If you are a parent of a young soccer player, you know the excitement of game day: lacing up cleats, excited chatter in the car with your kid en route, and fun-filled warm-up drills.
You see the smile and excitement on your kid, but then reality sets in and you begin to think, “How long is this game going to take?
To 13-year-olds, soccer is a non-stop, action-packed series of “did you see that?” moments. These kids are in that special phase, part-kid and part-growing athlete, and not quite to the stage of grueling 90-minute battles like grownups have in their matches.
So, why do their games last as long as they do, and how is that time divided up?
In this post, we’re breaking down exactly how long a soccer game is for 13-year-olds, from halftime breaks to overtime rules.
Understanding the Basics: Why Age is a Factor in Soccer
One thing about youth soccer is the fact that, with their growth and development, the rules and structure of the game also change. Where professional or even high school games don’t exactly have age groups that they need to consider, a youth game does.
This is due to several reasons: one being player stamina, another being attention span, but mainly safety.
The U13 age group is usually players of 13 years, who are now entering the early teen years. Now they can show more endurance and growth, yet still aren’t at the level of the older teens or adults.
Because of this, some soccer organizations at this level, for instance, the U.S. Youth Soccer have specific rules concerning game length, field size, and ball size that best suit them.
How Long Does Soccer Game Last for 13-Year-Olds?
The length of soccer for 13-year-olds slightly varies depending on where they play. However, most often it would be as follows:
- Game Duration: A normal match for 13-year-olds involves two halves, each lasting 35 minutes.
- Total Game Time: The two halves amount to 70 minutes of playing time.
- Halftime Break: Normally, a 10-minute break in the middle of the game allows players time to rest, take on water, and regroup. This rule is often sidestepped in younger age groups.
- Stoppage Time: Stoppage time added onto the end of the game due to injuries or other delays is seldom used at this age group in youth soccer. The clock is usually stopped on certain incidents, such as injuries, but once that is over, the game time begins again at that same point.
All in all, this game could last around 80 minutes, factoring in breaks.
But if you add the time to count in warm-ups, team huddles, and the time it takes to assemble and dismiss, you’re probably at the field for about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
SEE ALSO | 10 Best & Effective Soccer Drills For Kids [3-10 Olds]
Why 35 Minutes Per Half?
You may be curious as to why the halves in youth soccer are not the normal 45 minutes like they are in adult soccer.
There are several reasons:
- Endurance and Physical Development: At age 13, players are developing their stamina but lack the endurance to play a complete 90-minute game without getting tired or bored. The shorter halves are a guarantee that the players will keep focus and give their very best.
- Focus and attention: Let me be honest with you, 13-year-olds have energy, but to sit and focus for long periods is a challenge. Using 35 minutes for each half allows players to play intensely without getting exhausted mentally.
- Game Flow and Safety: The shorter halves reduce the chances of injury and reduce fatigue. At this age, more emphasis should be on developing skills, teamwork, and learning the game rather than having the kids push to the extreme.
Differences across League and Competitions
Most leagues are standard at 35-minute halves, but it is always good to make sure of the specifics, as some leagues may adjust the time according to their policies or special tournament rules.
- Club and Academy Soccer: These club-level teams use a similar structure of two halves, each 35 minutes, but you could see variations if the club becomes part of an international tournament.
- School soccer: Due to the age of 13-year-olds, some middle schools may have different lengths, as dictated by various regional laws. Most middle school games are somewhat shorter, with many being 30-minute halves.
- Recreational leagues: With leagues that often consist of a mix of local rec, with miscellaneous skill levels, and are usually less competitive, the games could be shorter or even accommodate flexible breaks.
- Tournament Play: If the 13-year-olds are playing in a tournament format, then that game format can change. Tournament organizers sometimes shorten the halves to allow multiple games to be played in one day.
How About Overtime and Penalty Shootouts?
During most regular league games for 13-year-olds, the game is ended after the two halves of play. If it is a tournament format where a winner has to come out of this, here’s what could happen:
- Overtime: A few competitions have a very limited overtime period that might be divided into two halves, each lasting about 5-10 minutes. This rarely happens in regular season games but might show up in a playoff or other championship games.
- Penalty Shootouts: In case of a tie after overtime, the game may be decided by penalty shots. Every team is allowed to select five players who will shoot at opponents’ goals. In case the results remain even, they progress into a “sudden death” shoot-out.
- Golden Goal Rule: Many tournaments play the “Golden Goal” rule in overtime, whereby the team scoring first in overtime automatically wins. This is becoming less common at the youth level of play.
How to Make the Most of 70 Minutes
Regardless of whether you’re a parent or a coach, you want these young athletes to make the most of the game. Here are some helpful things to remember:
Hydration is Key: Players should be encouraged to start rehydrating before the game.
Soccer is a demanding sport, and for players not to get tired and for all other problems to be avoided, hydration is absolutely necessary for players. Bring a big water bottle with you and encourage players to take sips during breaks.
Warm-Up and Stretch: A proper warm-up helps avoid injuries.
Coaches have to get the kids through a 10 to 15-minute warm-up-grand exercise that must include jogging, stretching, and maybe some passing drills just to get them loose.
Snack Smart: Encourage light energizing snacks such as bananas or granola bars before the game. Avoid anything heavy that could weigh players down.
Build Team Spirit: 13 years old, is an imperative age when learning teamwork and cooperation play an important role.
A pre-game pep talk about communication and supporting fellow teammates will make quite a difference in the way they present themselves on the field.
After-Game Cool Down: It’s also good to do a little cool-down at the end of the game. This can consist of a light jog followed by stretching to prevent cramping or soreness.
SEE ALSO | Is My Child Too Small to Play Soccer? The Truth About Size
Why Knowing Game Time Matters
For 13-year-old players, understanding game time can help them develop a better sense of pacing. They will appreciate that half of 35 minutes is sufficient to dedicate equal attention to defense and offense without rushing.
Coaches can use this knowledge to plan substitutions strategically, ensuring that players remain energized and engaged throughout the game. It helps parents to know how long the game is so that they can plan their day.
FAQs
Is the game shorter if it’s raining or hot?
- Generally, no; however, referees can demand additional water breaks, while leagues can change the schedule if the weather condition is extreme.
Besides halftime, do the players get a break?
- In extremely hot conditions or tournaments, leagues may permit a quick “hydration break” halfway through each half.
Do the leagues always follow this 35-minute half rule?
- While it’s the most common, always double-check with your league. Some leagues may have slightly different rules based on location and resources.
