How Big is a Soccer Field? Laws of the Game
How big is a soccer field? The beautiful game is usually played on grass fields, commonly referred to as “pitches”, but nowadays it can also be played on artificial grass fields.
FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, is responsible for creating the rules, or laws of the game, and have set standardized soccer field dimensions for professional leagues around the world.
Professional soccer fields approved by FIFA measure 100–130 yards long (90–120 meters) and 50–100 yards wide (45–90 meters), but of course the field size can vary depending on the age group, skill level, and league.
Which stadium teams play at determines the size of the pitch but most, if not all, are within the official FIFA size or very close. In this blog, I will explain everything you need to know about soccer field dimensions.
Youth Soccer Field Size
For youth soccer players, the soccer fields obviously have to be smaller than a full sized pitch, as well as the gear and equipment used, which will vary across each age group.
Ages 6-8:
Youth players aged 6-8 play small sided 4 V 4 games on a field that is 25-35 yards (23-32 meters) long and 15-25 yards (14-23 meters) wide. Kids in this age group will play with a size 3 soccer ball and they will play four quarters that are 10 minutes long each.
Ages 9-11:
Youth players aged 9-11 play small sided 7 V 7 games on a field that is 55-65 yards (50-59 Meters) long and 35-45 yards (32- 41 meters) wide. Kids in this age group will play with a size 4 soccer ball and they will play two 25 minute halves
Ages 11-13:
Youth players aged 11-13 play small sided 9 V 9 games on a field that is 70-80 yards (64-73 meters) long and 45-70 yards (41-64 meters) wide. Kids in this age group will also play with a size 4 soccer ball and they will play two 30 minute halves.
High School Soccer Fields
High school soccer fields usually follow the same guidelines set by FIFA, although some fields may vary in size, and their dimensions are usually 100–130 yards (90–120 meters) long and 50–100 yards (45–90 meters) wide.
Freshmen and Junior Varsity:
Players play in a full size field, with a size 5 soccer ball, and two 40 minute halves.
Varsity:
At these ages, game time, field size, and ball size all resemble that of a professional game. Players play in a full size field, with a size 5 soccer ball, and two 45 minute halves with a 10-15 minute half time break.
College Soccer Fields
College soccer fields are not regulated by FIFA, they are regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), but they usually follow the same guidelines set by FIFA and use soccer field dimensions that are 100–130 yards long (90–120 meters) and 50–100 yards wide (45–90 meters).
International Soccer Field
In professional international matches managed by FIFA, such as the FIFA World Cup, the soccer field dimensions have to be 100–130 yards long (90–120 meters) and 50–100 yards wide (45–90 meters).
Futsal Court:
Futsal, a popular variation of soccer played indoors, has its own unique court dimensions. A standard futsal court measures approximately 27-32 yards long (25-30 meters) and 18-22 yards wide (16-20 meters). Futsal is played with special equipment including indoor soccer shoes and indoor soccer balls.
Soccer Field Markings
Now that you are more familiar with the typical soccer field dimensions, let’s discuss the main markings of a field.
- Halfway Line
- The halfway line divides a soccer field into two halves. This line runs parallel to both goal lines and helps determine which team defends which side of the field.
- Center circle
- The center circle is drawn around the midpoint of the halfway line and has a radius of 10 yards (9.15 meters), where teams gather before kickoff.
- The penalty box or penalty area, also known as “the box,”
- An 18-yard (16.5-meter) rectangle in front of the goal that marks the area where the goalkeeper is allowed to use their hands to handle the ball
- The penalty box also has a smaller rectangular zone that extends six yards out from posts inwardly. This is the area where the goalie places the ball for goal kicks if the other team hits the ball out of bounds through the goal line.
- Outside of the penalty area is the penalty arc.
- Penalty Spot:
- The penalty spot, or penalty mark, is located twelve yards (11 meters) from the center of each goal line inside of the goal area and this is where penalty kicks are taken.
- Corner Arc:
- There are four corner arcs, one at each corner of the field and this is where corner kicks are taken. Each corner arc has a corner flag.
- Touchline
- Line running the entire length of the field long ways
- Goal Lines
- Line running the entire width of the field short ways
Finding Local Soccer Fields Near You
If you are looking for a soccer field to improve your skills, play pickup games, or any other variation of the game, then Google Maps will become your best friend. All you have to do is type in “soccer fields near me” in the search bar and you will see all the nearby options with their distances from your current location.
Click on each option to get more details, like hours of operation, user reviews, photos of the facility, as well as directions to the field. Some of the most important questions to ask when looking for a field is what type of surface is available to play on, is there free or paid parking, and do they have other amenities such as bathrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cleats do you need for soccer?
There are different types of soccer cleats all designed for various surfaces and playing with the right cleats is crucial for optimal performance and injury prevention.
- FG (Firm Ground Soccer Cleats): Designed for natural grass fields.
- SG (Soft Ground Soccer Cleats): Designed for wet and muddy grass field
- AG (Artificial Grass Shoes): Designed for artificial surfaces
- IC (Indoor shoes): Designed for indoor surfaces and harder outdoor surfaces
How many acres is a soccer field?
A soccer field measures about 1.78 acres and is marked with continuous lines that make up important soccer field markings.
How can I learn more about the game?
To learn more about soccer the most important thing is to join a team and play the game as much as possible. If possible, analyze high level games as much as you can and your own games as well by recording them with a soccer camera. Also read soccer books, listen to podcasts and interviews watch soccer documentaries, as well as some movies, tv shows, and anime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a soccer pitch, or a football pitch, has standardized dimensions that are set by FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Soccer pitches vary across different playing levels, but they will usually always follow the same FIFA guidelines, or stick to them as closely as possible.
In this blog, I covered everything you need to know about soccer field dimensions so now it is your turn to choose the right cleats, gather the right training equipment, head on to a soccer pitch, and start your training.
Join our Free Telegram!
Learn how to better express yourself on and off the field.
