7v7

7v7, or seven-a-side, is a variation of association football in which each team fields seven players: a goalkeeper and six outfield players. The game is played on a smaller pitch, typically 70–90 yards long and 40–60 yards wide, with side‑lines and a touchline instead of corner arcs. The match length usually consists of two 20‑minute halves, with a 5‑minute break at halftime. Goal size is reduced by one metre in each dimension. Referee(s) may be used, though some youth or recreational leagues allow a single local referee; in professional tournaments two or three officials are common.

The format emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as an accessible form of football for working‑class communities in the United Kingdom, providing a portable, less physically demanding alternative to full‑size 11v11. It has since been adopted worldwide, especially to promote player development, fast tactical transitions, and increased individual skill expression. Variants exist in soccer, rugby, and cricket, but the term 7v7 most often refers to soccer.

Major competitions include the FIFA 7s Youth competitions and regional tournaments such as the United States Soccer Federation's National Youth Championships. In Brazil, the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior features seven‑a‑side warm‑up matches. In some countries, 7v7 is formally recognized in adult club competitions, with league structures mirroring the 11v11 system but adapted for shorter fixtures. The format encourages high scoring games, with average team totals between six and twelve goals per side, and is popular for football festivals, school sports days, and corporate leagues.