What does 7v7 mean?
7v7 means each team has 7 players on the field, including the goalkeeper. The field and goals are smaller than in the full game, and young players usually use a size 4 ball, which is lighter and easier to control.
Fewer players means more touches, more 1v1 moments and more chances to score for every child. It suits younger players who are building ball mastery, confidence and a love of the game.
What does 9v9 mean?
9v9 means each team has 9 players on the field, including the goalkeeper, on a bigger field with bigger goals. Players start to learn positions, combinations and team shape, and they make more decisions under pressure.
It is the step between small sided games and the full 11v11 game that players move on to as teenagers.
Do the rules change between formats?
Some rules change as the format grows. Small sided games often use rolling substitutions, so players can come on and off during play. Rules such as offside, goal kicks and build out lines vary from one competition to another, and coaches explain them to players before the first game.
Indoor games in a dome follow the same formats on artificial turf, often with boards or nets around the field that keep the ball in play.
When do Crush players move from 7v7 to 9v9?
Crush players move to 9v9 as they get older. In the 2026/27 season, players born 2015 and 2016 play 9v9, and players born 2017 and 2018 play 7v7. The Crush Way explains how coaches prepare players for the move.
Does the format change how much my child plays?
Smaller formats give every player more time on the ball, and rolling substitutions make it easy to share minutes. If you have a question about your child's minutes, speak with the coach after a session.