A common question asked by every soccer player and his watching fans.How many total players are on a soccer field? There are total 11 players in the soccer field, 10 are spread across the field and there is a goalkeeper.
How Many Kids Play on a Soccer Field?
When you go out to play soccer with your friends, you might wonder how many kids can be on the field at once. The answer depends on the age of the players and the rules of the league or club.
Small-Sided Games
For very young players, such as kids under 8 years old, soccer is usually played in small-sided games. This means:
- 4v4 Games: Four players on one side and four on the other. In these games, there is no full team of 11 players like grown-ups. Instead, only 4 players (sometimes 3 or 4) are on the field for each team.
- Benefits: With fewer kids on the field, every player gets more chances to touch the ball. It is easier for everyone to learn how to pass, dribble, and shoot.
many local soccer leagues for young kids will have a 4v4 game. In a 4v4 game, a total of 8 kids play on the field at one time. Sometimes coaches add a player to make 5v5 if the children are older, but very young kids usually start with 4 players on each side.
How Many Players Are in a Kids’ Soccer Game?
The number of players in a kids’ soccer game is not the same for all ages. It changes as kids get older. Let’s look at some examples.
For Young Kids (Under 8 Years Old)
- Game Format: Most leagues for kids under 8 use a small-sided format.
- Players per Team: They usually play 4v4. That means each team has 4 players.
- Total Players: In a 4v4 game, there are 8 players on the field.
Sometimes if a coach feels there are enough kids, the game might be 5v5. In that case, there would be 10 players on the field. But the most common format for very young kids is 4v4.
For Kids Between 9 and 10 Years Old
- Game Format: Many leagues for kids aged 9 to 10 play 7v7 soccer.
- Players per Team: Each team has 7 players.
- Total Players: In a 7v7 game, 7 plus 7 equals 14 players on the field.
This format gives more kids a chance to play and starts to build teamwork in a larger team.
For Kids Around 11 and 12 Years Old
- Game Format: Older kids usually play 9v9 games.
- Players per Team: Each team has 9 players.
- Total Players: There are 18 players on the field in a 9v9 game.
This game is a little more like a full soccer game and gives kids more experience with team play.
For Older Youth (13 and Up)
When kids are older (usually in middle school and high school), they start playing the full game of soccer.
- Game Format: Full soccer is played as 11v11.
- Players per Team: Each team has 11 players.
- Total Players: This makes 22 players on the field at the same time.
So how many players are in a kids’ soccer game?
- Under 8 years old: 4v4 (8 players total, sometimes 5v5 with 10 players).
- Ages 9–10: 7v7 (14 players total).
- Ages 11–12: 9v9 (18 players total).
- Ages 13 and older: 11v11 (22 players total).
3. How Many Total Players Are on a Soccer Field?
When we ask, “How many total players are on a soccer field?” we have to think about the game being played. In a full game, like the one played by professional teams, the answer is different from what we see in a kids’ game.
Full-Size Soccer (11v11)
In professional soccer games, each team has 11 players on the field.
- Team One: 11 players
- Team Two: 11 players
- Total: 11 + 11 = 22 players
So, in an 11v11 game, there are 22 players on the field at the same time. This is what we see in major tournaments and professional leagues.
Kids’ Soccer Games
For kids, the number of players on a full soccer field changes by age group:
- For a 4v4 game: There are 8 players in total.
- For a 7v7 game: There are 14 players in total.
- For a 9v9 game: There are 18 players in total.
The total number of players is just the number of players on each team multiplied by two.
Special Cases
Sometimes, teams may have extra players on the bench. But the important number is the number of players who are playing on the field at one time. The extra players are substitutes. They wait on the side to join the game if someone needs to rest or if there is an injury.
Why Do We Have Different Totals?
- Learning and Fun: Young kids are not ready for a full 11v11 game. A smaller number of players means everyone gets more time with the ball.
- Field Size: Young kids’ soccer fields are smaller. With fewer players, the game moves faster and is easier for them to learn.
- Teamwork: As kids get older, having more players helps them learn to work as a team in a larger group.
FAQS
What is the ideal size of a soccer field for kids?
The size of the field depends on the age group. For younger kids (ages 6-8), a small field of 25-30 yards wide and 35-45 yards long is recommended. Older kids (ages 9-12) may play on a field around 50-80 yards long and 35-55 yards wide.
2. What type of surface is best for a kids’ soccer field?
Grass and artificial turf are the most common surfaces. Grass provides a natural feel but requires maintenance, while artificial turf is more durable and ideal for all-weather play.
3. How many players are on a kids’ soccer team?
For younger kids (U6-U8), teams usually have 4-5 players per side. As they grow older, the number of players increases, eventually reaching 11v11 in full-field soccer.
4. What are the basic rules for kids’ soccer?
Kids’ soccer follows simplified rules, including no offside for younger players, rolling substitutions, and shorter game durations. The focus is on learning the game and having fun.
5. How long is a kids’ soccer game?
Game duration varies by age. U6 games typically last 20 minutes, U8 games last 40 minutes, and U12 games can be around 50-60 minutes, divided into halves or quarters.
6. What equipment do kids need to play soccer?
Basic equipment includes a soccer ball (size varies by age), shin guards, cleats, and a jersey. Goalkeepers also need gloves.
7. What size soccer ball is best for kids?
- Ages 3-5: Size 3
- Ages 6-9: Size 4
- Ages 10+: Size 5 (official adult size)
8. What safety measures should be followed on a kids’ soccer field?
Ensure goalposts are securely fastened, players wear shin guards, and the field is free from hazards. Proper hydration and warm-ups help prevent injuries.
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