FairPlay Coach
FairPlay Coach
Quick-reference FA rules for U11 – U12 — match duration, substitutions, pitch size, ball size, and equal playing time guidance.
Try the Free Rotation App →The step up to 9-a-side at U11–U12 is the most significant format change in youth football. Squads grow larger, offside comes into play, and the tactical complexity increases. But the FA is clear: this is still a development phase. Coaches who win matches by benching their weaker players are working against the long-term interests of the club — and their own players.
FA guidance: while results become more relevant at U11–U12, equal playing time remains a stated goal. Coaches should aim for all players to receive meaningful match time every game.
Managing a squad of 14–16 players across 4 quarters of 25–30 minutes, while keeping rotation fair, tracking who has played goalkeeper, and handling late arrivals or absentees — that is a meaningful admin task for any volunteer. Without a system, the same confident, pushy parents will always ensure their children get the most pitch time.
FairPlay Coach handles 9v9 rotation for squads up to 16 players. Mark players who can play goalkeeper, lock any player who must start (e.g. a goalkeeper swap), and the algorithm builds a balanced matrix across all 4 quarters. Post-match, every parent can see exactly how many minutes their child played — across pitch, bench, and goalkeeper.
Try It Free — No Account Needed →FA guidelines recommend 4 quarters of 25–30 minutes, with a maximum total match time of 120 minutes. Most leagues play 4 x 25-minute quarters, though some U12 leagues may play 4 x 30 minutes.
Yes, rolling (unlimited) substitutions are standard at U11 and most U12 competitions. Players may re-enter the field after being substituted. Some U12 cup competitions may apply limited substitution rules — check your specific league regulations.
Yes. The standard FA offside rule applies in 9-a-side football at U11 and U12. This is one of the key differences from the smaller-sided formats at younger age groups.
Squads typically have 13–16 registered players, with 9 on the pitch at any time. Managing fair rotation across this squad size is one of the most common administrative challenges at grassroots level.
A Size 4 football is standard at U11 and U12. The step up to a Size 5 (adult) ball does not happen until U15 and above in most leagues.
FA guidance states that meaningful playing time for every player remains a priority at U11–U12, though strict equal time is no longer mandated in the way it is at younger ages. Best practice is to ensure no player sits on the bench for more than one full quarter in a match.