8 versus 8 game format
Under 11s and 12s
as of the 2018/2019 season
As of the 2018/2019 season, the KNVB will introduce a new 8v8 format for the U11s and U12s. This format offers children more room to make a run, the opportunity to play together as a team, to pass among one another and be more involved in the game.
As of the 2018/2019 season, a competion will be organised in this age-group for which clubs can register freely. Throughout the Netherlands, a so-called year-of-birth competition and corresponding football package (=a set number of games) will be on offer.
The rules of play are conditional and can be adapted should the evaluation to be held in the middle of next season suggest they should be changed.
Download
Rules of play (Dutch PDF)
8 versus 8 game format rules of play
The rules of play are conditional and can be adapted should the evaluation to be held in the middle of next season suggest they should be changed.
Playing time
Playing time is 2 x 30 minutes.
Time-out
Each half, a time-out of no longer than two minutes is observed after 15 minutes. This gives the supervisor the opportunity to briefly review the game, offer tips and focus on areas of attention, and allow the children to enjoy refreshments.
Half-time
After half an hour, a 10-minute maximum period for half-time is observed.
Kick-off
The kick-off is taken from the middle line. Both teams start the game from their own half.
Goalie's ball
When the goalkeeper catches a ball that did not leave the field of play, the goalie can resume play by throwing or passing the ball or kicking out of hand.
Goal kick
The goal kick is taken when the ball is on the ground by passing or kicking it to a teammate.
Corner
Corners are taken from the corners of the pitch and dribbled into play or passed to a teammate.
Goal
After a goal, the kick-off is taken from the middle line. Both teams restart from their own half.
Out of play
If the ball crosses the sideline, it is dribbled back into play.
Free kick
A free kick may be passed or shot at goal.
Back-pass
A ball passed back to the goalkeeper may not be picked up.
Infringement / scoring opportunity
After a violation, the opposition is awarded a free kick. If the infringement deprives the opposition of a serious scoring opportunity, a penalty is awarded.
Distance
The opponent must be at least five metres away from the ball at every restart.
Referee / match supervisor
For this game format, a Youth Football referee of at least 13 years old is required.
Competition
The KNVB organises a competition for this game format.
League tables
The KNVB will publish rankings and leader boards.
Rituals
Stimulate shaking of hands before the game and a high-five afterwards as a way of saying thanks for the game. After the game, both teams can take penalties from a nine-metre distance. Youthful footballers always regard the taking of a penalty as a wonderful way to end the game. This is not only the case for the winning team, but also for the players on the losing side.
Ball size
Play takes place with a ball size 5 of 320 grams for the Under 11s and 370 grams for the Under 12s.