Football Pitch Size & Dimensions: 5, 7 & 11-a-Side

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Football pitch size can vary hugely depending on which format you’re playing. 5-a-side pitches have curved penalty areas, whereas 11-a-sides have an 18 yard box, but even within those formats football pitch markings and dimensions can vary considerably.

Whether you’re laying your own football pitch or looking for one to play on, here are the FA recommended pitch sizes for 5-a-side, 7-a-side, and 11-a-side football.

How big is a football pitch?

There isn’t one standard size for every football pitch. The dimensions vary depending on the format and level of football being played. A full-size 11-a-side football pitch can range from 90–120m long and 45–90m wide, although recommended dimensions vary depending on the age group and level of play.

FA recommended football pitch sizes:

5-a-side football pitch size

5-a-side football pitches can vary in size, but the recommended dimensions are 40 x 30 yards (36.5m x 27.5m). The penalty area, formed of semi-circles at either end of the pitch, must be 6.5 yards (6m) from the centre of the goal line regardless of the pitch size.

You can play five-a-side with or without centre circle or even half-way line pitch markings. The recommended goal size for 5-a-side is 3 yards (3.66m) wide.

7-a-side football pitch size

7-a-side pitch dimensions can also vary, but the recommended size is 60 x 40 yards (55 x 36.5m). Unlike 5-a-side, 7-a-side pitches have rectangular penalty areas, which are 18 yards (16.5m) wide and 10 yards (9m) from the goal line.

As with 5-a-side, a centre circle is optional. Penalty arcs, or as they’re more commonly known, Ds, are also optional and are positioned at the edge of the penalty area with the curve facing away from goal. The penalty spot should always be 8 yards from the goal line.

11-a-side football pitch size

11-a-side pitch measurements can vary considerably, but according to FA regulations, should fall between 100-130 yards (90-120m) long and 50-100 yards (45-90m) wide. The penalty area should measure 18 yards away from the centre of the goal line and the penalty spot should be 12 yards from goal, no matter the overall size of the pitch.

Something not present on either the 5-a-side or 7-a-side pitch markings are corner arcs, which should form a 1 yard radius away from each corner of an 11-a-side pitch.

11-a-side football pitch size

3G pitches are artificial grass surfaces designed to provide a more consistent, durable playing surface than natural grass. They’re widely used for 5-, 7- and 11-a-side football, particularly because they can handle regular use and are suitable for play throughout the year. Find out more about 3G pitches here.

If you know which pitch you want to play on, head over to Playfinder to hire football pitches for 5-a-side, 7-a-side, and 11-a-side in London, Manchester, Brighton and Dublin!

If you manage your own sports facilities, please visit our partner page to see how Playfinder can simplify your sports facility management.

FAQs

How big is a football pitch?

Football pitches can vary in size depending on the format and level of football being played. For a standard 11-a-side pitch, the Laws of the Game allow a length of 90–120 metres and a width of 45–90 metres. International matches have a narrower permitted range of 100–110 metres by 64–75 metres.

Are all football pitches the same size?

No. Football pitches can vary in size, particularly between different formats and levels of the game. Youth and grassroots football can use smaller pitches, while 11-a-side football uses a larger playing area. National football associations can also set specific dimensions for different age groups and competitions.

How big is an 11-a-side football pitch?

An 11-a-side football pitch can be between 90 and 120 metres long and 45 and 90 metres wide under the standard Laws of the Game. The exact dimensions used can depend on the competition and level of football.

How big is a 5-a-side football pitch?

The recommended playing area for 5-a-side football in England is between 25 and 50 metres long and 16 and 35 metres wide. The exact size can vary between facilities and competitions.

How big is a 7-a-side football pitch?

For 7-a-side football, the FA recommends a playing area between 50 and 60 metres long and 30 and 40 metres wide.

How big is a 9-a-side football pitch?

There isn’t one universal pitch size for 9-a-side football. The dimensions can vary depending on the age group, competition and governing body’s regulations. It is generally played on a pitch smaller than a full-size 11-a-side pitch.

How big is a football pitch in square metres?

The total area depends on the pitch dimensions. For example, a pitch measuring 105 metres by 68 metres has a playing area of 7,140 square metres. As football pitches can vary considerably in size, there isn’t one standard square-metre measurement for every pitch.

What are the dimensions of a football pitch?

Under the standard Laws of the Game, an 11-a-side football pitch must be between 90–120 metres long and 45–90 metres wide. For international matches, the permitted dimensions are 100–110 metres long and 64–75 metres wide.

What size football pitch is used for junior football?

Junior football uses smaller pitches than adult 11-a-side football. The pitch size varies according to the age group and format, with younger players typically playing smaller formats such as 5-, 7- or 9-a-side. The FA and other national associations can set specific dimensions for youth football.

What are the dimensions of a football penalty area?

On a standard 11-a-side pitch, the penalty area extends 16.5 metres from the goal line and 16.5 metres from the inside of each goalpost. The penalty mark is positioned 11 metres from the goal.

How big is a football goal?

A standard 11-a-side football goal is 7.32 metres wide and 2.44 metres high. These dimensions apply to goals used under the standard Laws of the Game, while smaller formats and youth football can use different goal sizes.

How much space is needed around a football pitch?

The playing area isn’t necessarily the same as the total space needed for a football facility. Additional space may be required around the pitch for safety areas, access, spectator areas, dugouts and other facilities. The requirements can vary depending on the level and type of football being played.