FairPlay Coach
FairPlay Coach
Quick-reference FA rules for U17 – U18 — match duration, substitutions, pitch size, ball size, and equal playing time guidance.
Try the Free Rotation App →U17–U18 is the final step in structured youth football before players transition to adult grassroots. Matches are 90 minutes on a full-size pitch with a full squad. At this level, coaches often juggle a large pool of players while navigating both competitive match demands and the development needs of teenagers progressing toward adult football.
FA guidance: fair distribution of playing time across the season. Players in their final youth years should have real match experience to support progression into adult football.
With 20 players in a senior youth squad and 5 substitution slots, distribution of pitch time can become very unequal over a 20-match season. Players who receive consistent minutes will develop — those who don't will often drop out of football entirely. The FA cites lack of pitch time as one of the primary reasons teenagers leave the game.
FairPlay Coach logs minutes, goals, goalkeeper stints, and match appearances for every player across your full season. The stats screen gives a bird's-eye view of who is getting pitch time and who isn't — so coaches can make proactive squad decisions rather than reactive ones after a player threatens to leave the club.
Try It Free — No Account Needed →FA guidelines specify 2 halves of 45 minutes (90 minutes total) for U17 and U18 — the same duration as adult grassroots football.
Most grassroots leagues allow 5 substitutions at U17–U18. Rolling substitutions (where players can re-enter) are common in junior leagues but may not apply in all competitions — check your specific league rules.
Full-size pitches are used at U17 and U18 — the same dimensions as adult grassroots: 90–120m long by 45–90m wide with full-size goals (7.32m × 2.44m).
There is no strict equal-time mandate at U17–U18, but FA research highlights lack of playing time as a leading cause of teenagers leaving football permanently. Good clubs track cumulative season minutes and make deliberate decisions to give all squad members regular appearances.
FairPlay Coach records minutes, goals, and match appearances per player across the full season. The season stats view shows which players are getting regular pitch time and which are being underused — giving coaches the data to manage a large senior youth squad fairly.