under12

Under12, commonly written as U12 or Under-12, is a designation used in organized youth activities to identify an age group of players who are under 12 years old as determined by a cutoff date set by the competition or organization. The category is widely used across many sports, including football (soccer), basketball, rugby, cricket, and field hockey, as well as in youth tournaments and leagues. The exact eligibility depends on the governing body and the league, with cutoffs often based on the player's age on a specific date such as the start of the season or a fixed calendar date.

In U12 competitions, age-appropriate adjustments are often made to support development and participation. These may include smaller playing areas, reduced game durations, lighter or smaller equipment, and simplified rules or substitution formats. Emphasis typically rests on skill development, decision-making, teamwork, and fair play, rather than winning at all costs. Coaching at this level focuses on technique, understanding the game, and safe play, with safety and welfare as priorities.

Variation exists by sport and region. Some organizations label the same age group differently (for example U11 or U13) depending on local policies. Outside formal sport, the term may also appear in event programming or content targeted at audiences under 12.