How the Swedish U12‑U13 game format works: 7v7 → 9v9, full offside rule and thirds format
Intro: Why the Swedish approach for U12‑U13 is so special
In Sweden, youth football revolves around one core idea: fotboll för alla. It means that every boy and every girl gets the chance to play, develop and have fun, without a hard selection taking place early in youth. For the age group U12‑U13 this principle translates into a specific game format, an adapted match structure and a clear philosophy that lays the foundation for healthy sporting growth. In this article we dive deep into the details of the Swedish match format for this age, explain the underlying reasons, and provide concrete tools for coaches and parents.
The game format: from 7v7 to 9v9 and ball size 4
For children aged 10 to 13 (U12‑U13) Sweden starts with a 7v7 formation. This smaller setup ensures that each player touches the ball more often, has more space to move, and becomes involved in the game more quickly. The ball used is size 4, which corresponds to a circumference of 68‑70 cm. A smaller ball is more manageable for the hand and foot skills of young players.
From the moment a player turns 13, Sweden makes the transition to 9v9. This step is not random; it is linked to the development of cognitive and tactical skills. In 9v9 the basic principles of 7v7 are retained – many touches, short passing and space creation – but two extra players are added per team. These extra players introduce more variation in attack and defence, requiring players to learn to align their position and movement better with their teammates.
A practical example for coaches: imagine a training where you simulate a 7v7 match with 7 outfield players and one goalkeeper. Then have the children add one extra player per side in a second round (so 9v9) and discuss the differences they experience. Many coaches notice that players in the 9v9 phase already look for free spaces more quickly, because more ‘diagonal’ lines emerge and the defence becomes more compact.
Match structure: thirds, full offside rule and duration
The match structure in Sweden for U12‑U13 is built from three equal parts – the so‑called “thirds‑format”. Instead of a traditional half of 30 minutes, the match is divided into three periods of 20‑25 minutes. This division has two important benefits. First, young players get a shorter, more intense work period, which helps maintain concentration better. Second, the break between periods provides an opportunity for tactical feedback and hydration, without interrupting the flow of the game.
Another feature is the full offside rule. In many countries offside is introduced later, often only at 11v11. In Sweden, however, offside is applied already from the 9v9 phase (around 13‑14 years). This means that players must learn at a young age to assess their position relative to the last defender.
For parents wondering why offside is introduced so early, it is important to know that learning this rule early stimulates spatial intelligence and understanding of team tactics. A concrete training task: have two groups of three players perform an ‘offside‑drill’, with one group simulating the defenders and the other group the attackers. Ask the attackers to look for moments when they are ‘on‑side’ or not, and then discuss the decisions.
Field dimensions and the transition to 11v11
The fields for U12‑U13 range between 50 × 30 m and 65 × 50 m, depending on the available facility. The smaller size (50 × 30 m) is often used for 7v7 matches, while the larger size (65 × 50 m) is suitable for 9v9. This scalable approach ensures that the ratio between players and space remains consistent, regardless of the number of players per team.
The Swedish philosophy states that the full transition to 11v11 only takes place around U15. This delayed transition gives players time to first develop in an environment with fewer players, where the emphasis is on technical play, ball possession and small‑scale tactics. Only when players reach the age of about 15 do they have a solid foundation to handle the complexity of a full 11‑against‑11 match.
An example from practice: a club can organise a “field‑adaptation‑day” where the 9v9 teams play a one‑day tournament on a 65 × 50 m field, followed by a short 11v11 session on a regular field. By letting the players first get used to the larger space, a gradual transition occurs without them feeling overwhelmed.
Practical tips for coaches and parents
1. Use the transition from 7v7 to 9v9 as a learning moment. Plan a training week where you simulate a full 7v7 game, then a short break, and then a 9v9 session. Discuss the differences in positional responsibility and let the children experience the benefits themselves.
2. Introduce offside in a playful way. Use small, structured drills that focus on recognising ‘on‑side’ and ‘off‑side’ positions. A popular exercise is the “offside‑line” where a coach draws a line and players must determine whether they are behind that line when the ball is played.
3. Keep the duration of the periods short and dynamic. In matches of 3×20‑25 minutes it is essential to keep the players active. Provide a good warm‑up and a short “reset‑talk” between periods, so that attention is maintained.
4. Adjust the field size to the number of players. When you organise a 7v7 training, choose a field of around 50 × 30 m. For 9v9 you can expand the space to 65 × 50 m. This adjustment ensures that each player still has enough space to manoeuvre, without the playing area becoming too large for the age group.
5. Communicate the philosophy of ‘fotboll för alla’. Explain to both players and parents that the emphasis is on broad participation and fun, not on early selection. This helps to relieve pressure and creates an environment where children feel free to make mistakes and learn from them.
Conclusion: A balanced step towards adult football
The Swedish match format for U12‑U13 combines a clear game format (7v7 → 9v9), an appropriate ball size, a thirds structure and a full offside rule to give young players a solid foundation. By carefully aligning the field dimensions and delaying the transition to 11v11 until around U15, a gradual development is ensured. For coaches and parents this means they have a clear framework to foster the technical, tactical and social aspects of football in a fun and educational way. With the practical tips in this article you can apply the Swedish philosophy of ‘fotboll för alla’ directly in your own club or training environment, so that every child gets the chance to grow, learn and, above all, enjoy the game.