U13

U13, short for Under-13, is a youth sports designation used to classify players who have not yet reached their thirteenth birthday by a defined cutoff date. The exact age range is determined by the governing body or league and may be based on a calendar year, a season, or a specific date of birth. Because cutoffs vary between organizations, eligibility can differ across competitions.

In many sports, especially football (soccer), basketball, rugby, cricket, and field hockey, U13 teams are a common part of the youth development pathway. Teams at this level typically emphasize basic technical skills, game understanding, and physical literacy appropriate for early adolescence. Competitions for U13 players are usually organized as local or regional leagues and tournaments rather than international fixtures, with progression to older age groups occurring annually.

Governance and rules for U13 play are set by national associations, regional leagues, and clubs. These bodies publish eligibility criteria, roster requirements, and safety guidelines, as well as specifics on match formats, substitution limits, and medical precautions. Because rules and definitions can differ by country and league, players, coaches, and clubs must verify the applicable criteria for their jurisdiction.

Overall, U13 serves as a general age-group label used widely in youth sports to structure competition and development, rather than a single global standard.