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Parent guide · Under-8 football

Useful terms.
Made simple.

Grassroots football has its own rules and language. This page explains the Under-8 format and the phrases our coaches may use so parents can support their child without having to decode football jargon.

Under-8 football at a glance

What to expect
on matchday.

Format5 v 5

Maximum five players on the pitch per team, with rolling substitutions.

BallSize 3

The standard ball size used for this age group.

Goals12ft × 6ft

Appropriate youth goals for the small-sided format.

PitchUp to 37m × 27m

Small-sided pitch dimensions designed for more touches and involvement.

Match40 minutes

Usually two 20-minute halves. Playing-time limits still apply across the day.

Key Under-8 rules

Different from
the adult game.

Retreat line

When the goalkeeper has the ball, the opposition retreats to give the team in possession space to restart and play.

Power Play

If a team falls four goals behind, they may add an extra player. The extra player is removed when the deficit reduces to three goals.

No deliberate heading

Players at this age should not deliberately head the ball.

No offside

The offside law is not used in Under-8 football.

Pass-in or dribble-in

Instead of a traditional throw-in, the ball can be passed or dribbled back into play in accordance with the competition rules.

Rolling substitutions

Players can rotate on and off. The aim is meaningful involvement and appropriate game time for every child.

Goalkeepers

A goalkeeper is used. Children who enjoy the position can develop there, while clubs can also give players opportunities to experience it.

No league tables or published results

At this development phase the emphasis is on learning, enjoyment and player development rather than league positions.

Parents & carers

Encourage. Applaud. Support.

Positive support from the side helps children enjoy the game. Coaching instructions should come from the coaching team so players are not receiving different messages from several adults at once.

What your coach means

Football language
in plain English.

These are common phrases a child may hear during training or a match. Knowing what they mean can make conversations about football much easier.

Goal sideGet between the ball or attacker and our goal.
Man onA warning that an opponent is very close and pressure is arriving.
Push forwardMove up the pitch together to support the attack.
Mark upStay close enough to an opponent to stop them receiving or moving freely.
Drop deepMove back towards our goal to help defend and protect space.
In the boxGet into the penalty area to help attack or defend.
Spread outUse the width and length of the pitch to create more space.
PassMove the ball to a teammate rather than trying to do everything alone.
ShootIf the opportunity is there, try to score.
Switch playMove the ball to the other side of the pitch where there may be more space.
Close downMove towards the player with the ball to reduce their time and space.
Play fastMove the ball quickly and make the next decision with purpose.
PressWork together to put the opposition under pressure and try to regain the ball.
RelaxStay calm, enjoy the game and trust your teammates and your decisions.
TimeYou have space and do not need to rush your next action.
HalfwayRecover back towards the halfway line or team shape when needed.
Straight inAttack the ball or close the space immediately rather than waiting.
Push harderKeep working, keep running and increase the effort.
JockeyStay balanced and move with the attacker without diving into a tackle.
PositionsReset into the team's shape and return to the area you are responsible for.
Pass and movePass the ball, then immediately move to create a new option for your teammate.
Find the spaceLook around and move into an area where you can receive the ball with room to play.