In the world of soccer, the field is more than just a playing surface—it's the canvas upon which the game's rules and strategies unfold. From youth leagues to professional tournaments, soccer field dimensions vary significantly based on age groups, competition formats, and national regulations. This comprehensive guide breaks down all aspects of soccer field specifications, from size requirements to marking standards.
FIFA mandates that youth soccer matches should be played on significantly smaller fields than adult competitions. The United States Youth Soccer Association provides detailed guidelines for field dimensions based on player age and team size.
| Age Group | Format | Length (yards) | Width (yards) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 6 | 3v3 or 4v4 | 25-35 | 15-25 |
| 7-8 years | 4v4 or 5v5 | 25-35 | 15-25 |
| 9-10 years | 6v6 or 7v7 | 55-65 | 35-45 |
| 11-12 years | 8v8-11v11 | 70-80 | 45-55 |
| 13+ years | 11v11 | 100-130 | 50-100 |
- Under 6: 3-4 players per team, no goalkeepers, using size 3 ball on 25-35 yard fields
- 7-8 years: 4v4 or 5v5 format, size 3 ball, same field dimensions as U6
- 9-10 years: 7v7 format with goalkeepers, size 4 ball on 55-65 yard fields
- 11-12 years: Transition to 11v11, size 4 ball on 70-80 yard fields
- 13+ years: Standard adult field dimensions (100-130 yards) with size 5 ball
For senior international matches, FIFA specifies field dimensions must fall within strict parameters:
| Dimension | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 110 yards (100.6m) | 120 yards (109.7m) |
| Width | 70 yards (64.0m) | 80 yards (73.2m) |
Typically played on 40x30 yard fields with smaller goals (12x4 feet) and no offside rules.
International competitions require minimum dimensions of 54.7x32.8 yards with 12x6 foot goals.
Most common format uses 60x40 yard fields with standard 12x6 foot goals.
- Touchlines & Goal Lines: Define field boundaries and determine when ball is out of play
- Goal Area: 6-yard box where goal kicks are taken
- Penalty Area: 18-yard box where goalkeepers can handle the ball
- Penalty Spot: 12 yards from goal for penalty kicks
- Center Circle: 10-yard diameter for kickoffs
- Corner Arcs: 1-yard radius quarter circles for corner kicks
Professional stadiums often have unique field dimensions within regulatory limits:
| Stadium | Club | Length | Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Trafford | Manchester United | 114.8 yards | 74.4 yards |
| Camp Nou | Barcelona | 115 yards | 74.4 yards |
| Dignity Health Sports Park | LA Galaxy | 120 yards | 75 yards |
The term originates from cricket, where early soccer games were often played on cricket grounds. The word "pitch" referred to the prepared playing surface between wickets.
A standard FIFA regulation field covers 1.59-1.99 acres, with professional pitches averaging about 1.78 acres.
A soccer field is significantly larger than basketball courts (about 16.5 times larger) and slightly bigger than American football fields (about 1.35 times larger).
On a typical 115x75 yard professional field, approximately 4.6 laps equal one mile.