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For parentsWhat does U10 mean?
soccer age groups explained
If you are new to youth soccer, the letters and numbers can be confusing. U6, U10, U14. Here is what they mean, how they match up with school grades and what your child will play.
The U means “under.” It is about birth date, not ability.
What the U stands for
“Under.” U-10 means the players are under 10 for the season, by the cutoff rule. It says nothing about ability. It is only the birth-date window a child is registered in. You will see it written as U10 or U-10, and both mean the same thing.
How it matches school grades
- U6: usually kindergarten.
- U7: usually 1st grade.
- U8: usually 2nd grade.
- U9: usually 3rd grade.
- U10: usually 4th grade.
- U11: usually 5th grade.
- U12: usually 6th grade.
- U13: usually 7th grade.
- U14: usually 8th grade.
What each age plays
- U6 to U8: 4v4 with no keeper. Some leagues use 5v5 at the youngest ages.
- U9 and U10: 7v7, six field players and a keeper.
- U11 and U12: 9v9.
- U13 and up: 11v11 on the full pitch.
Why it isn’t simply your child’s age
Your child’s age group stays the same for the whole season, even after a birthday. It is set by date of birth at the start. That is why a nine-year-old and a ten-year-old can both be on a U10 team, and why it can feel like the number does not quite match your child.
What about rec, travel and A or B teams?
The age group is only the window. Within it, clubs may have rec teams, travel teams and more than one level. A U10 player might be on any of them. The number tells you who your child can play with, not how good they are.
Questions parents ask
Is U10 the same as 10 years old?
Not exactly. Most U10 players are nine or ten. It means under 10 by the cutoff rule.
Does the age group change during the season?
No. It stays the same for the whole season, and moves up the next season.
What proof of age do we need?
A birth certificate or passport at first registration. Clubs keep it on file.
Age groups by birth year ›Age group calculator ›What to expect at U10 ›