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What is Funino? Field sizes and rules explained briefly!

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Field size for Funino U6 and U7

Funino field size U6 U7

The Funino field for U6 and U7 age groups measures 20 meters in length and 16 meters in width. It is played in a dynamic 2 vs 2 or 3 vs 3 format.

Each goal line has two mini-goals, positioned 2 meters away from the sideline. A special feature in this age group: the midfield line serves as a shooting zone, meaning goals can only be scored from this line onwards.

The small field and few players create an intense, contact-rich game that promotes ball control, dribbling skills, and game intelligence in children.

Field size for Funino U8 and U9

Funino field size U8 U9

The Funino field for U8 and U9 age groups is 25 meters long and 20 meters wide. It is played intensively in a 3 vs 3 format, with two mini-goals on each goal line, 2 meters from the sidelines.

Each half contains a shooting zone 6 meters from the goal line. Goals can only be scored from within this zone, encouraging precise dribbling and targeted finishes.

With a slightly larger field and dynamic positioning, a fast-paced game with many ball contacts is created, optimally developing children's technique and game intelligence.

Field size for Funino U10 and U11

Funino field size U10 U11

The Funino field for U10 and U11 age groups measures between 30 and 35 meters in length and 25 meters in width, making it larger than for younger age groups. It is played in a 4 vs 4 format, with two mini-goals on each goal line, 3 meters from the sidelines.

Each half contains a shooting zone starting 6 meters in front of the goal line. Goals can only be scored within this zone, encouraging precise passing, controlled dribbling, and targeted finishes.

With larger dimensions and more players, a fast-paced, tactically demanding game with many ball contacts is created, further developing technique, game intelligence, and teamwork in older children.

Age-group overview

Quick reference for recommended Funino settings by age group.

E youth (U11 & U10)

Match format
  • 4v4 on 4 mini goals
  • 4+1 on youth goals
Rotating players
up to 2 players
Field size
approx. 35 x 25 meters
Game mode
  • Round robin (e.g. 6 games against 6 different teams)
  • Champions League mode (the winning team moves one field up, the losing team moves one field down. In case of a draw, decide with "Rock, Paper, Scissors")
Recommended match time / game
8 minutes
Total duration of a match festival
approx. 60 minutes

F youth (U9 & U8)

Match format
  • 3v3 on 4 mini goals
  • 3+1 on youth goals (reduced goal height is recommended)
Rotating players
up to 2 players
Field size
approx. 25 x 20 meters
Game mode
  • Round robin (e.g. 6 games against 6 different teams)
  • Champions League mode (the winning team moves one field up, the losing team moves one field down. In case of a draw, decide with "Rock, Paper, Scissors")
Recommended match time / game
7 minutes
Total duration of a match festival
approx. 60 minutes

G youth (U7 & U6)

Match format
3v3 on 4 mini goals
Rotating players
up to 2 players
Field size
approx. 20 x 16 meters
Game mode
  • Round robin (e.g. 6 games against 6 different teams)
  • Champions League mode (the winning team moves one field up, the losing team moves one field down. In case of a draw, decide with "Rock, Paper, Scissors")
Recommended match time / game
6 minutes
Total duration of a match festival
approx. 60 minutes

Funino rules

  1. 1

    Game start

    All players start at their own goal line and sprint to the ball in the middle.

  2. 2

    Sideline out

    The ball is dribbled or passed in. A direct shot is allowed. Important: The ball must be on the line, and the player must not gain an unfair advantage with a quick run-up.

  3. 3

    Goal line out

    The game resumes with a dribble or pass from the goal line. No attacking player may be in the shooting zone.

  4. 4

    Corner kick

    Instead of a traditional corner kick, the ball is dribbled or passed in from a marker cone in the shooting zone. The same applies if the ball goes out of play in the shooting zone.

  5. 5

    Distance & substitutions

    For throw-ins, corner kicks, and rule violations, opponents must maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters. Substitutions occur only in the substitution zone at midfield.

  6. 6

    Goal scoring

    After a goal, play resumes with a dribble-in from the goal line. No opponent may be in the shooting zone.

  7. 7

    Fairness rule for big leads

    If a team leads by 3 goals, the trailing team receives an additional field player (4 vs 3 or 6 vs 5). If the trailing team has no substitutes, the leading team removes a player (2 vs 3 or 4 vs 5). This rule also applies to matches with goalkeepers on youth goals.

  8. 8

    Foul or goal prevention in the shooting zone

    In the event of a serious foul or rule violation by defenders in the shooting zone, a penalty attack is awarded.

    Procedure: An attacker starts with the ball from the midfield line. A defender stands in their own shooting zone. All other players start behind the attacker at the goal line. As soon as the attacker moves, all players can join in.

  9. 9

    Fair play mode

    There is no referee – players decide fairly themselves. Parents must stay 15 meters away and not coach. Coaches stand together on the sideline, intervene minimally, and ensure fair substitutions.

  10. 10

    No pressure to win

    There is no point table or award ceremony. The focus is on player development and enjoyment of the game.

  11. 11

    Goalkeeper rule (if playing with goalkeepers on youth goals):

    The goalkeeper should be actively involved in play. No goal kicks or throws over the midfield line. Back passes should not be picked up with hands. If they are: No foul, but coaching improvement.

How did Funino originate and why is it considered beneficial for children?

Funino – the name says it all: "Fun" stands for enjoyment and "Niño" means child. This special format was developed in 1990 by Horst Wein to give young footballers more fun and more touches on the ball. Unlike traditional 7-a-side football, smaller teams (usually 3v3 or 4v4) are the focus – without fixed positions or even a goalkeeper.

In Funino, matches are played with four mini goals. After every goal, the team rotates so that all children are regularly involved and no one has to sit on the bench. The pitch size and match duration are adapted to the age group, resulting in short, intense games.

Funino aims to ensure that more children are actively involved with the ball, improve their technical skills, and above all enjoy playing football. This format is a key element of the nationwide reform of youth football in Germany, which becomes mandatory from the 2024/2025 season – for more joy, more success experiences, and ultimately more young talent in football.

Benefits of Funino

  • More ball contacts, improving football technique and game intelligence.
  • All children are actively involved, so no one has to sit on the bench.
  • The field size and game duration are adapted to the age, leading to shorter, more intense matches.

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