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INTRODUCTION
The Football Association of Wales (“FAW”) recognises that children do not perform the same as
adults in an 11-a-side game. Therefore, a modified version is required to meet the
developmental needs of young players while maintaining all the features and essence of the
full game. Small Sided Football is recognised by the FAW as the only form of football in Wales
for children Under 12 years of age (Under 13 from season 2022/2023).
WHAT IS SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL
Small Sided Football is a modified version of the 11-a-side game. It gives children the chance
to play real football, for a real team, whilst experiencing an enjoyable and fun introduction to
football through small sided games.
MEETING THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN
All available research shows that children have more fun and learn more playing a game within
smaller teams. Small Sided Football is therefore ideal for boys and girls in terms of maximizing
their enjoyment and technical/skill development.
IF CHILDREN ARE TO ENJOY AND TAKE PART
IN FOOTBALL THEY NEED TO:
• Take an active part in the game and have fun without any pressure from parents, coaches
or managers.
• Learn to play within a team.
• Understand and observe the rules of football.
• Develop the skills and techniques to play football.
• Be able to take part whatever their ability.
• Have plenty of contact with the ball.
KEY VALUES OF SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL
Small Sided Football is for boys and girls aged 5 to 12 (aged 5 to 13 from season 2022/2023) of all
abilities who are interested in football. The FAW believes that children should learn how to
compete to win fairly, skilfully and within the rules of the game. At this age striving to win is
more important than the outcome, winning is not everything, making the effort is.
SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL:
• Recognises that children do not perform and compete as adults and therefore its rules
are adapted to meet the needs of children.
• Has all the features of real football for children.
• Recognises the value of competitiveness for children and provides an appropriate
environment.
• Sets a standard and a framework of behaviour on and off the pitch.
• Is for boys and girls regardless of their ability.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
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• There is more contact with the ball in Small Sided Football leading to a better technique.
In 11v11 the ratio of ball to outfield players is 1:20, because there are fewer players in Small
Sided Football each player has more regular contact with the ball. More contact with the
ball helps players practice technique and develop technique into a skill through 1v1
competition.
• Decision making is easier and occurs more often because of the small numbers involved.
As a result, the players will gain a greater understanding of the game. The basic football
situations are easier to see and simpler to solve.
• Because the ball is never far away from the player, the chance of developing
concentration is greatly increased. Playing 11-a-side football, many children lose interest
in the game because the ball goes out of their immediate vicinity and they quickly
become bored spectators.
• Fewer players, more space and simpler decisions will encourage more movement of
players whatever the situation.
• More contact leads to more participation and usually, more enjoyment, success is easier
to achieve.
SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL IS THE BASIS OF ALL
FOOTBALL
Small sided games have been played for hundreds of years in the street, the playground, or on
the beach and many professional teams use them as the basis for their coaching. They
invariably lead to basic football situations, such as, 1v1, 2v2 and 3v3 so typical of the 11-a-side
game. Small Sided Football, through its dynamic tempo, produces more vigorous exercise than
11-a-side football and so helps to improve children’s core components of fitness – speed,
agility, balance and coordination.
ORGANISATION OF SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL
The general aim of Small Sided Football is to provide a safe, supervised environment for
children to enjoy their introduction to the game.
1. PLAYING SURFACE
1.1 Small Sided Football pitches must be specifically laid out on any suitable open
spaces or conventional grass or synthetic surface pitches which can be
converted for Small Sided Football.
1.2 There must be no debris or dangerous hazards either on the field of play or in
the immediate surrounding area.
1.3 Markings must be laid out with the use of conventional lines, marker discs or
small cones.
2. PLAYING EQUIPMENT
2.1 Children must wear footwear suitable to the surface being played on.
2.2 All children must wear suitable shin guards.
2.3 All jewellery must be removed.
2.4 Opposing teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other –
either football shirts or bibs can be utilised. Each goalkeeper must wear colours
that are distinguishable from the other players. For under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 age
groups, there is no requirement for shirts or bibs to carry numbers for matches.
3. ORGANISATION OF MATCHES, FESTIVALS AND FUN DAYS
3.1 The FAW believe that the game of Small Sided Football provides children with
the necessary introduction to competition. The game itself is a sufficient skill
development challenge for children.
3.2 As a consequence, no league or cup competition must be organised (or will be
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sanctioned) involving players in Academic school year six (6) and below.
3.3 Under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 - matches are played on a festival/round robin format
with a minimum of four teams playing at a venue. Leagues and Coaches should
ensure suitable breaks are provided between games.
3.4 Under 12 and 13 - matches are played on a ‘Home and Away’ basis as determined
by the organising League.
3.5 League and cup competitions may be organised for the 9v9 Small Sided Football
format where children from Academic Year seven (7) and eight (8) are involved.
For the avoidance of doubt, if leagues operate a two-year age band and a 9v9
fixture involves a Year 6 player, the offer must be non-competitive. All league
programmes must be approved annually by the relevant Area Association.
3.5.1 Under 12 - From the 2021/2022 season, Leagues can organise a
maximum of 16 weeks of formal competition. For the remainder of
the season, matches must be non-competition.
3.5.2 Under 13 - From the 2022/2023 season, Leagues can organise a
maximum of 16 weeks of formal competition. For the remainder of
the season, matches must be non-competition.
3.6 Guidance will be provided to Leagues to assist with fixture schedules, pitch
layouts and competition formats.
4. SEASON STRUCTURE
4.1 Leagues can organise a calendar of matches that may commence in August and
should conclude no later than June 30th.
4.2 Leagues can introduce a winter break or an alternative football offer such as
Futsal.
5. POSITIVE MATCH DAY CULTURE
5.1 The FAW want to improve the match day culture and off-pitch behaviour of
parents, coaches and guardians. As part of the campaign, the following practices
must be introduced:
5.1.1 Smoking banned from the side-line.
5.1.2 Supportive side-lines where spectators are encouraged to applaud and
praise both teams’ efforts but not shout, call out in a negative way or
coach.
5.1.3 Coaches may support players through questions that prompt them to
think for themselves but must not continually shout instructions
during matches.
5.1.4 All players in the squad should have a minimum of 50% playing time
when participating in matches.
5.1.5 To help provide adequate playing opportunities and to grow the game,
clubs are encouraged to field more than one team if practically
possible. Teams should not be made up of more than double the
playing numbers for their respective age groups (for example, the
under 8 age group that play the 5v5 format should have a maximum of
10 players per team).
5.1.6 All squad members to benefit from the experience of playing in all
positions, including goalkeeper for the under 8 to under 11 age groups.
5.1.7 If teams are low on players and cannot field the correct number, then
the other team should provide the additional player(s) or withdraw
players to make the numbers even for the under 6 to under 11 age
groups.
5.1.8 ‘Behind the Line, Behind the Team’. Leagues/clubs must:
• Create a ‘Buffer zone’ that runs parallel to the pitch, ideally 2 metres
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from both touchlines, a smaller buffer zone can be used where
space doesn’t allow 2 metres.
• Buffer zone should be marked by cones or additional marked line.
• Only players, designated coaches and 1st Aider allowed within
zone.
• All other spectators must watch from behind the buffer zone lines.
• NO spectators are allowed to stand on the goal line or behind the
goal.
6. OTHER FOOTBALL OFFERS
6.1 All formats of the game that include players of small sided game age must follow
the principles set out in this document (e.g. Futsal, walking football).
7. HEADING / CONCUSSION
7.1 Heading is rarely observed in games involving players aged 11 and under. Coaches
should continue to emphasise dribbling, passing, retaining the ball and building
from the back. To reduce further the instances of heading within games coaches
should encourage short corners and short free kicks that remain below head
height. New rules changes have been introduced in this document to further
decrease the amount of time the ball is in the air (such as a throw in replaced with
a pass in for the under 9 age group and below, and goal keepers in the under 11
age group and below are no longer able to kick the ball out of their hands).
7.2 At under 12 and 13 heading may become more likely within the game. However,
coaches should continue to encourage a style of play which limits the number of
longer passes in the air.
7.3 Heading practice must not form part of training for boys and girls aged under 11
and under.
7.4 Heading practices are a low priority for boys and girls in the under 12 and 13 age
groups. When introducing the specific technique of heading for these age
groups, The FAW advise: - a maximum of 10 minutes of any duration training
session and a maximum of 4 headers in one bout, using self-serve over short
distances.
7.5 Age-appropriate size, weight and the correct pressure of the ball must be used.
7.6 If a player sustains a head injury, or suspected head injury, through a collision or
heading drill, they must not be permitted to return to the pitch and the coach
must advise the parent/guardian to seek medical advice. Concussion symptoms
may vary and can include dizziness, headache, or unsteadiness. Please refer to
the FAW concussion guidelines for a comprehensive list of signs and symptoms
of concussion
([Link] A
player who is not in an enhanced care setting must rest fully for 14 days and be
symptom free before they are able to resume a graded return to football
activities.
THE RULES OF SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL
The rules are simple and as near to real football as possible. A game leader, who is urged to be
as flexible as possible with the players must supervise the game from the touchline for the under
11 age group and below - this could be a coach, team helper or a qualified referee. For the
avoidance of doubt, no person should be officiating the game on the pitch. Rules are explained
as the game proceeds (e.g. hand ball). It may also be necessary to demonstrate in certain
instances how to restart the game (e.g. a throw in, corner kicks). A referee is introduced at the
under 12 age group (the 9v9 format).
1. PLAYERS ELIGIBLE
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1.1 Small Sided Football is for boys and girls in Academic Years one (1) to seven (7).
(from season 2022/2023 Academic Years one (1) to eight (8)).
1.2 An Area Association can extend in its area the scope and application of the Small
Sided Football Regulations to cover Academic Year eight (8) (refer to Section H
of the FAW Rules). For the format and rules for Academic Year 8 refer to clause
15. (9v9 Small Sided Football) in these regulations.
1.3 Mixed football (boys and girls playing together) is permitted for Academic Years
one (1) to eleven (11).
2. AGE GROUPS
2.1 Must be a minimum of a one academic year and a maximum of two academic
years.
2.2 A Small Sided player is permitted to play in the age group directly one year
above irrespective of any format changes. The age groups that a player is eligible
to play in are set out in the table below:
Age as of August 31 of
st Academic year Eligible age groups Maximum permitted
the relevant playing format
season
5 1 Under 6 4v4
Under 7
6 2 Under 7 4v4
Under 8 5v5
7 3 Under 8 5v5
Under 9
8 4 Under 9 5v5
Under 10 7v7
9 5 Under 10 7v7
Under 11
10 ** 6 Under 11 7v7
Under 12 9v9 * must be non-
competition
11 7 Under 12 9v9
Under 13
12 8 Under 13 9v9
Under 14 11v11
*1 For the avoidance of doubt, if leagues operate two-year age bands and an under 12 9v9 fixture
involves a Year 6 player, the offer must be non-competitive.
** If a league operates single age band divisions, and at under 12 want the offer to include
competitive matches, no player from academic year 6 would be permitted to participate.
2.3 For the purposes of age groupings, an Academic year begins on the 1st
September and ends on the 31st August of the following year. Academic year one
(1) is the year in which a player reaches his / her 6th birthday.
2.4 Clubs are encouraged, if practically possible, to run single age group teams as
this will help us grow the game and band players together who, in the main, are
of similar age, size and football ability. It is recognised, however, that this may
not be possible due to limited player numbers.
2.5 If leagues run single age band divisions, we would encourage players to play
within their relevant age group, however, we do want players participating
within a suitable environment and therefore, there are circumstances when
playing up an age group should be considered by the club:
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• Representative football – if a player attends an FAW Licensed Academy or
FAW Trust Girls Development Centre
• Physical attributes – if the player continually dominates the opposition
physically
• Ability – if the player’s ability means that he or she finds the game challenge
too easy and therefore, other players do not get the appropriate experience
2.6 If a Junior League feels that based on a player's ability or physicality, he or she
should be playing down one-year group, permission to play down must be gained
annually in accordance with FAW Rule 88.
*This regulation will be piloted during the 2021/2022 season and subsequently reviewed in
advance of the 2022/2023 season.
3. TEAM SIZE, PITCH SIZE, BALL SIZE, GOAL SIZE AND PLAYING DURATION
3.1 Must be implemented as below in the table:
Number of
Pitch Goal Area Maximum
Players
Size Goal Size Maximum
Age (maximum GK or (length x Ball Game
(length (height x Playing
Group number of no GK width) Size Duration
x width) Duration
players per
width)
team)
Height: Min 3ft
28 x 20 Max 4 ft /
U6 4v4 No GK 3 40 mins
yards No Goal Width: Min 4ft 10 mins
Area Max 6ff
Height: Min 3ft
28 x 20 No Goal Max 4 ft / 10 mins
U7 4v4 No GK 3 40 mins
yards Area Width: Min 4ft
Max 6ft
35 v 25
U8 5v5 GK 3 4 x 8 ft 50 mins 15 mins
yards 7 x 12 yards
35 x 25
U9 5v5 GK 3 4 x 8 ft 50 mins 15 mins
yards 7 x 12 yards
44 x 40 10 x 15
U10 7v7 GK yards 4 6 x 12 ft 60 mins 20 mins
yards
44 v 40 10 x 15
U11 7v7 GK yards 4 6 x 12 ft 60 mins 20 mins
yards
3.1.2 Under 6 and 7 - The FAW suggest using rectangle shaped goals but Pop-Up
Goals (4ft or 6ft) may be used.
3.1.3 Pitches should be marked out to the size detailed in the above table. This
may not be possible at every venue. For this reason, a degree of flexibility
will be allowed. Pitches should not differ more than 5 yards in length
and/or width.
3.1.4 To assist clubs with the transition to the new regulations, leagues should
allow a degree of flexibility regarding goal sizes for the under 6 to under 9
age groups for the 2021/2022 season only.
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3.2 THE GOAL AREA
3.2.1 Must be marked by conventional lines or cones on the touchline and a
small number of marker discs on the playing area (refer to 3.1 for area sizes).
3.3 PLAYING DURATION
3.3.1 Under 6 and 7 – Game duration should not exceed 10 minutes. There is no
half time. For example, Leagues could organise 4 x 10-minute games in
accordance with the maximum playing duration of 40 minutes.
3.3.2 Under 8 and 9 – Game duration should not exceed 15 minutes. There is no
half time. For example, Leagues could organise 5 x 10-minute games or 3 x
15-minute games in accordance with the maximum playing duration of 50
minutes.
3.3.4 Under 10 and 11 – Game duration should not exceed 20 minutes. A half
time interval should be taken if exceeding 15 minutes of play. The duration
of half time should not exceed 5 minutes. For example, Leagues could
organise 3 x 20-minute games or 4 x 15-minute games in accordance with
the maximum playing duration of 60 minutes.
3.3.5 It is recommended that a Small Sided player should not exceed the playing
duration detailed in the above table in a 24-hour period.
3.3.6 When training, coaches should ensure player welfare is the paramount
consideration and take a common-sense approach to ensure practice is
appropriate for the children for whom they are responsible.
4. SUBSTITUTES
4.1 Any number of substitutes may be used at any time (Rolling substitutes).
4.2 Players may re-enter the game.
4.3 All players in the squad should have a minimum of 50% playing time when
participating in matches.
4.4 Under 6, 7, 8 and 9 - No substitute should be waiting longer than 5 minutes before
they are involved in the match.
4.5 Under 10 and 11 – No substitute should be waiting longer than 10 minutes before
they are involved in the match.
5. KICK OFF
5.1 Is taken in the centre of the playing area to start the game and after a goal has
been scored.
5.2 The opposition must be 3 yards away from where the ball is placed.
5.3 A goal may not be scored directly from the kick-off
6. BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY METHOD OF SCORING
6.1 Laws 9 (Ball in and out of play) and 10 (The method of scoring) apply to Small
Sided Football.
7. OFF-SIDE
7.1 There is no offside (Law 11) in Small Sided Football.
8. PASS IN / THROW IN
8.1 Under 6, 7, 8 and 9 – The method of restating play when the whole of the ball
passes over the touchline is by a pass in.
8.2.1 The ball must be stationary from the point where it left the pitch before it is
kicked to restart play.
8.2.2 The ball must not be kicked overhead height.
8.2.3 A goal may not be scored directly from a pass in.
8.2.4 The opposition must be 3 yards away from where the ball is placed.
8.2 Under 10 and 11 – Throws ins are introduced. Although Law 15 (The Throw In)
applies and the throw in should be taken in the normal way, game leaders can
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show flexibility.
9. CORNER KICKS
9.1 Law 17 (The Corner Kick) applies to corner kicks except the opposition must be at
least 3 yards away.
10. FREE KICKS
10.1 Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct) applies to free kicks although they are all indirect
and the opposition must be at least 3 yards away.
11. GOALKEEPERS
11.1 Can handle the ball in their goal area and there are no restrictions on the number
of steps they may take holding the ball.
11.2 The Goalkeeper can leave the goal area but cannot handle the ball outside the
goal area.
11.3 When handling the ball in the goal area, goalkeepers can throw the ball out of
their hands or kick the ball on the ground but can then be challenged by
opponents. Drop kicks are not permitted.
12. GOAL-KICKS
12.1 The ball must be stationary and from the ground.
12.2 The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
12.3 Under 6 and 7 - Are taken anywhere on the goal line.
12.4 Under 8, 9, 10 and 11 – Are taken from any point within the goal area
12.5 Under 8, 9, 10 and 11 – Opponents must be outside the penalty area until the ball
is in play.
12.6 In all age groups a retreat line is introduced, and the opposition players must be
a minimum of 10 yards away from the point where the goal-kick is taken.
13. PLAYERS IN THE GOAL AREA
13.1 There are no restrictions regarding the number of players allowed in the goal
area during open play.
14. PASS BACK TO GOALKEEPER
14.1 Under 8 and 9 – A goalkeeper can pick the ball up (in the goal area) if It passed to
him/her from a teammate.
14.2 Under 10 and 11 - A goalkeeper cannot pick up the ball (in the goal area) if It has
been passed to him/her by a teammate.
15. 9V9 SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL
• For the under 12 age group, the 9v9 format is mandatory from the 2021/22 season.
• For the under 13 age group, the 9v9 format will be optional for the 2021/2022
season before becoming mandatory from the 2022/23 season.
15.1 Team Size, Pitch Size, Ball Size, Goal Size and Match Duration
15.1.1 Must be implemented as below in the table: -
Goal Area Goal
Number
Age GK or Pitch Size (length x Ball Size Match
of
Group no GK (length x width) width) Size (height x Duration
Players
width)
18-yard box to 18- 12 x 28 yards
yard box x 44 70 mins (35
U12 9v9 GK 4 7 x 16 ft
yards / or 64 x 44 Penalty spot min halves)
yards 9 yards
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18-yard box to 18- 12 x 28 yards
yard box x 44 70 mins (35
U13 9v9 GK 4 7 x 16 ft
yards / or 64 x 44 Penalty spot min halves)
yards 9 yards
15.2 SQUAD SIZE
15.2.1 Teams at the under 12 and 13 age groups can have a match day squad cap
of up to 18 payers, all of whom are eligible to play (teams can use all 9
substitutions – please refer to 15.7). Teams are capped at signing 20 players.
15.3 An 11v11 pitch can be adapted for the 9v9 format, utilizing the width of the penalty
area (44 yards) for the 9v9 pitch width and the distance from penalty box to
penalty box for the 9v9 pitch length. See diagrams below for guidance:
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15.4 GOAL SIZE
15.4.1. The goal size is 16-foot (width) x 7 feet (height).
15.5 PENALTY AND GOAL AREAS
15.5.1 The Penalty area must be 28 yards wide and 12 yards from the goal line. A
penalty spot should be marked 9 yards from the goal line.
15.5.2 A Goal Area is not necessary, but goal kicks are to be taken approximately
4 yards from the goal line. A painted marker 4 yards from each post is
sufficient for guidance.
15.4.3 For dedicated 9v9 pitches a goal area can be marked out. This is to be 4
yards from the goal line and 4 yards from each goal post towards the
corner.
15.6 MATCH DURATION
15.6.1 A match must be a maximum of 70 minutes, split into two halves of 35
minutes. The duration of half time should not exceed 15 minutes.
15.6.2 If leagues operate a two-year age band and a 9v9 fixture involves a Year 6
player then the Match duration should not exceed 60 minutes.
15.7 SUBSTITUTES
15.7.1 Any number of substitutes may be used at appropriate breaks in play with
the permission of the referee, a player who has been replaced may re-
enter the game (rolling substitutes).
15.6.2 All players in the match day squad should have a minimum of 50% playing
time when participating in matches.
15.8 KICK OFF
15.8.1 Is taken in the centre of the playing area to start the game and after a goal
has been scored.
15.8.2 The opposition must be a minimum of 7 yards away from where the ball
is placed.
15.9 BALL IN AND OUT OF PLAY AND THE METHOD OF SCORING
15.9.1 As per the ‘FIFA Laws of the Game’ - Law 9 (Ball in and out of play) and 10
(The method of scoring) apply to 9v9 Small Sided Football.
15.10 OFF-SIDE
15.10.1 As per the ‘FIFA Laws of the Game’ - Law 11 ‘Off-Side’ applies to 9v9 Small
Sided Football.
15.11 THROW IN
15.11.1 As per the ‘FIFA Laws of the Game’ - Law 15 ‘The Throw in’ applies to 9v9
Small Sided Football.
15.12 CORNER KICKS
15.12.1 As per the ‘FIFA Laws of the Game’ - Law 17 ‘The Corner Kick’ applies to
9v9 Small Sided Football.
15.13 FREE KICKS
15.13.1 As per the ‘FIFA Laws of the Game’ - Law 12 ‘Fouls and Misconduct’
applies to 9v9 Small Sided Football.
15.14 GOALKEEPERS
15.14.1 Can handle the ball in their penalty area and there are no restrictions on
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the number of steps they may take holding the ball.
15.14.2 The Goalkeeper can leave the penalty area but cannot handle the ball
outside the penalty area.
15.14.3 The Goalkeeper can throw or kick the ball out of their hands; the
Goalkeeper can also kick the ball on the ground but can then be
challenged by opponents.
15.14.4 Pass Back to Goalkeeper - A goalkeeper cannot pick up the ball (in the goal
area) if It has been passed to him/her by a teammate.
15.15 GOAL KICKS
15.15.1 The ball must be stationary and from the ground (refer to 15.5.2 for
location).
15.15.2 The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
15.15.3 Opponents must be outside the penalty area until the ball is in play.
15.16 PLAYERS IN THE GOAL AREA
15.16.1 There are no restrictions regarding the number of players allowed in the
goal area during open play.
15.17 THE REFEREE
15.17.1 Each match is controlled by a referee who has full authority to enforce
the rules of 9v9 Small Sided Football and the ‘IFAB Laws of the Game’.
For further info on the laws of the game please refer to the ‘IFAB Laws of the Game
document’.
