Are you curious about How Long Is A Soccer Field? This comprehensive guide from HOW.EDU.VN provides the definitive answer, covering various age groups, skill levels, and game formats. Understanding soccer field dimensions is crucial for players, coaches, and fans alike. Dive in to learn about pitch measurements and more, optimizing your grasp of field layout, soccer pitch perimeters, and field size regulations.
1. Soccer Field Dimensions by Age
FIFA, the global governing body for soccer, advises that children play on smaller fields than adults. The US Youth Soccer Association also provides guidelines that recommend smaller pitches and shorter game durations for players under 12. Let’s explore the specific dimensions for different age groups.
1.1. Youth Soccer Field Size Charts
The following table outlines the recommended soccer field sizes for different age groups, as per the US Youth Soccer Association:
| Age | Game Format | Length (yds) | Length (m) | Length (ft) | Width (yds) | Width (m) | Width (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | 3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4 | 25-35 | 22.9-32.0 | 75-105 | 15-25 | 13.7-22.9 | 45-75 |
| Under 7 & 8 | 4 vs 4 or 5 vs 5 | 25-35 | 22.9-32.0 | 75-105 | 15-25 | 13.7-22.9 | 45-75 |
| Under 9 & 10 | 6 vs 6 or 7 vs 7 | 55-65 | 50.3-59.4 | 165-195 | 35-45 | 32.0-41.1 | 105-135 |
| Under 11 & 12 | 8 vs 8-11 vs 11 | 70-80 | 64.0-73.15 | 210-240 | 45-55 | 41.1-50.3 | 135-165 |
| Under 13+ | 11 vs 11 | 100-130 | 91.4-118.9 | 300-390 | 50-100 | 45.7-91.4 | 150-300 |
1.2. Under 6 Soccer Field and Equipment
For players aged 6 and under, US Youth Soccer recommends games divided into 4 to 6-minute quarters without overtime. A size 3 ball should be used, and teams should have a maximum of 3 or 4 players, resulting in a 3 vs 3 or 4 vs 4 game without goalkeepers. The recommended goal size is 6ft x 4ft.
The soccer field should be 25-35 yards long and 15-25 yards wide. In meters, this is 22.9-32.0 meters long and 13.7-22.9 meters wide. In feet, it’s 75-105 feet long and 45-75 feet wide.
1.3. Under 7 & 8 Soccer Field and Equipment
Under 7 & 8 players should play games divided into 4 to 12-minute quarters with no overtime. The ball used should be a size 3, and the number of players should be 4 vs 4 or 5 vs 5, without goalkeepers. The recommended goal size remains 6ft x 4ft.
The soccer field size is the same as for Under 6’s: 25-35 yards long and 15-25 yards wide, equivalent to 22.9-32.0 x 13.7-22.9 meters or 75-105 x 45-75 feet.
1.4. Under 9 & 10 Soccer Field and Equipment
For Under 9 & 10 players, the US Youth Soccer Association recommends 25-minute halves. The ball should be a size 4, with either a 7 vs 7 or 6 vs 6 player format, including goalkeepers. The recommended goal size is 18.5ft x 6.5ft.
The soccer field should be 55-65 yards long and 35-45 yards wide. In meters, this is 50.3-59.4 meters long and 32.0-41.1 meters wide. In feet, it’s 165-195 feet long and 105-135 feet wide.
1.5. Under 11 & 12 Soccer Field and Equipment
Games for Under 11 & 12 players should use a size 4 ball and consist of 2 x 30-minute halves, with 2 x 10-minute overtime periods. The format can be 8 vs 8, 9 vs 9, 10 vs 10, or 11 vs 11.
The soccer field should be 70-80 yards long and 45-55 yards wide. In meters, that’s 64.0-73.15 meters long and 41.1-50.3 meters wide. In feet, it’s 210-240 feet long and 135-165 feet wide.
1.6. Under 13 & 14 Soccer Field and Equipment
Under 13 and 14 regulated games are divided into 2 x 35-minute halves, with 2 x 10-minute halves for overtime. The ball should be a size 5, and each team should field 11 players.
The soccer field should be the same size as a senior soccer field, with a length of 100-130 yards and a width of 50-100 yards. In meters, this is 91.4-118.9 meters long and 45.7-91.4 meters wide. In feet, it’s 300-390 x 150-300.
1.7. Under 15 & 16 Soccer Field and Equipment
For Under 15 and 16 games, the games should consist of 2 x 40-minute halves, with overtime divided into 2 x 15-minute halves. The ball should be a size 5.
The recommended soccer field size is in line with a full-size senior soccer pitch, meaning a width of between 50-100 yards and a length of 100-130 yards.
1.8. Under 17s & Older Soccer Field and Equipment
Senior soccer games are divided into 2 x 45-minute halves, with 2 x 15-minute halves for overtime. The ball should be a size 5.
The recommended soccer field size is in line with a full-size senior soccer pitch, meaning a width of between 50-100 yards and a length of 100-130 yards. For IFAB and FIFA regulated soccer games, a senior international soccer field should be between 110 yards (100m) and 120 yards (110m) long and between 70 yards (64m) and 80 yards (73.15m) wide.
| FIFA Soccer Field Size Regulations for International Senior Games |
|---|
| Length |
| Minimum |
| Maximum |
2. High School, College, and Professional Soccer Field Dimensions
Soccer field dimensions also vary based on the level of play, including high school, college, and professional leagues. These variations ensure that the field size is appropriate for the players’ skill level and the overall competitive environment.
2.1. High School Soccer Field Dimensions
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) states that high school soccer fields should have a width of 55 to 80 yards and a length between 100 and 120 yards.
In meters, this equates to 50.3-73.2m x 91.4-109.7m.
2.2. College Soccer Field Dimensions
College soccer rules are set out by the NCAA. The official NCAA literature states:
“The field of play shall be rectangular, the width of which shall not be more than 75 yards [68.58 m] or less than 70 yards [64.01 m] and shall not exceed the length. The length shall not be more than 120 yards [109.73 m] or less than 115 yards [105.16 m]”.
2.3. Professional Soccer Field Dimensions
Professional soccer field dimensions are regulated by FIFA and IFAB. These organizations set the standards for international matches, ensuring uniformity across different venues. As mentioned earlier, international games should be 110-120 yards in length and 70-80 yards in width.
3. Soccer Field Dimensions by the Number of Players
The size of a soccer field can also vary depending on the number of players participating in the game. Smaller-sided games, such as 5-a-side, 6-a-side, 7-a-side, and 9-a-side, have specific field dimensions to accommodate the reduced number of players and create a more engaging and dynamic playing environment.
3.1. 5-a-side Soccer Field Size & Markings
5-a-side soccer fields can vary significantly in size, often depending on the available space. For regulated games, most international federations, including The Football Association, state that the field should have a length of 40 yards (36.5m) and a width of 30 yards (27.5m).
The goal area is a semi-circle, with a length of 6.5 yards (6m) from the center of the goal-line to the tip of the goal area. A 5-a-side field should also have a center circle with a radius of 3.0 yards (2.75m). Goalposts should be 12ft x 4ft, although they can also be 16ft x 4ft depending on the regulations.
3.2. 6-a-side Soccer Field Size & Markings
In the United States, the largest 6-a-side soccer organization is the National Indoor Soccer League. Played on artificial indoor fields, Indoor Soccer is popular in both the US and Canada. The official rules state that the field should be 200 feet (66.7 yards) long and 85 feet (28.3 yards) wide, with rounded corners.
The Socca Federation states that pitch dimensions can vary greatly for 6-a-side soccer, with games played on various fields, including indoor and Astroturf surfaces. For international tournaments, the guidelines state that the pitch should be no less than 32.8 yards (30m) wide by 54.7 yards (50m) long, with the recommended size being 38.3 yards (35m) by 65.6 yards (60m). The minimum goal size should be 12ft x 6ft.
3.3. 7-a-side Soccer Field Size & Markings
7-a-side soccer is played across the world and has a number of variations in terms of the rulesets. The most common size of a regulated 7 a side soccer field is 60 yards (54.87m) long and 40 yards (36.58m) wide.
For recreational games, the dimensions vary greatly, although the recommended dimensions generally range from 50-65 yards (45.72-59.4m) length and 25-50 yards (22.9-45.7m) width. The International Football Association states that 7-a-side soccer fields should be 49.2-60.1 yards long and 27.3-38.3 yards wide, or 45.0-55.0m long and 25.0m-35.0m wide in metric units. Goalposts are usually 12ft x 6ft.
3.4. 9-a-side Soccer Field Dimensions
9-a-side soccer field dimensions vary greatly at a recreational level. In the USA, there are no specific or official standards. However, the Football Association states that a 9 v 9 soccer field should measure 80 yards (73.15m) x 50 yards (45.72m). It is recommended that games have goals that measure 21ft x 7ft.
3.5. 11-a-side Soccer Field Dimensions
In the United States, the rules for senior soccer are set out by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). For soccer field dimensions, the USSF adheres to the international rules set out by IFAB. For 11-a-side senior soccer matches, it is recommended that soccer fields should measure 110 yards (100.6m) long and 70 yards (64.0m).
For domestic recreational games, the size of 11-a-side soccer fields can vary quite significantly. The length can vary from 100 yards (91.4m) to 130 yards (118.9m), whilst the width can be anywhere between 50 yards (45.7m) to 100 yards (91.4m), and still be in line with IFAB’s official Laws of the Game.
Soccer fields used in senior 11-a-side international games, however, have stricter guidelines. IFAB states that soccer fields for international games should measure 110 yards (100.6m) to 120 yards (109.7m) in length and 70 yards (64.0m) to 80 yards (73.2m) in width.
The English Football Association recommends that soccer fields should measure 110 yards (110.6m) in length and 70 yards (64.0m) in width. Despite this recommendation, the majority of Premier League soccer pitches in England actually measure between 112 yards (102.4m) to 115 (105.2m) yards long, and 70 yards (64.0m) to 75 yards (68.6m) wide. MLS soccer fields, including LA Galaxy’s Dignity Health Sports Park have a length of 120 yards (109.7m). MLS Soccer guidelines state that the playing field will be at a minimum 70 yards wide by 110 yards long. The goalposts should measure 24ft x 8ft.
4. 11-A-Side Soccer Field Lines Explained
The lines and layout of a soccer field are instrumental when it comes to the rules and gameplay. From determining if the ball is in or out of play, to deciding if a penalty or a free kick should be awarded, soccer field markings are important to understand as a player, coach, referee, or spectator.
Soccer fields have regulations in terms of the overall width and length, and the different zones on the soccer field are also regulated to certain dimensions. Soccer field lines should be equally thick and not exceed 5 inches (12.7cm) according to FIFA regulations, and the NCAA states that soccer pitch lines should be the same width and not less than 4 inches (10.16cm) or greater than 5 inches (12.7cm).
4.1. The Soccer Pitch Perimeter
The lines that set out the rectangular shape of the overall soccer field are called the touchlines and the goal lines. The touchlines run the length of the field, and the goal lines run the width of the field.
When the whole of the ball crosses the touchline, it is out of play. A throw-in is then awarded to the team that didn’t touch the ball last. When the whole of the ball crosses the goal line, a corner kick is awarded to the attacking team if a defender touched the ball last before it went out of play, or a goal kick is awarded to the defending team if an attacker was the last player to touch the ball. If the whole of the ball crosses the goal line that spans the width of the goalposts, the attacking team is awarded a goal.
4.2. The Goal Area
The goal area is the rectangular area in front of the goalposts. It measures 6 yards (5.49m) from the goal line and is 20 yards (18.29m) wide.
Goal kicks must be taken from within the goal area. If the defending team is awarded a free kick inside the goal area, they can take it anywhere within the goal area. The goal area also provides a buffer zone for free kicks and dropped balls. If the game is stopped for any reason other than a foul or misconduct, then a dropped ball is used to restart the game. If the game is stopped when the ball is within the goal area, the drop ball must take place 6 yards from the goal line – on the edge of the goal area.
4.3. The Penalty Box
The penalty box is a rectangle marked out in front of each goal. It is marked out with a length of 18 yards (16.5m) from the center of the goal line and is 44 yards (40.2m) wide. The width of the penalty box is normally marked out by measuring 18 yards from each side of the goalposts. A full-size goal is 8 yards (7.32m) wide, so the total width of the penalty box will be 44 yards (40.2m) – 18 yards + 18 yards + 8 yards.
The penalty box is the area where the goalkeeper is allowed to handle the ball. If a foul is incurred within the penalty box by the defending team, the attacking team is awarded a penalty kick, which is taken from the penalty spot.
4.4. Penalty Spot
A penalty is awarded when a defending player either fouls an attacking player or handles the ball within the penalty box. The penalty spot, also known as the “penalty mark”, is where the ball is placed for penalty kicks. It is measured 12 yards (11.0m) out from the goal line, in line with the center of the goal. The penalty spot should be 9 inches in diameter.
4.5. Penalty Box Arc
The penalty box arc, sometimes referred to as “the D”, is placed on the far side of the penalty box, opposite the goalposts and goalline. The highest part of the penalty box arc is marked 10 yards (9.15m) from the penalty spot.
The penalty arc is not part of the penalty box and is only used when a penalty is awarded. When a penalty is awarded during normal gameplay (not a penalty shootout), only the goalkeeper and the penalty-taker can step inside the penalty box and the penalty arc. All other players must wait outside the penalty box and the penalty arc until the kick is taken.
4.6. Halfway Line
As the name suggests, the halfway line marks the entire soccer field into two equal halves. It is marked out across the width of the soccer field. The point at which the halfway line is marked is calculated by taking the total width of the field and dividing it by 2. If a soccer field was 100 yards long, the halfway line would be marked out across the field from a point that is 50 yards from each goalline.
Players must stay within “their own half” during kick-off, which occurs at the start of the game, after half-time, and after a goal is scored. Players cannot be offside when they are within their own half of the field (the half of the field that the goal they are defending resides within).
4.7. Center Circle & Center Spot
Used to identify the center of the soccer field, the center spot is found directly in the middle field, on the halfway line. The center circle has a diameter of 10 yards (9.15m) and is marked out from the center spot. During kick-off, the opposing team has to stand outside the center circle and within their own half of the field.
4.8. Corner Arc
Corner arcs dictate where corner kicks must be taken from. The corner arc is a quarter-circle and has a 1-yard radius which is measured from the base of the corner flag in each corner of the field. Attacking teams must place the ball within the corner arc when taking a corner kick.
5. Famous Soccer Field Dimensions
With soccer fields varying so much in size, you may be interested to know the dimensions of some of the most well-known soccer fields across the world.
| Famous Soccer Field Dimensions |
|---|
| Club |
| Manchester United |
| Liverpool |
| Wrexham |
| N/A |
| LA Galaxy |
| DC United |
| Real Madrid |
| Barcelona |
6. Soccer Field FAQs
6.1. Why is a soccer field called a pitch?
In the UK, a soccer field is usually called a “football pitch”. The word “pitch” is derived from the sport of cricket, which has a specific area called a pitch. When the sport was first regulated and played in the UK in the 1800s, soccer fields did not exist and the majority of games were played on cricket fields. The word “pitch”, in old English means “to thrust (something) in”, and in cricket, the pitch is the area between both sets of stumps.
In order to play soccer on a cricket field, the cricket stumps would have to be removed from the cricket pitch. This eventually led to the term “football pitch” being used to refer to a modified cricket field where soccer could be played.
6.2. How many acres are in a soccer field?
A FIFA-regulated international soccer field has a total area that is between 1.59 and 1.99 acres. A typical professional soccer field has a length of 115 yards and a width of 75 yards, making the total area equal to 1.78 acres.
6.3. How big is a World Cup soccer field?
A soccer field used in the FIFA World Cup must have a length of 110-120 yards and a width of 70-80 yards. In meters, a World Cup soccer field should have a length of 110-110m and a width of 64m-73.2m.
6.4. How big is a soccer field in feet?
Soccer fields can vary in size. However, an international soccer field must measure between 330-360 feet in length, and 210-240 feet in width. International soccer fields have a total surface area that is between 69,300 and 86,400ft².
6.5. How many laps around a soccer field is a mile?
As soccer fields vary in size, the number of laps required to complete a mile does too. Most professional soccer fields are approximately 115 yards long and 75 yards wide. This means that one lap is 380 yards. A mile is equal to 1,760 yards, therefore 4.6 laps of a typical professional soccer field is equal to 1 mile.
6.6. Is a soccer field bigger than a basketball court?
A soccer field is significantly bigger than a basketball court. An NBA basketball court is 31.3 yards long and 16.7 yards, with a total area of 522.71 yards². A typical professional soccer field is 115 yards long and 75 yards wide, with a total surface area of 8,625 yards².
6.7. Is a soccer field bigger than a football field?
A soccer field is larger than a football field. Most professional soccer fields are approximately 115 yards long and 75 yards wide, while football fields are 120 yards long and 53 yards wide. A typical professional soccer field has a total surface area of 8,625 yards² (1.78 acres), a football field has a surface area of 6,360 yards² (1.31 acres).
6.8. How many players are on a soccer field?
There are 11 players on each team during a regulated soccer game. One player on each side must be the designated goalkeeper. For FIFA regulated games, there must be at least 7 players on each team. If a team has less than 7 players available due to injuries or red cards, the game is abandoned.
6.9. What equipment do I need to mark out a soccer field?
To mark out a soccer field, you will need a range of line marking equipment, including line marking paint and a line marking machine. In order to calculate the location of the lines and zones, groundskeepers will typically use a measuring tape and/or a metric measuring wheel and other line marking accessories including line marking pins or stakes.
At Net World Sports, they sell a wide range of soccer field line marking equipment, including line marking wheels, motorized trikes and setting out kit bags. They carry everything you need to mark out a soccer field, including penalty spot markers, marking triangles, and soccer field marking tape.
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