5v5 football tournaments

5-a-side football – the popular format for U7 and U8

5v5 football is the most popular tournament format for U7 and U8 in Denmark. With five players per side, team positions, combination play and emerging tactics are introduced – while every child still gets plenty of ball contact and activity.

Find 5v5 tournaments all over Denmark on Matchbase. The format is loved by coaches and players for its balance between time on the ball and team development. Sign your team up and take part in the next 5v5 tournament near you.

5v5 football in Denmark – what you need to know

5v5 football is the standard format for U7 and U8 in Danish youth football and the most popular tournament format for the younger age groups. With 5 players per side – typically 1 goalkeeper and 4 outfield players – genuine team positions and emerging tactics are introduced for the first time. The pitch is medium-sized, the matches are fast and energetic, and every player is active for most of the match time.

• Team: 5 players per side – 1 goalkeeper, 4 outfield players
• Pitch: Typically 40×25 metres – suited to U7–U8's movement patterns
• Match time: Typically 2×10–12 minutes per match
• Positions: Defence and attack are introduced – simple tactics
• One tournament: Typically 4–6 matches in a full-day event

What makes 5v5 the right format?

Research and experience from the DBU and football clubs across Denmark show that 5v5 is the ideal format for 6–8 year olds. The format gives significantly more ball contact than 7v7 and 11v11, while still introducing team positions and combination play in a meaningful way. Compared with 3v3 there's more room for individual expression and more complex team play – and every child loves it.

Find 5v5 tournaments across Denmark