Between 8 and 10, a lot changes. Matches get bigger, positions start to matter, and some children are already being scouted. It's tempting to treat it all as serious, but the players who keep improving are the ones who keep spending lots of time with the ball and still enjoy it.
How football changes between 8 and 10
- Bigger matches: under-8s and under-9s play 5v5, and under-10s and under-11s play 7v7.
- A bigger ball: size 3 up to about under-9, then usually size 4 from about under-10.
- Positions: children start to settle into roles, though it's still worth playing everywhere.
Our size guide has the pitch and goal sizes for each age.
What good training looks like at this age
- Lots of touches: close control, turning and shooting with both feet.
- Decisions at match speed: when to dribble, when to pass, when to shoot.
- Small-sided games: fewer players means more time on the ball.
- Playing in different positions: how a child moves on the pitch can hint at where they'll thrive. See how movement can guide you to the right position.
- Enjoyment: at 8 to 10, fun is still what keeps children coming back.
Our Year 2+ classes
Our classes for Year 2 and up (ages 6 to 10) last 50 minutes and are led by our coaches. Sessions start at a high tempo with lots of touches, then move on to drills from the FSS syllabus, small-sided games with a match idea to work on, and matches where players put it all together. Whether your child has never played, plays for a grassroots team or is in an academy, sessions are pitched so they feel supported while still being challenged.
A word for team parents and coaches
This is the age when results start to feel important. It's worth reading our posts on ten small ways to improve junior football, on the FA's youth development review, and on how not to manage a junior team.
Find a class
We run classes across Bristol, Swindon and Chippenham. Classes are £39 a month for one child, and you can start with a free trial. Read more about football for 7, 8, 9 and 10 year olds, or book a free trial.
