European Football Age Groups

If you haven’t been on tour to Europe before it is important for us to explain that the age groups in Europe work differently to here in the UK. UK age groups are calculated on school years e.g. 1st September to 31st August, whereas in Europe they are done on calendar year e.g. 1st January to 31st December. 

To play in the correct age group, this means you may have to play in the European U11 age group, instead of the UK U10 age group for example. 

Many tournaments allow dispensation for up to 3 players that are born before 1st January, but if you have more than 3 players born between September and December, you would have to play in the higher age group. 

This is very normal and does not mean your players will be physically undersized or have lower ability, and we have not encountered issues with this happening.  

Please read on for more information on age groups, formats and dispensation depending on which country you are touring to.