What is the right tournament format for U6?

U6 typically plays 3v3 on small pitches. This gives everyone plenty of ball touches and is a perfect fit for the youngest players' motor development.

When can children take part in tournaments?

Many clubs start with tournaments from U6 (5–6 years). The most important thing is that the tournament is suited to the children's age and stage of development.

What should I pack for a youth tournament?

Remember a water bottle, food for the breaks, sun cream (outdoors) and a change of clothes. Tournaments are typically half-day to full-day events.

Are youth football tournaments table-free?

Many U6 and U7 tournaments are table-free with a focus on participation. From U8 there are usually results, but always within a positive setting.

Youth Football Tournaments U6-U10 | Find tournaments

What makes a good youth tournament?

Youth football is all about joy, development and community. On Matchbase you'll find tournaments designed especially for the youngest age groups – U6, U7, U8, U9 and U10 – in formats suited to children's motor and social development. Here are tournaments with 3v3 and 5v5, where every child is involved in the game the whole time.

We believe youth football tournaments should create positive experiences and plenty of time on the ball for everyone. Find tournaments near you, and give your players the tournament experience they deserve – safe, active and full of football.

What happens at a youth football tournament?

A youth football tournament is so much more than football. It's a day full of activity, social time and memories the players carry with them for years. Teams typically arrive in the early morning, and matches start in groups – each team plays 3–5 matches against teams from other clubs. There are breaks for food and rest, and for the youngest the tournament day is tailored to children's short attention spans with frequent breaks and short matches.

The right tournament format for your age group

U6 – 3v3: The very youngest play without a goalkeeper on tiny pitches. Everyone is active the whole time. No tables.
U7 – 5v5: A first encounter with team positions and combination play. Matches are short and energetic.
U8 – 5v5: The most popular age group. A good balance between ball contact and emerging tactics.
U9 – 7v7: The leap to proper team football with positions, tactics and more complex play.
U10 – 7v7: Technical and tactical football with more nuanced play and stronger competition.

Find youth football tournaments by age group

Matchbase is built for youth football

All age groups together

Find tournaments for U6 to U10 with formats suited to each stage of development.

Age-appropriate format

3v3 for the youngest, 5v5 for the middle years – formats that deliver plenty of ball touches.

Positive tournament culture

Child-friendly tournaments focused on participation, play and development rather than results.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to what coaches and parents ask most often.