Playing on a soccer field that is the correct size is essential for ensuring player enjoyment and development, but how do you know what the correct soccer field size is? The age of players and the number of players on each team will determine how big a soccer field should be, but with so many possibilities there can be confusion on the correct measurements of a soccer field.

With this in mind, we’ve created a comprehensive soccer field size guide that will detail the regulation dimensions for soccer at senior and youth level, in school and college games, and for 5, 6, 7, 9 and 11-a-side games. Our guide also covers the different field lines you’ll find on a soccer field, explaining what each line is used for.

After reading this guide you will have a clear understanding of soccer field sizes and line markings.

You can quickly navigate to each section of the guide using the jump links below:

Soccer Field Size Guidelines by Age

Governing bodies worldwide such as FIFA (soccer’s global governing body) recommends that youth soccer is played on fields smaller in size than senior soccer. FIFA guidelines state that soccer field sizes should be altered to suit the age group of the players and the format of the soccer being played. This simplifies the game for younger players, allowing them to develop key skills and techniques. This also allows them to cover the area of the pitch without becoming over tired and increasing the risk of injury.

In the USA, the US Youth Soccer Association sets out the field size regulations that are most commonly followed by clubs throughout America. Taking the same stance as FIFA, the association advise that smaller fields are used for games where players are 12 years old or younger. Players aged 13 and over then move up to play on a full-size field. To help players transition to a full-size soccer field and reduce the risk of injury, the duration of the games is gradually increased until they reach the senior game and play 90-minute matches.

It is important to note that there are no differences in the field size for men’s and women’s soccer.

Youth Soccer Field Sizes

US Youth Soccer Association - Soccer Field Sizes by Age Group
Age Team Size Field Length Field Width
Under 6 3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4 25-35yds 22.9-32.0m 75-105ft 15-25yds 13.7-22.9m 45-75ft
Under 7 & 8’s 4 vs 4 or 5 vs 5 25-35yds 22.9-32.0m 75-105ft 15-25yds 13.7-22.9m 45-75ft
Under 9 & 10’s 6 vs 6 or 7 vs 7 55-65yds 50.3-59.4m 165-195ft 35-45yds 32.0-41.1m 105-135ft
Under 11 & 12’s 8 vs 8-11 vs 11 70-80yds 64.0-73.15m 210-240ft 45-55yds 41.1-50.3m 135-165ft
Under 13+ 11 vs 11 100-130yds 91.4-118.9m 300-390ft 50-100yds 45.7-91.4m 150-300ft

Soccer Field & Game Requirements By Age Group

Under 6s

Players aged 6 and under are required to play on a soccer field that measures 25 yards – 35 yards (22.9m – 32m/75ft – 105ft) in length and 15 yards – 25 yards (13.7m – 22.9m/45ft-75ft) wide, in line with US Youth Soccer guidelines.

The game should be played with a maximum of 3/4 players per side, with no goalkeepers and a size 3 soccer ball. In terms of duration, guidelines state that the game is to be divided into 4–6-minute quarters.

Under 7s/Under 8s

According to US Youth Soccer, under 7s/under 8s games should also be played on fields that are 25 yards - 35 yards (22.9m – 32m/75ft – 105ft) in length and 15 yards – 25 yards (13.7m – 22.9m/45ft-75ft) wide.

The difference between under 7s/8s and under 6s soccer games is that under 7s/under 8s play with either 4 or 5 players on each team, with no goalkeepers, and the quarters can last from 4-12 minutes. Like under 6s games, under 7s and 8s will play with a size 3 soccer ball.

Under 9s/Under 10s

At under 9s/under 10s level the soccer field size increases to 55 yards - 65 yards (50.3m - 59.4m/ 165ft - 195ft) long and 35 yards – 45 yards (32m – 41.1m/105ft – 135ft) wide.

The game duration increases into two 25-minute halves and the number of players per side will increase to 6/7, including goalkeepers. The ball size to be used is size 4.

Under 11s/Under 12s

US Youth Soccer state that for under 11s/under 12s games, the soccer field size is required to be 70 yards - 80 yards (64m – 73.2m/210ft-240ft) in length and 45 yards – 55 yards (41.1m – 50.3m/135ft – 165ft) in width. This size soccer field is the final step before transitioning to a full-size field.

Under 11s/12s games should consist of 2x 30-minute halves, with anywhere between 8-11 players per side. The soccer ball size remains a size 4 to suit the players relative strength and skill level.

soccer players in action
girl youth players soccer

Under 13s/14s

As mentioned above, under 13s/under 14s will use a full senior size soccer field in games, which is 100 yards – 130 yards (91.4m - 188.9m/300 -390ft) long and 50 yards – 100 yards (45.7m – 91.4m/150ft – 300ft) wide.

Despite playing on a full-size soccer field, under 13s/under 14s won’t play a full-length 90-minute game. This allows the players to get used to playing on a full size and gives them time to build up their fitness levels. The length of game for this age group is two 35-minute halves. These games should be 11-a-side and played with a size 5 soccer ball.

Under 15s/16s

Like under 13s/under 14s soccer games, under 15s/under 16s will play on a full-size soccer field, which as mentioned before should measure 100 yards -130 yards (91.4m - 188.9m/300 -390ft) in length and 50 yards – 100 yards (45.7m – 91.4m/150ft – 300ft) in width. Similarly, the soccer ball used should be size 5 and there should be 11 players on each side.

The game length slightly increases for under 15s/under 16s and is split into two 40-minute halves, making the overall game duration 80 minutes.

Under 17s and Older

Senior soccer games are divided into two 45-minute halves with a size 5 soccer ball. A full-size soccer field is used also. For IFAB and FIFA regulated matches, a senior international soccer field should be between 110 yards - 120 yards (100.6m/330ft – 109.7m/360ft) long and between 70 yards - 80 yards (64m/210ft - 73.2m/240ft) wide.

FIFA Soccer Field Size Regulations for International Senior Games
Length Width
Minimum 110 yards (105.6m) 70 yards (64.0m)
Maximum 120 yards (109.7m) 80 yards (73.2m)

High School Soccer Field Dimensions

Soccer field guidelines for 11-a-side high school games are set out by the NFHS (The National Federation of State High School Associations). They state that high school soccer fields should have a width of 55 yards – 80 yards (50.3m/165ft – 73.2m/240ft) and a length of 100 yards – 120 yards (91.4m/300ft – 109.7m/360ft).

high school soccer field size

College Soccer Field Dimensions

College soccer field size rules are set by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). They state that the width of a college soccer field should be no more than 75 yards (68.6m/225ft) and no less than 70 yards (64m/210ft). The length can be no more than 120 yards (109.7m/360ft) and no less than 115 yards (105.2m/345ft).

college soccer field size

Soccer Field Dimensions By Team Size

Senior soccer games can be played with varying team sizes, ranging from 5 players per side to 11-a-side. To reflect the smaller team sizes in certain games, the field size is reduced. This is to help make smaller sided games fast-paced, which in-turn makes them excellent for honing skills such as ball control or short passing whilst increasing fitness levels.

5-a-side Soccer Field Dimensions and Markings

Senior 5-a-side soccer games take place on fields that are much smaller in size to regular 11-a-side games. The field dimensions will often depend on the amount of space available at the location of the 5-a-side field. However, most international organisations such as the FA (Football Association) will recommend that regulated 5-a-side soccer games should be played on a field that is 40 yards (36.5m/120ft) long and 30 yards (27.5m/90ft) wide.

All of the various markings and field dimensions of a 5-a-side soccer field can be seen on the diagram below.

5 a side soccer field dimensions

The goal area is outlined by a semi-circle which measures 6.5 yards (6m/19.5ft) in radius, from the centre of the goal line to the apex of the goal area. In most 5-a-side soccer games at all levels, only the goalkeeper can be in this goal area, and they mustn’t leave this perimeter. Goalkeepers can only roll the ball out to players and can’t punt the ball forward.

The field should also contain a centre circle with a radius measuring 3 yards (2.7m/9ft). Dependant on the specific competition rules the goal post size is typically either 12ft x 4ft or 16ft x 4ft.

6-a-side Soccer Field Dimensions and Markings

6-a-side soccer is a popular format in the United States with the National Indoor Soccer League being the largest 6-a-side organization. The games are played on artificial indoor fields, meaning it can be played all-year round.

The field dimensions again ultimately depend on the specific competition rules. For the National Indoor Soccer League, the rules state that field should measure 66.7 yards (61m/200ft) long and 28.3 yards (25.9m/85ft) wide. For international tournaments, guidelines set out that the field dimensions should be no less than 32.8 yards (30m/98.4ft) wide and 54.7 yards (50m/164.1ft) long. The most common field size is 38.3 yards (35m/114.9ft) wide by 65.6 yards (60m/196.8ft) long. The minimum goal size should be 12ft x 6ft.

7-a-side Soccer Field Dimensions and Markings

7-a-side soccer has a variety of different field dimensions across the world. Despite these variations, the typical size of a regulated senior 7-a-side soccer field in the US is 60 yards (54.9m/180ft) in length and 40 yards (36.6m/120ft) in width. The International Football Association state that 7-a-side soccer fields should be between 49.2 yards - 60.1 yards (45m/147.6ft – 55m/180.3ft) long and 27.3 yards – 38.3 yards (25m/81.9ft – 35m/114.9ft) wide. The recommended goal size is 12ft x 6ft.

7 a side soccer field dimensions

9-a-side Soccer Field Dimensions and Markings

9-a-side soccer field dimensions vary from competition to competition at both senior and recreational level. The only field size guidelines for 9-a-side soccer are set by the FA, who state that 9 vs 9 soccer matches should be played on a field that measures 80 yards (73.2m/240ft) in length and 50 yards (45.7m/150ft) wide.

9 a side soccer field dimensions

11-a-side Soccer Field Dimensions and Markings

For senior soccer in the US, the rules are put in place by the USSF (United States Soccer Federation). Their regulations on soccer field size are in line with laws set out by the IFAB. That means for 11-a-side senior soccer matches, it is recommended that the soccer field should measure 110 yards (100.6m/330ft) long and 70 yards (64m/210ft) wide. The MLS (Major League Soccer), America’s professional soccer league, will play on field’s this size to match USSF and IFAB rules. They will also play with 24ft x 8ft goalposts.

There is more variation in field size at recreational level for 11-a-side games. The length of the field can be anywhere between 100 yards – 130 yards (91.4m/300ft – 118.9m/390ft) in length and 50 yards to 100 yards (45.7m/150ft - 91.4m/300ft) in width.

However, the IFAB have stricter guidelines for international games at the top level of soccer. The field must measure between 110 yards – 120 yards (100.6m/330ft) in length and 70 yards – 80 yards (64m/210ft – 73.2m/240ft) wide.

9 a side soccer field dimensions

11-a-side Soccer Field Line Markings Explained

Whilst all the lines you see on a soccer field may look confusing, they are all there for a reason and are instrumental to understanding the rules of soccer, no matter if you’re a player, coach, referee or spectator. The lines will help officials make key decisions such as if a foul has been committed inside or outside the penalty box and if the ball has left the field of play or not.

Below we’ll look at all the various zones and lines on a soccer field, detailing the dimensions of each. It is important to note FIFA regulations state that all soccer field lines should be equal in thickness and should be no thicker than 5 inches (12.7cm), whilst the NCAA rules don’t allow field lines to be less than 4 inches (10.2cm) in thickness, but also no wider than 5 inches (12.7cm).

The Soccer Field Goal Lines/Touchlines

The lines that outline the shape of a soccer field are known as the ‘goal lines’ and the ‘touchlines’.

The goal lines run the width of both ends of the field and if the whole ball crosses the line after last being touched by a player from the attacking team, then a goal kick is awarded to the defending team. If the ball crosses the goal line after touching a player from the defending team, then a corner kick is awarded to the attacking team. When the whole ball crosses any part of the goal line that falls between the width and height of the goalposts, then a goal is awarded to the attacking team.

The touchlines span the entire the length of the field on both sides. When the whole ball crosses either touchline, then a throw-in is awarded to the team that didn’t touch the ball last.

The Goal Area

As the name suggests, the goal area is the small rectangular box in front of the goalposts. Goal kicks can be taken from anywhere inside this area, as well as free kicks that have been awarded to the defending team in the goal area. Sometimes known as the ‘6-yard box’, the goal area is 6 yards (5.5m/18ft) in length and is 20 yards (18.3m/60ft) wide.

The Penalty Box

The penalty box is the larger rectangle that surrounds each goalpost and goal area. The penalty area is 18 yards (16.5m/54ft) in length and 44 yards (40.2m/132ft) wide.

To mark out the penalty box, the groundskeeper will measure 18 yards along the goal line from each goal post, out towards the nearest touchline and make a mark. This ensures the goalpost remains in the centre of the penalty box. From these marks, the sides of the penalty box are lined with two vertical 18-yards long lines that are parallel to one another. The sides of the penalty box are then joined together by a horizontal line that runs parallel to the halfway line.

This is the only area of the pitch where the goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball. If they use their hands to make contact with the ball in any other part of the field, then a free kick is given and the goalkeeper will receive a yellow/red card depending on the circumstances. If the defensive team commit a foul inside their penalty box, then a penalty kick will be taken from the penalty spot. For the penalty, only the taker and the goalkeeper are allowed in the box until the ball has been kicked. All other players must wait outside the penalty area.

Penalty Spot

The penalty spot is where the ball is positioned for a penalty kick. The spot is measured 12 yards (11m/36ft) out from the centre of the goal line and is marked by a circle that is 9in in diameter.

Penalty Box Arc

The penalty box arc, or ‘the D’ is positioned on the outside of the penalty box, parallel with the goal line and goal posts. The apex of the curve is exactly 10 yards (9.1m/30ft) away from the penalty spot.

The D is not classed as part of the penalty box and if a foul is committed within the D, then a free kick is awarded. During a penalty kick, players must wait outside the penalty box and arc until the ball has been kicked.

groundsman marking out soccer field lines
soccer pitch line marking string

Halfway Line

The halfway line splits the soccer field into two equal halves. The total distance of field is divided by two to establish where the halfway line should be marked. For example, if the field was 100 yards long, the halfway line will be marked at the 50-yard mark. The line should run the full width of the field, parallel to the goal lines. Players must remain in their own half during kick-offs. Another important rule to note is that a player can’t be offside when they are in the half of the pitch that their team is defending.

Center Circle and Center Spot

The center spot is used to mark the middle of the field. It falls at the center-most point of the halfway line and is where the ball will be placed for kick-offs to start of the game, after half time to restart the game, and after a goal is scored.

Surrounding the center spot is the center circle. This circle is 10 yards (9.1m/30ft) in diameter and during kick-offs all players from the team not kicking off must be outside the center circle and within their own half of the field.

Corner Arc

On the field, there are four corner arcs that dictate where corner kicks should be taken from. The arcs are quarter-circles with a 1-yard radius, that is measured from the base of the corner flag to the apex of the arc. When taking a corner kick, the ball must be either inside or touching any part of the corner arc.

Soccer Field FAQS

Why is a soccer field called a pitch?

The term ‘pitch’ comes from the UK where a soccer field is normally called a football pitch.

For centuries, the verb ‘pitch’ meant ‘to fit firmly in place’, before the end of the 17th century, where the process of pitching stumps into the ground to set up a game of cricket has been called ‘pitching the stumps’. By the late 1800s, people started using ‘pitch’ as a noun to describe a playing area. By 1900, pitch was specifically used for a soccer (or football) playing area.

How big is a soccer field in the World Cup?

FIFA state that fields used in the World Cup must have a length of 110 yards - 120 yards (100.6m/330ft - 109.7m/360ft) and a width of 70 yards – 80 yards (64m/210ft - 73.2m/240ft).

How many acres is a soccer field?

A soccer field used in FIFA regulated competitions has a total area that is between 1.59 – 1.99 acres. A typical professional soccer field measures 115 yards (105.2m/345ft) in length by 75 yards (68.6m/225ft) in width, making the total area equal to 1.78 acres.

How many laps around a soccer field is a mile?

Assuming the soccer field measures 115 yards (105.2m/345ft) long by 75 yards (68.6m/225ft) wide, one lap of the field would be 380 yards. A mile equals 1760 yards, therefore 4.6 laps of a typical professional soccer field, is equal to 1 mile.

soccer field line marking machine
soccer ball on penalty spot

How big is a soccer field compared to a basketball court?

Soccer fields are significantly bigger than basketball courts. Soccer fields are typically 115 yards (105.2m/345ft) long by 75 yards (68.6m/225ft) wide, giving a total surface area of 8,625 yards squared (7,886.7m²/ 25,875ft²). A basketball court for an NBA regulated game is 31.3 yards (28.6m/94ft) long and 16.7 yards (15.3m/50.1ft) wide meaning the total surface area is 522.7 yards squared.

Soccer Fields vs Football Fields

Soccer fields have some distinct differences to a football field in terms of size and markings. Whilst most professional soccer fields are approximately 115 yards (105.2m/345ft) long by 75 yards (68.6m/225ft) wide with a total surface area of 8,625 yards squared (7,886.7m²/ 25,875ft²), football fields are smaller at 120 yards (109.7m/360ft) long by 53 yards (48.5m/159ft) wide, with a total surface area of 6,360 yards squared (5815.6m²/19,080ft²).

In terms of markings, football fields have more markings than soccer fields. On football fields, every tenth yard is marked by a horizontal line spanning the width of the field, marked by a number between 10-50 painted in large white font. Each individual yard is also marked by a small horizontal hash mark. The center line in soccer is also known as the 50-yard line in football. Each football field contains an end zone at each end of the field where touchdowns can be scored, as well as goal posts where field goals can be kicked for points. In comparison, kicking the ball in between the goal posts is the only way to score goals for your team in soccer.

How many players are on a soccer field?

During a regulated game of soccer, each team is made up of 11 players, including a goalkeeper, giving 22 players in total. For FIFA regulated games, if a team doesn’t have at least seven players available due to injuries and suspensions, or if during a game a team has more than four players sent off, then the game is abandoned.

What equipment do you need to mark out a soccer field?

A variety of equipment is used to mark out a soccer field, including line marking paint and line marking machines. Tape measures and marking stakes are used to mark out line positions and measure distances. Penalty spot markers can also be used to give you the exact size and shaped penalty spot, as well as line marking triangles to give you perfectly perpendicular corners on your field.

At FORZA we carry all the equipment you need to mark out the perfect soccer field, including wheeled line markers, penalty spot markers, line marking triangles, tape measures, corner flags and more! If you’re looking to prepare your soccer field in line with U.S Soccer and FIFA regulations, we’ve got you covered.