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Mini Football Regulations

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 youngest children, supervises the matches.

Rules are explained as the game proceeds (for example handball and then in/out play). It may also be necessary to demonstrate in certain instances how to restart the game (eg throw in, corner kicks).

1    The game is for boys and girls Year 2-6 (as of midnight 31st August the previous year) and mixed football is allowed in all the age ranges.

2    Laws 9 and 10 apply to mini football but there is no offside. (Refer to FAW Handbook).

3    Team size should be no greater than 8 v8. The playing area shall be no greater than 55 yards x 35 yards and no smaller than 30 yards x 20 yards.

Team and playing area sizes are recommended as follows:
Year 5 & 6    8 v8    55yards x 35yards
Year 3 & 4       6 v 6    50yards x 30yards
Year 2 & 3    4 x 4    40yards x 30yards

4    Any number of substitutes may be used at any time with the permission of the game leader. Players may re-enter the game and all substitutes must have a period of play. As far as possible there should be equal playing time for each player.

5    The ball should be no larger than size 4. Size 3 is recommended for Year 3 and under. Players are required to wear shin guards.

6    The recommended goal size for all ages is 12ft x 6ft.

7    The goal area extends 10 yards from the goal line across the full width of the playing area regardless of its size. The goal area can either be marked by cones on the touchline or one or two marker discs across the playing area.

8    Each game should last for a maximum of 20 minutes. Half time need not be taken. Games of 10 minutes in total are recommended for the younger players.

9    The kick off is taken in the centre of the playing area to start the game and after a goal has been scored.

10    Although Law 15 applies and the throw in should be taken in the normal way, game leaders can show flexibility.

11    Law 17 applies to corner kicks except the opposition should be at least 3 yards away.

12    Law 12 applies to free kicks although they are all indirect and the opposition should be at least 3 yards away.

13    Goalkeepers:

can handle the ball in the penalty area and there are no restrictions on the number of steps they can take while holding the ball

cannot handle the ball outside of the penalty area

Year 4 and under may kick the ball out of their hands and Year 5 & 6 are only allowed to throw the ball.

can kick the ball on the ground but may then be challenged by opponents

14 Goal Kicks:

are taken anyware on the edge of the area with the opposition at least 3 yards away

must be kicked out of 10 yard penalty area

by year 4 and under may be taken from their hands from within the goal area

15 There are no restrictions regarding the number of players allowed in the goal area

16 Players can pass the ball to their own goalkeeper, for the goalkeeper to handle the ball.

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Mini Football Regulations