle ground.

Can Younger Kids Play 9v9? Exploring the Possibility

What About U9 and U10 Players?

I’ve heard some parents and coaches debate whether it’s worth trying out 9v9 for kids younger than 10. In some leagues, there are “early” 9v9 programs that allow U9 or U10 players to try it out, but it’s not the norm. At this stage, most leagues stick to 7v7 soccer, where the focus is still on basic skills, and the field size is smaller.

From what I’ve seen in local games, younger kids tend to struggle with the larger field and more complex tactics. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t exceptions! Some kids, depending on their skill level and physical maturity, can handle 9v9 earlier than others. So, if your child is particularly skilled or passionate about soccer, they may be able to handle it a little sooner.

A Personal Story: The Early 9v9 Experience

I recall watching Ella, a friend’s daughter, play in a 9v9 tournament when she was just 9 years old. She was fast and had excellent footwork, but on the larger field, she often found herself running around aimlessly, unable to keep up with the speed of the game. After a few games, her coach decided to switch her back to 7v7, where she could focus on developing her skills at a more manageable pace. It was a tough call, but the experience gave her the chance to grow into 9v9 when she was ready.

Conclusion: When Should You Play 9v9?

So, what age can you play 9v9? For most kids, the transition starts around 10 or 11 years old (U11 or U12). But it’s important to remember that every player is different. Some may need more time to adjust to the larger field, while others might thrive on the extra space and speed.

If you're thinking about moving your child into a 9v9 league, it's important to assess their development—both physically and mentally. Are they ready to handle the bigger field and more complex strategies? Will they enjoy the increased intensity?

Ultimately, 9v9 is a fantastic way for young players to take their soccer skills to the next level. But just remember: there's no rush! Players grow at different rates, and finding the right fit for your child is key to their enjoyment and success on the field.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.