In every soccer game there is a halftime intermission between two 45 minute halves. This intermission allows players, teams, and fans to take a break and get ready for the second half of play.
Whether you are at a soccer game or watching one from home, it’s important to understand how long the halftime intermission lasts so you don’t end up missing out on any of the action.
A halftime intermission in professional soccer leagues lasts 15 minutes. High school halftimes range from 10 to 15 minutes depending on the league rules. For youth soccer games, halftime intermissions are typically much shorter and usually lasts 5 minutes.
At times the halftime intermission can seem like it drags on forever, especially with commercial breaks and the halftime show. This is certainly true if you are excited and anxious to see your team play in the second half and finish the game.
In this post, I’ll share with you exactly how long soccer halftimes are at the different levels of play. As well as explain what goes on behind the scenes and what you should except during this mid game intermission of play.
Soccer Halftime
In most soccer leagues, matches consist of two 45-minute halves, with a halftime in between. On average a soccer halftime lasts anywhere between 13 to 15 minutes depending on the league and level of play.
Here is a quick overview of how long halftime intermissions take during a soccer organized at the different levels of play.
Average Soccer Halftime Length
| Level | Halftime Intermission |
| Professional Soccer | 15 Minutes |
| College (NCAA) | 15 Minutes |
| High School Soccer | 15-20 Minutes |
| Youth Soccer | 5-10 Minutes |
How Long is Halftime in Professional Soccer?
A halftime in professional soccer leagues last 15 minutes. The halftime break separates two 45-minute halves and gives players, officials, and teams a much needed break from the action.
During halftime there is a lot of activity going on with the players, coaches, and medical staff. The staff will check on players that have injuries and help them get ready or perhaps fix their equipment.
Coaches will provide encouragement and sometimes appropriate criticism. They will also discuss their second half strategies and potential substitution plans. Players will drink liquids, use the restroom, and ensure their equipment is good to go. (Source: MLS.com)
How Long is Halftime in College Soccer?
According to the NCAA rulebook the halftime intermission starts immediately when the first half ends and last 15 minutes. Which can be extended in postseason competition by the games committee if needed.
If both teams agree the halftime may be shortened as long as there is mutual consent between the coaches and officials. Assistant referees are in charge of keeping the clock and notifying the referee and both teams three minutes before the start of play.
How Long is Halftime in High School Soccer?
At the high school level, the halftime break can vary depending upon the school, district, and state you are in. In general, high school soccer halftimes last between 15 and 20 minutes.
This break that separates the two halves allows team an opportunity to rest and some time to review and adjust their game strategy before they start the second half.
Before beginning the second half, players will return to the field before halftime is officially over and warm up. Once both teams are ready, the second half will start by team that didn’t kick off at the start of the game.
How Long is Halftime in Youth Soccer?
Youth soccer games are much different when compared to higher and more competitive levels. The games are generally shorter and more about introducing youth to the sport and having a good time.
In youth soccer the halftime intermission lasts between 5 and 10 minutes depending on the league and level of play. During halftime players, coaches and fans can rest, get a drink, or head to the restroom before they get ready to resume play.
At the start of the second half the teams will switch goals and the team that won the coin toss takes the kickoff.
What Happens at Halftime?
While most fans will get a drink, stretch their legs or head to the restroom, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes in preparation for the second half.
Here are a few things that commonly occur during the halftime break:
- During halftime, many performances will take place such as music and cheerleading depending upon the country and level of play.
- The players will rest and try to replenish their energy and recover their stamina in preparation for the second half.
- Managers/Coaches will review the first half and provide instruction and encouragement to both individual players as well as the entire team.
- Managers will discuss substitution strategies
- Medical staff will attend to injured players and provide assistance.
- Training staff will ensure all player equipment is working properly and good to go for the second half.
- If the markings on the field have faded they are re-painted.
- All team tactics are reviewed and if any changes are needed its discussed and planned for the second half.
- The playing field or pitch is watered again at halftime if needed
- Some players will change their cleats or make equipment adjustments.
- Coaches will attempt to motivate and inspire their team to perform will in the second half.
How Long Are Soccer Games?
Whether you are attending a soccer game or are watching it on TV, you might be wondering how long the game will last so you can plan accordingly.
The average length of a soccer game can vary depending upon the level of play and league. However, in general you can expect a soccer game to last an average of 2 hours long.
Here is a quick overview of how long soccer games last at the different levels:
| Skill Level | Quarters/Halves | Average Time |
| World Cup | 2x 45-minute halves | 111 minutes with injury time. |
| Professional | 2x 45-minute halves | 111 minutes with injury time. |
| College | 2x 45-minute halves | 105 minutes |
| High School | 2x 40-minute halves | 95 minutes |
| Youth | 2x 20-minute halves | 55 minutes |
For more insight on how long a soccer game takes and what you can expect during a game, check out this article: How Long Are Soccer Games?
Final Thoughts
In most team sports like soccer, there is mid game intermission called halftime that separates two periods of play. During halftime, players, teams, and fans get a break from the action and have a chance to use the restroom, grab a drink or a snack.
I hope this article about soccer halftimes has helped you understand how long halftimes are at the different levels of the sport and what goes on during this mid game intermission.
For more soccer information and other great sports content be sure to check out our other articles here at thatsportlife.com.
Cheers,
Aaron