How Long Are U12 Soccer Games? (A Complete Guide)

How Long Are U12 Soccer Games?

You’ve probably heard that a soccer game lasts 90 minutes, but what about for U12 players? The answer may surprise you. U12 soccer games are actually shorter than adult games, lasting just 60 minutes. This is because young players have shorter attention spans and need more breaks to stay hydrated and energized.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the length of U12 soccer games, as well as the other rules that are specific to this age group. We’ll also discuss the benefits of shorter games for young players and how they can help to improve their development.

So if you’re a parent, coach, or player of U12 soccer, read on for more information on the length of games and other rules that apply to this age group.

Age Group	Game Length	Half Length
U12	60 minutes	30 minutes
U13	70 minutes	35 minutes
U14	80 minutes	40 minutes
U15	90 minutes	45 minutes
U16	100 minutes	50 minutes
U17	110 minutes	55 minutes
U18	120 minutes	60 minutes

Duration of U12 Soccer Games

The length of U12 soccer games varies depending on the level of competition. In general, regular season games are 60 minutes long, while playoff games are 70 minutes long. Overtime periods are 10 minutes long, and penalty shootouts are five rounds long.

Length of regular season games

Regular season games for U12 soccer players are typically 60 minutes long. This includes two 30-minute halves, with a 10-minute halftime break in between.

Length of playoff games

Playoff games for U12 soccer players are typically 70 minutes long. This includes two 35-minute halves, with a 10-minute halftime break in between.

Length of overtime periods

Overtime periods for U12 soccer games are 10 minutes long. This includes two 5-minute halves, with a 1-minute break in between.

Length of penalty shootouts

Penalty shootouts for U12 soccer games are five rounds long. Each team takes five shots from the penalty spot, and the team that scores the most goals wins. If the score is tied after five rounds, the shootout continues until one team scores more goals than the other.

Halftime Break

The halftime break in U12 soccer games is typically 10 minutes long. During this time, players can rest, hydrate, and receive instructions from their coaches. Teams are not allowed to make substitutions during halftime.

What can players do during halftime break

During the halftime break, players can do a variety of things to rest and prepare for the second half of the game. Some common activities include:

• Drinking water or sports drinks
• Eating snacks
• Stretching
• Talking to their coaches
• Getting encouragement from their teammates

It is important for players to stay hydrated and energized during the halftime break so that they can perform well in the second half of the game.

The length of U12 soccer games varies depending on the level of competition. In general, regular season games are 60 minutes long, while playoff games are 70 minutes long. Overtime periods are 10 minutes long, and penalty shootouts are five rounds long. The halftime break is typically 10 minutes long. During this time, players can rest, hydrate, and receive instructions from their coaches.

How Long Are U12 Soccer Games?

The length of U12 soccer games varies depending on the level of competition. In general, U12 soccer games are played for either 40 or 50 minutes, with two 20- or 25-minute halves. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, which will be discussed in more detail below.

3. Other Time Limits

In addition to the length of the game itself, there are a few other time limits that apply to U12 soccer games. These include:

• Maximum number of substitutions per game: Each team is allowed a maximum of three substitutions per game. Substitutions can be made at any time during the game, but only when the ball is out of play.
• Maximum playing time per player per game: Each player is allowed a maximum of 50 minutes of playing time per game. This means that a player can only play for one half of the game, or for a maximum of 25 minutes if the game is played in two 25-minute halves.
• Number of games per week: U12 soccer players are typically only allowed to play one game per week. This is to help prevent them from becoming over-tired and injured.

4. Exceptions to the Rules

The rules for the length of U12 soccer games are not set in stone. There are a few exceptions to the rules that may apply in certain situations. These include:

• Tournaments may have different rules for game length: The length of U12 soccer games in tournaments may vary from the standard rules. This is because tournaments often have a tighter schedule, so games may need to be shorter in order to fit into the allotted time.
• Local leagues may have different rules for game length: The length of U12 soccer games in local leagues may also vary from the standard rules. This is because local leagues are often run by volunteers, who may not have the time or resources to follow the official rules.
• Weather conditions may affect the length of games: The length of U12 soccer games may also be affected by weather conditions. If the weather is bad, games may be shortened or cancelled altogether.

The length of U12 soccer games varies depending on the level of competition. In general, U12 soccer games are played for either 40 or 50 minutes, with two 20- or 25-minute halves. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, which include tournaments, local leagues, and weather conditions.

How long are U12 soccer games?

U12 soccer games are typically 40 minutes long, divided into two halves of 20 minutes each. There is a 5-minute break between halves.

Why are U12 soccer games shorter than adult games?

U12 soccer games are shorter than adult games because younger players have shorter attention spans and less stamina. Shorter games allow them to stay engaged and focused for the entire duration.

What are the rules for U12 soccer games?

The rules for U12 soccer games are the same as the rules for adult games, with a few exceptions. For example, the ball is smaller and lighter, and there are no offsides.

What are the different positions in U12 soccer?

The different positions in U12 soccer are the same as the positions in adult soccer. The most common positions are goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, and forward.

How do I coach a U12 soccer team?

Coaching a U12 soccer team can be a rewarding experience. However, it is important to remember that these are young players who are still learning the game. Here are a few tips for coaching a U12 soccer team:

• Focus on the basics. U12 players are still developing their skills, so it is important to focus on the basics of the game. This includes passing, dribbling, and shooting.
• Be patient. U12 players are still learning, so they will make mistakes. It is important to be patient and supportive.
• Have fun. Soccer should be fun for players of all ages. Make sure that your practices are fun and engaging.

What are the benefits of playing soccer at a young age?

Playing soccer at a young age has many benefits, including:

• Improved physical fitness. Soccer is a great way to get exercise and improve your overall fitness.
• Increased coordination and agility. Soccer requires players to be able to move quickly and change directions quickly. This can help improve coordination and agility.
• Social development. Soccer is a team sport, so it can help players learn how to work together and cooperate.
• Self-confidence. Playing soccer can help players build self-confidence and self-esteem.

Where can I find more information about U12 soccer?

There are many resources available online and in libraries that can provide you with more information about U12 soccer. Here are a few resources to get you started:

• [U.S. Soccer Federation](https://www.ussoccer.com/youth-soccer/)
• [FIFA](https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/football-development/technical/youth-development/)
• [The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)](https://www.nscaa.org/)

  U12 soccer games are typically 40 minutes long, divided into two 20-minute halves. There is a 5-minute halftime break in between. The game is played on a full-size field with 11 players on each team.

It is important to note that the length of U12 soccer games can vary depending on the competition. For example, games in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy are 50 minutes long, divided into two 25-minute halves.

Regardless of the specific length of the game, the key thing to remember is that U12 soccer is a developmental game. The focus should be on having fun and learning the game, not on winning.