Youth Soccer Rules by Age Group

US Club Soccer / USSF / Washington Premier League — 2025–26 Season

U5
Born 2021–2022
Format3v3 Funino
Goals4 small goals
Duration4 × 5 min
BallSize 3
Field~24 × 35 yds
OffsidesNo
RestartsKick/dribble-in
HeadersNo
RefsCoach
Each team attacks 2 goals and defends 2, building scanning and decision-making from the start. Developed by Horst Wein and recommended by USSF for U5/U6.
U7
Born 2019–2020
Format4v4, no GK
Duration4 × 8 min
BallSize 3
Field~20 × 30 yds
GoalsSmall portable
OffsidesNo
HeadersNo
CardsNone
RefsCoach
U10
Born 2016–2018
Format7v7 (inc. GK)
Duration2 × 25 min
BallSize 4
Field45 × 80 yds
Goals6'6" × 18'6"
Build-outYes
GK dist.No punts / kicks
OffsidesBuild-out line
HeadersNo (IFK)
CardsYes
U12
Born 2014–2015
Format9v9 (inc. GK)
Duration2 × 30 min
BallSize 4
Field50 × 75 yds
Goals7' × 21' ideal
Build-outNo
GK dist.Punts OK
OffsidesCenter line
Headers≤30 min/wk practice
CardsYes
U15
Born 2011–2013
Format11v11
Duration2 × 40 min
BallSize 5
Field75 × 112 yds
Goals8' × 24'
Build-outNo
GK dist.Full FIFA
OffsidesFull FIFA
HeadersNo restriction
CardsYes

Heading Restrictions (USSF Mandate)

Age group Games Practice Violation
U11 and younger No heading No heading Indirect free kick (IFK) from the spot of the offense
U12 & U13 No restriction Max 30 min/week — ≤15–20 headers per player No in-game enforcement; practice limit is coach responsibility
U14 and older No restriction No restriction

No Re-Entry Protocol: any player removed for a suspected head injury may not return without healthcare professional clearance.

Universal WPL Rules — Competitive / League Play Only

US Club Soccer ID required for players, coaches, and staff participating in WPL league play. These roster and ID requirements do not apply to recreational play.

Roster and transfer rules: official rosters, transfer deadlines, and waiting periods apply to WPL teams only, not recreational formats.

Club Pass: max 3 per game in Classic/Copa divisions. This is a league-play rule for competitive teams.

Play up only — never down. Written WPL approval is required before registration for league teams wishing to play up.

Match-day posting rules such as host scheduling deadlines apply to WPL league matches and competitive administration.

Points and standings: 3 for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss in WPL play. Recreational programs do not use league point tracking or standings.

Sources: WPL League Rules (Oct 2024) · USSF Small-Sided Guidelines · US Club Soccer