If you’re a parent or coach of an 8th-grade soccer team, chances are you want to know the answer to one question: how long are youth soccer games? It’s important to understand game duration so that you can best plan practices and ensure your players get the most out of their time on the field.
In this article, we’ll discuss the length of play for youth soccer games, from rules to regulations. Read on for helpful tips and expert advice on understanding game lengths!
Youth soccer games typically last between 40-50 minutes, divided into two halves of 20-25 minutes each. The game’s duration may be extended by a few extra minutes to compensate for play stoppages due to injuries or other events. Depending on the league and age group, some matches may also have breaks at halftime, while others do not. Generally, coaches must adhere strictly to these time limits for safety reasons and ensure that players stay within their fitness levels.
| Age Group | Game Length |
|---|---|
| U6 | 20 minutes |
| U8 | 40 minutes |
| U10 | 50 minutes |
| U12 | 60 minutes |
| U14 | 70 minutes |
| U16 | 80 minutes |
| U19 | 90 minutes |
Duration of Each Half in Youth Soccer Games
As a parent or coach of a youth soccer team, it’s important to know how long each half of a soccer game lasts, as well as the length of the game itself. The length of each half and the overall game can vary depending on the age group of the players.
For example, games for U6 players (players aged 5 and 6) typically last for 20 minutes, with each half lasting for 10 minutes. For U8 players (aged 7 and 8), games last 40 minutes, with each half lasting for 20 minutes.
U10 games (players aged 9 and 10) last for 50 minutes, with each half lasting for 25 minutes. U12 games (players aged 11 and 12) last for 60 minutes, with each half lasting for 30 minutes. U14 games (players aged 13 and 14) last for 70 minutes, with each half lasting for 35 minutes. U16 games (players aged 15 and 16) last for 80 minutes, with each half lasting for 40 minutes.
Finally, U19 games (players aged 17, 18, and 19) last for 90 minutes, with each half lasting for 45 minutes. Again, it’s important to note that these time lengths may vary slightly depending on the specific league or organization, but they should give you a general idea of how long each half of a youth soccer game lasts.
Duration of Youth Soccer Games Including Warmup and Halftime
A youth soccer game typically lasts around 60 to 80 minutes, including warmup and halftime. However, the game’s length can vary depending on the age group and level of play, as well as any local rules or regulations that may be in place.
Before the game begins, players will typically have a warmup period of about 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, they will stretch, jog, and kick the ball around to prepare their bodies and minds for the game. It’s important for players to warm up properly to avoid injuries and ensure they are performing at their best.
Once the warmup is complete, the game will begin. The game’s length is usually two halves of 30 to 40 minutes each, with a halftime break in between. During halftime, players will have a chance to rest, rehydrate, and discuss any strategies or adjustments with their coaches.
How Long Should Practice Games Be for U4?
When it comes to youth soccer games, the question of how long they should be is one that is commonly asked by parents and coaches alike. A few factors can influence the length of practice games for U4 players, including the age and skill level of the players, the goals of the practice, and the rules and regulations of the league or organization.
For U4 players, practice games should typically be shorter in length than games for older age groups. This is because younger players have shorter attention spans and may become easily fatigued.
As a result, practice games for U4 players should generally last for about 20-30 minutes, although this can vary based on the specific needs and abilities of the players.
It’s important to keep in mind that the primary goal of practice games for U4 players should be to introduce them to the basic concepts and rules of soccer and to help them develop their fundamental skills and technique. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on activities and drills that are age-appropriate and that can help players learn and improve in a fun and enjoyable way.
In addition to considering the age and skill level of the players, it’s also important to consider the practice’s goals when determining how long practice games should be.
For example, longer practice games may be more beneficial if the goal is to work on specific skills or strategies. However, shorter games may be more suitable if the goal is to provide a fun and enjoyable experience for the players.
Finally, it’s essential to follow the rules and regulations of the league or organization where the practice games are being held. For example, some leagues may have specific guidelines regarding the length of practice games for U4 players, so it’s crucial to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all players.
