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In the realm of Soccer, join us on this journey to find out the suspenseful moments like the secrets behind soccer timing that makes the games timekeeping. In this article, we will guide you with the secrets of soccer time duration, extra time, professional soccer, understanding the rules, and many more. So be sure to stay tuned with us!
Soccer is also called association football which is a team play game consisting of two teams each consisting of 11 players. The game is played on large fields of preferred grass-based ground where two opposing teams fight to put the spherical-shaped ball in the opposite team’s goal to get the score.
Soccer, the other name for a spherical-shaped ball, started in England then spread towards Europe, and now in almost every part of the world. The Soccer game was introduced in 1874, in Germany when two school teachers named August Hermann and Konrad Koch introduced this amazing game.
In Soccer games, players are allowed to play with their heads, legs, and torso while the usage of hands and arms is prohibited. The first Football association or Soccer was formed in England in the year of 1863. In the 19th century, most advancements occurred in soccer and it became popular in schools and colleges.
What is the exact period of soccer?
The total period that soccer lasts is recorded as 90 minutes which is divided into two periods, each period consists of 45 minutes. However, this is not a universal rule and it varies according to the stoppage time.
Stoppage time is regarded as the injury time which is additional time given by the referee after 45 minutes. The delay may have occurred during the game like injuries, substitutions, and time-wasting tactics.
Basically, the length of the stoppage time depends solely on the referee’s decision which is made based on interruptions. So the length of the stoppage time varies from one match to the other with a time gap of a few seconds to some minutes and this stoppage time is displayed on the board so that everyone can see.
How does extra Period work in Soccer?
- Extra time in soccer is considered overtime or an extra period that mostly occurs if the scores of both teams are tied at the end of the match. This extra period is very important to make the decisive results and to announce the winner.
- Occasionally, the extra period is divided into two halves each of which lasts for 15 minutes.
- So the teams have to switch the ends after each half and the game proceeds continuously. In the end, the winner is declared the team with the most goals after extra time.
- After the extra time, if the score of both teams is tied then the game moves towards a shootout to break the tie.
- The penalty shootouts are the chance given to both teams to take the penalty kicks that pass the goalkeeper of the opposite team.
- The team that wins has more penalties than the opponents. It is important to note that the extra period is not utilized in all formats. Sometimes the draw is accepted and points are given to both teams.
How long is a youth soccer Game?
Youth soccer includes youth players showing their skills and finding an opportunity to work as a team. The duration of the game is essential for the players to make plans effectively. Let’s discuss the soccer game length from under 6 to under 14 players. Let’s dive in!

U6 Soccer Game Length:
Quarter Length: 6 minutes
Full-Time Total: 24 minutes
Half-Time Length: 10 minutes
Overtime Length: No Overtime
In the U6 game group, the game length depends on the youth player’s attention and other physical capabilities. U6 contains two quarters each of which is around 10-12 minutes.
This duration is not too long as we discussed earlier. For youth, the time duration is minimized so that they can actively stay in the game. The players mostly learn basic skills of soccer like dribbling, passing, and shooting.
U8 Soccer Game Length:
Quarter Length: 12 minutes
Full-Time Total: 48 minutes
Half-Time Length: 10 minutes
Overtime Length: No Overtime
In the U8 age group, the game is extended slightly so that players can understand the game and develop more skills. This consists of two halves, each of which is about 15-20 minutes.
The reason for the long time is to make the player more active. During this period, coaches pay more effort and focus on points like teamwork, positioning, and applying particular techniques. A longer game develops more stamina for the player.
U10 Soccer Game Length:
Half Length: 25 minutes
Full-Time Total: 50 minutes
Half-Time Length: 10 minutes
Overtime Length: No Overtime
In the U10 age group, the time duration increased to make the players understand the comprehension of the game. The U10 game consists of two halves, each of which consists of 25-30 minutes.
The reason to increase the time with the age level is to make the player advance their abilities. The role of the coach in U10 is to introduce positional and tactical responsibilities and more complex formations. The more extended period allows the player to experience a more competitive environment such as decision-making.
U11-U12 Soccer Game Length:
Half Length: 30 minutes
Full-Time Total: 60 minutes
Half-Time Length: 10 minutes
Overtime Length: 2 10-minute halves
At the age group of U11-U12, the game length increases further. Basically, the game consists of two halves, each of which lasts for 30-35 minutes. The time increased to develop the physical endurance of the players.
The basic purpose of the coach in this age group is to develop individual and team skills. Along with it the players are strongly encouraged to make quicker decisions and learn more advanced strategies. In this way, players can experience the dynamic of a competitive atmosphere.
U13-U14 Soccer Game Length:
Half Length: 35 minutes
Full-Time Total: 70 minutes
Half-Time Length: 10 minutes
Overtime Length: 2 10-minute halves
In the age group of U13-U14, the time duration reflects adult matches. The match consists of two halves, each of which is 35-40 minutes long. The longer duration allows the player to play in the most challenging atmosphere.
The basic purpose of a coach is to advance the players with tactical, physical, and position-level concepts. The player found a chance to adapt the skills that are the demand of the game as they approach their teenage years.
How long is the High school Soccer Game?
High school soccer Game is a fundamental step for young athletes. As it provides a higher level of opportunities to compete against peers and to advance their skills. Understanding the high school game is very crucial for the players, coaches, etc. This targets the age group from U15-U19 and its detail is mentioned below.

U15-U16 Soccer Game Length:
Half Length: 40 minutes
Full-Time Total: 80 minutes
Half-Time Length: 15 minutes
Overtime Length: 2 15-minute halves
In the age group of U15-U16, the game duration increases and reflects the needs of the teenage years. The game is usually divided into two halves, each of which is about 40 minutes.
The extended time allows the players to refine their physical, tactical, and strategic skills. The main purpose of coaches in this age group is to implement the most advanced positioning-specific training in the players. Players are trained to face the challenging atmosphere and experience higher-level games.
U17-U19 Soccer Game Length:
Half Length: 45 minutes
Full-Time Total: 90 minutes
Half-Time Length: 15 minutes
Overtime Length: 2 15-minute halves
In the age group of U17-U19, game length was highly focused on the adult formats to play soccer. The game consists of two halves, each of which consists of 45 minutes.
The duration of time in these matches provides an opportunity for the players to develop tactical awareness and mental resilience. The coach in this stage focused on more sophisticated gameplay and strategic decision-making abilities. Longer time allows the players to compete with potential attention and high intensity.
How Long is a College Soccer Game?
Half Length: 45 minutes
Full-Time Total: 90 minutes
Half-Time Length: 15 minutes
Overtime Length: 2 15-minute halves
The college soccer game also consists of two halves, each of which lasts about 45 minutes. The total duration of the game is about 90 to 100 minutes when we include halftime in it.
The college soccer format is the same as the adult format and provides the player’s atmosphere to showcase their abilities. The soccer game in college is highly competitive and an opportunity for the players to make advancements in the game.
The duration is extended to allow the players to implement complex strategies and demonstrate their endurance and mental resilience throughout the match. Understanding the college soccer game is very important to the fans and players as it helps to plan exciting events.

How long is the professional Soccer Game?
Half Length: 45 minutes
Full-Time Total: 90 minutes
Half-Time Length: 15 minutes
Overtime Length: 2 15-minute halves
- Professional soccer is a more intense and skillful game with more passionate fans. The time duration of a soccer game consists of two halves, each of which is divided into 45 minutes.
- The total period mainly consists of 90 minutes. The halftime of 45 minutes is the regulation time to play the game. The game runs continuously except for certain conditions like injuries and other interruptions.
- The referee keeps an eye on the stoppage time as it is added at the end of each half. The stoppage time is crucial as it compensates for the delay due to time-wasting tactics.
- The stoppage time ensures that each team gets equal time of 45 minutes to play for fear decisions. In the professional soccer game, the break typically consists of 15 minutes.
- Players can utilize 15 minutes of break time by receiving instructions from the coaching staff to rest and rehydrate. The coach also guides the players to make necessary adjustments for the second half.
- So halftime is very important to the players to analyze the first half and make strategies to take the game. The professional soccer game is made up of both regulation time and halftime break. The stoppage time may occur in the case of some injuries.
Understanding the rules followed in the Soccer Game:
Rules and regulations play an important role in any game. Rules and regulations are crucial to follow and are unique means that vary from game to game. In the case of soccer, the rules that the players need to understand include Basic Gameplay, Offside, Fouls and Penalties, Yellow and Red Cards, Substitutions, and Stoppage Time.
Basic Gameplay of Soccer Game:
Soccer is famous as football in many parts of the world and has millions of fans worldwide. To enjoy the game one must have full knowledge of the rules and regulations followed in the soccer matches.
True fans are considered the one who truly supports their players in their ups and downs. So be supportive of your favorite player in every situation.
The offside strategy followed in Soccer Games:
The rule that is followed in soccer is the offside rule. A player who is nearer to the opponent’s goal line is considered offside than both the ball and the second-to-last defender when the ball is played to them. Playing offside from the spot of the offside infringement results in an indirect free-kick for the opposing team.
Fouls and Penalties in the Soccer Game:
In every game, there are some fouls which the players make to show himself/herself extra clever. In the case of soccer, the fouls occur in the form of tripping, pushing, and using excessive force. If the fouls are pointed out then the opponent team gets awarded a free kick or maybe a penalty kick.
It all depends on the severity and location of the foul. The penalty kick is taken from the penalty spot which is about 12 yards from the goal line. In this case, only the goalkeeper defends the shot.
Yellow and Red Cards enforce discipline in the Soccer Game:
The yellow and red cards are in the refresh hand and it is basically to enforce discipline on the field. A yellow card is shown if a player is making a serious foul or unsporting behavior. If the referee shows two yellow cards it means a red card.
The red card is shown if the player is making severe fouls or violent conduct. Moreover, this behavior leads to the ejection of the player from the game.
Substitutions rule in the Soccer Game:
Like some games, Soccer games have a rule that they substitute the player during the game. Mostly three players are permitted to be replaced with the fresher one. But the important thing to remember is that substitution can occur only during specified moments, such as at halftime, during injury time, or during a stoppage in play.
Stoppage Time in the Soccer Game:
The stoppage time is indicated by the referee in the case of injuries or substitutions but it occurs at the end of each half to compensate for the delays. The stoppage time is decided by the referee’s discretion and mentioned on the board by the fourth official.