What is 7v7 football?
Guide · 4 min
7v7 football is the format where real team tactics truly begin. With seven players per team – six outfield players and a goalkeeper – on a larger pitch, U9 and U10 players learn positions, combination play and strategy. It's the natural next step after 5v5.
Rules and format for 7v7
7v7 is played with six outfield players and one goalkeeper per team. The pitch is typically around 55–60 metres long and 35–45 metres wide – larger than 5v5 but smaller than the 11-a-side pitch. It is played with ordinary football rules adapted to the age group: throw-ins, corners, free kicks and goal kicks. Many tournaments use a pass-back rule and play without offside for the youngest. Matches typically last 2 x 15–20 minutes.
What do children learn from 7v7?
7v7 is the first format where children have to deal with an actual team structure. With more players on the pitch, positional play, pushing up and covering become important. Players learn to read the game, find space and cooperate in lines. At the same time there is still plenty of space and ample ball contact, so individual technique keeps developing. 7v7 is the bridge between 5v5's simple game and the full complexity of 11-a-side football.
When is 7v7 used?
7v7 is the standard format for U9 and U10 in Danish football. DBU recommends 7v7 for precisely these two years, before teams move up to 9v9 at U11. Some U11 teams do still take part in 7v7 tournaments, just as a few strong U8 teams may try their hand at the format. For tournaments, 7v7 allows both group play and a play-off with finals.
How to find 7v7 tournaments
On Matchbase you'll find all current 7v7 tournaments for U9 and U10 across Denmark. Filter by age group and see tournaments with date, location and sign-up status. Sign your team up directly and get ready for a weekend of real team football.
Frequently asked questions
What is 7v7 football?
7v7 football is a format with 7 players per team (6 outfield players + goalkeeper) on a larger pitch. It is the standard format for U9 and U10 in Danish football.
What is the pitch size in 7v7?
A 7v7 pitch is typically around 55–60 x 35–45 metres, but it varies from tournament to tournament. It is larger than 5v5 but smaller than a full 11-a-side pitch.
When do you move from 5v5 to 7v7?
In Danish football, teams typically move from 5v5 to 7v7 at U9. DBU recommends 7v7 for U9 and U10, after which teams move up to 9v9 at U11.