U17

U17 refers to the under-17 age category used in various sports to designate players who are under 17 years old according to a defined cutoff date. It is primarily associated with youth competitions, where age-appropriate skill development and competitive balance are prioritized. The term appears across multiple sports, with football being the most prominent example.

In association football (soccer), U17 competitions play a key role in player development and talent identification. The sport features international tournaments such as the FIFA U-17 World Cup for men and the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. Each governing body also runs regional or continental championships, for example the UEFA European Under-17 Championship for men, and corresponding competitions in other confederations. These events typically involve age eligibility rules based on birth dates and include a series of qualifiers leading to a final tournament.

Eligibility is determined by each competition’s regulations and generally requires players to be under 17 as of a specified date, often aligned with the year of the tournament. Age verification and anti-cheating measures are common concerns in youth sports and are enforced by governing bodies to preserve fair competition.

Beyond football, U17 categories exist in other sports such as basketball, where the FIBA Under-17 World Cup serves as a world championship for players under 17, and in various regional youth events. The U17 level is widely used to promote development, provide international exposure, and serve as a stepping stone to higher-level professional and national-team play.

See also: under-18, youth football, youth sports, national under-17 teams.