FAI SSG Pitch Dimensions Ireland | Small-Sided Football Guide
The official FAI Player Development Plan (PDP) pitch dimensions and format rules for small-sided games across Ireland. This guide covers every format from 4v4 to 9v9 — with exact dimensions, age groups, penalty areas, retreat line rules and recommended paints, taken directly from the FAI Format Guide Edition II.
Where pitches are marked on an existing 11-a-side pitch with white lines, the FAI recommends that SSG lines should be clearly distinguishable. Use Clubline Blue for all small-sided game pitch markings on pitches that already have white lines.
Format Overview
| Format | Age Group | Pitch Size | Duration | Ball Size | Retreat Line? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4v4 | Under 7 / Under 8 | 30–35m x 20m | — | Size 3 | ✅ Yes |
| 5v5 | Under 8 / Under 9 | 40–45m x 25m | 4 x 12 mins | Size 5 (290g U8 / 320g U9) | ✅ Yes |
| 7v7 | Under 10 / Under 11 | 60–65m x 35–40m | 25 mins each way | Size 5 (320g) | ✅ Yes |
| 9v9 | Under 12 / Under 13 | 70–85m x 50–55m | 30 mins each way | Size 5 (370g) | ❌ No |
9-a-side Pitch Dimensions | Under 12 / Under 13
Length: 70–85m | Width: 50–55m | Duration: 30 minutes each way | Ball: Size 5 (370g)
Key rule: Regular offside laws apply. No retreat line. No goalkeeper distribution restrictions. Playing through “the thirds” is strongly advocated for player development. Squad: 14 players (9 + 5 subs), max 16.
Important: If marking a 9v9 on a minimum-sized 11-a-side pitch (90m), place goals on the edge of the 6-yard box. Do not play on a 7v7 pitch.
9-a-side Penalty Area
7-a-side Pitch Dimensions | Under 10 / Under 11
Max: 65m x 40m | Min: 60m x 35m | Penalty area: 23m x 9m | Duration: 25 mins each way | Ball: Size 5 (320g)
Squad: Panel of 10 recommended (7 players + 3 subs), max 12. Roll On/Roll Off subs at the halfway line.
Key rules: No offside. Throw-ins only (no kick-ins). Goalkeeper must throw or pass — they cannot kick with their hands. Retreat line applies (see below).
5-a-side Pitch Dimensions | Under 8 / Under 9
Max: 45m x 25m | Min: 40m x 25m | Penalty area: 9m x 5m | Duration: 4 x 12 mins (or 4 x 10 mins)
Ball: Size 5 — 290g (U8) / 320g (U9) | Squad: Ideal 12 players, max 14. Roll On/Roll Off is always at the halfway line.
Key rules: No referees — use a Match Supervisor. No penalty kicks (indirect free kick outside the penalty area instead). All free kicks indirect, 5 metres. No offside. Goals turned on back or use 5-a-side goals (5m x 2m). Non-trophy football — no match cards, no results, no league tables.
Twin games: Play across the current 7v7 pitch with the halfway line dividing both pitches — enabling 2 games simultaneously.
4-a-side Pitch Dimensions | Under 7 / Under 8
Max: 35m x 20m | Min: 30m x 20m | No penalty area. No goalkeeper.
Retreat Line Rules (7v7 and 5v5)
The retreat line divides the pitch into thirds and applies to 4v4, 5v5 and 7v7 formats. It is designed to encourage build-up play from the back and is a core part of the FAI Player Development Plan.
How the Retreat Line Works (7v7)
- Yellow cones or a broken blue line divide the pitch into thirds, marking the retreat line.
- The retreat line only becomes active when the ball goes wide of the goal. One attacker is allowed inside the retreat line. All other attackers must withdraw beyond the retreat line.
- Play resumes with the Goalkeeper throwing or passing the ball out to a teammate. The ball is “live” once released by the Goalkeeper — the player inside the retreat line may intercept. Opponents outside cannot advance until a defender touches the ball.
- The retreat line is NOT active if the Goalkeeper makes a save — play continues as normal.
Goalkeeper Distribution Rules
- Goalkeeper must throw or pass the ball off the ground when in possession
- Goalkeeper cannot kick out of the hands at any stage of play
- The goalkeeper is not allowed to handle the ball from a back pass
Mark retreat lines with a broken blue line using Clubline Blue — keeping it consistent with SSG markings and clearly distinguishable from white 11-a-side lines.
Coach & Referee Ethos (FAI PDP)
The FAI Player Development Plan emphasises the following principles at all SSG games:
- Equal playing time for all players throughout the season
- Coaches must respect the referee — remain in the technical area, no ranting on the touchline
- Both teams shake hands before and after the game, including coaches and referee
- Parents/supporters must be at least 3 metres from the touchline (pitch must be roped off)
- Coaches and players stay on one side of the pitch — opposite to parents/supporters
- Thank the referee — no referees means no game
- Player-centred — it’s about the children’s enjoyment and development
How Much Paint Do I Need for SSG Pitches?
| Format | Pitch Size | Approx. SSG Pitches per 10L (Clubline Blue) |
|---|---|---|
| 4v4 | 30–35m x 20m | 8–10 pitches per 10L |
| 5v5 | 40–45m x 25m | 6–8 pitches per 10L |
| 7v7 | 60–65m x 35–40m | 4–6 pitches per 10L |
| 9v9 | 70–85m x 50–55m | 3–4 pitches per 10L |
Frequently Asked Questions
What colour should SSG lines be on an existing white pitch?
The FAI recommends blue for all SSG lines marked on a pitch that already has white 11-a-side lines. Clubline Blue is the recommended paint.
Can I use white paint for 7v7 or 9v9 lines?
If marking a standalone SSG pitch with no existing white lines, white paint is fine. Where the SSG pitch overlaps an existing white-lined pitch, blue is required to avoid confusion during play.
What age group plays on each pitch size?
4v4 — Under 7 / Under 8. 5v5 — Under 8 / Under 9. 7v7 — Under 10 / Under 11. 9v9 — Under 12 / Under 13.
Does the retreat line apply to 9v9?
No — the retreat line only applies to 4v4, 5v5 and 7v7. There are no retreat lines and no goalkeeper distribution restrictions in 9v9. Playing through “the thirds” is strongly recommended for player development.
Can the goalkeeper kick the ball in 7v7?
No — the goalkeeper must throw or pass the ball off the ground. They cannot kick with their hands at any stage of play.
What machine do I need to mark SSG pitches?
Any standard spray-line marker or transfer-wheel machine. For clubs that regularly mark multiple SSG pitches, a Pitchmark spray marker with a Green Flat Fan Nozzle (F110-015) is the most efficient option. See our machines →
How long will Clubline Blue lines last?
Typically 5–7 days depending on weather and foot traffic. Mix 2.5L of paint with 4L of water per full-size pitch equivalent.
Are there penalties in 5v5?
No — there are no penalty kicks in 5v5. An indirect free kick is awarded outside the penalty area instead.
🎨 Shop SSG Pitch Marking Paints
| Product | Best For | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clubline Blue 10L ⭐ FAI Recommended | Blue SSG lines on pitches with existing white lines — FAI PDP recommended | €65.00 | Shop Now |
| Clubline White 10L | White lines for standalone SSG pitches with no existing white markings | €55.00 | Shop Now |
| Lumen White 10L | Premium white for high-use match pitches — brighter, longer lasting | €65.00 | Shop Now |
| Line-Out Green 10L | Cover white lines before applying blue SSG lines, or correct marking mistakes | €85.00 | Shop Now |
Browse all Pitch Marking Paints →
🔧 Spare Parts & Nozzles
| Product | Best For | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Flat Fan Nozzles — 5 x 110° | Recommended nozzle for Clubline Blue — fits Pitchmark, Fleet, Zehnder & more | €29.50 | Shop Now |
| Flat Fan Nozzle Kit — Basic | Complete kit — nozzles, filters & seals in one bundle | €25.00 | Shop Now |
How to Mark a Football Pitch → All Pitch Dimensions (GAA, Rugby, 5-a-side) → Compare All Paints →
