Our rules will be in line with current FA Guidelines and policies, with a few tweaks if approved.
This is a brief guide to some of the UK Soccer Federation league rules, subject to feedback, by YOU, the coaches with a similar mindset.
As humans, we are the dominant race, this is because we problem solve, let the kids do this on the pitch, they will learn and develop into better players if they are left to work things out for themselves. The Parents, we do not want any instructions, rollickings, insults to opposition or any verbal anomalies other than encouragement and applause to both sides. The coaches, trust your players, give them instructions before the game and during the intervals, then, let them show what they can do themselves on the pitch, you will be surprised.
UK Soccer Federation League Rules , this is a brief outline, full rules will be available online, after we have listened to your input.
We will launch several leagues for the 2025/26 season, if we have enough interest.
We want your input, after all you are the people that do all the hard work, week in week out. Nobody should be adverse to learning, that includes us, referees, coaches, players and parents, we should all grow together to bring a competitive but enjoyable level of soccer to the UK.
We are here to help you, we 'want' to help and we should all help each other for the benefit of the kids.
FLEXIBILITY
Fixtures set for 10 am Saturday morning, these can be played any day and time up to Wednesday evening, so evening games are allowed, the reasons behind this are so pitches, referees, players and coaches are readily available for the matches and the flexibility helps ensure the fixture is played. Results to be posted by Friday evening after that weeks game (Excluding cup competitions which are due no later than 24 hours after the final whistle).
FA and inhouse coaching, FA safeguarding, FA DBS etc.
Less restrictions so players can transfer between clubs easier, if it ensures they will get more game time.
Sign more players for your team. (Have a league game, then a friendly after for those that are not playing regular, this allows maximum playing time to be adhered to).
Lending of players is encouraged to ensure games are played and that they are balanced.
RESPECT
Our emphasis is about respect, we encourage applause from spectators towards both teams. Parents to show the upmost respect to opposite team, players, supporters and coaches.
Respect Barriers to be at least 3 metres from the edge of the pitch, this can be a physical barrier, painted line or in the form of cones.
If a team is losing by a difference of 4 goals, they can bring an extra player on, if unavailable, then the other team must remove a player from play. Once the gap is closed again, then play reverts back to the original number of players.
(Or players can be 'lent' to each other).
At the end of the games, we encourage players and coaches from both sides to shake hands and for the players to applaud the spectators.
Parents are not to cross the pitch after the games, coaches will release the players after they have had an after-match talk with them, and the players will come to you.
The most important people during match days are the players, let them have their time and enjoy the game.
Smoking, vaping, swearing and consumption of energy drinks to retail away from pitch side and away from vision of the players.
REFEREES
Each team is required to have a named referee (and assistant referee U11 upwards) when applying (Excluding U8 team and below), the FA can arrange club visits to guide volunteers during match days.
Referee to be supplied with a drink at half time. We suggest a bottle of water or can of coke etc. (unopened)
All players and coaches to shake the referees hand after the match.
U8 games and below, no referees, coaches and players manage the game with a level of mutual respect, with an emphasis on the players making the decisions on the pitch.
U9 - U11 games - junior referees from age 14 (With a view to play without a referee in the future).
U12 - U13 games - junior referees from age 15.
U14 games and above adult referees.
Under 8 and below
5 A Side games
No thow ins, roll-ins only.
20 minutes each way, with 10 minute quarters
No heading - training or games
U9 and U10
7 A Side 25 minutes each way, with 12.5 minute quarters
No heading - training or games
U11 and U12
9 A Side
35 minutes each way
No heading training or games
U13 and U14
11 A Side
40 minutes each way
Heading allowed games only
U8 and above throw-ins (1st foul throw result in help from the referee or coaches, second foul throw, then the game carries on as though it was correct)
AGE ELIGIBILITY
UNDER 7 - U10
Under 7 – the player must have attained the age of 6 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season but must be under the age of 7 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 8 – the player must be under the age of 8 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 9 – the player must be under the age of 9 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 10 – the player must be under the age of 10 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
UNDER 11 - U14
In accordance with the foregoing qualifications, a player in the above age ranges must not play in a match where any other player is older or younger by 2 years or more.
Under 11 – the player must have attained the age of 10 but must be under the age of 11 by midnight 31st August in the playing season if the format of football is 11v11. If the format provided is 9v9, the player must have attained the age of 9 but must be under 11 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 12 – the player must be under the age of 12 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 13 – the player must be under the age of 13 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Under 14 – the player must be under the age of 14 as at midnight on 31st August in the playing season.
Girls are permitted to play 1 year below their age for development purposes only.
All tables will be published for all age groups, including points and stats.
3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss.
Cup games are table format, win, draw or lose, finals are to be decided on the day.
The home team must provide at least two footballs fit for play.
A size 3 ball will be used for age groups U7 to U10.
A size 4 ball will be used for age groups U11 to U14.
Goal nets must be used.
Match Information
The Secretary of the home Club must give notice in writing of full particulars of the location of, and access to, the ground and time of kick-off to the match officials and the Secretary of the opposing club at least 7 clear days before the playing of the match. The away Club shall seek and acknowledge receipt of such particulars by return.