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1. Age Group

  • Players must be Under 10 on 31 August 2026

  • Players must be Under 9 on 31 August 2026

 

2. Format of Play

  • 7 v 7 (6 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper)

  • Rolling substitutions allowed at any stoppage (with referee awareness)

  • All players should receive equal playing time across the festival

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3. Match Duration (tbc)

  • Matches of 6-10 minutes each way (dependant on number of teams/festival structure)

  • No extra time or penalties in groups stages

  • In the event of a draw in the finals, Immediate penalties take place (no extra time)

 

4. Retreat Line

  • A retreat line must be used:

    • Marked halfway between the halfway line and goal line

  • Applies when:​

    • Goal kick is taken

  • Opposition players must retreat behind the line until:

    • The ball is played out

  • Goalkeepers cannot kick the ball directly over the retreat line (indirect free kick)

 

5. Goalkeeper Rules

  • Goalkeepers may:

    • Throw, roll, or pass the ball from the ground

  • Goalkeepers must not:

    • Drop-kick or punt the ball (indirect free kick)

 

6. Offside

  • No offside is applied

 

7. Fouls & Discipline

  • All fouls are penalised with direct/indirect free kicks

  • No sin bins or cards (referees manage behaviour through explanation and encouragement)

  • Persistent or dangerous play may result in a player being temporarily removed at referee discretion

  • No pass backs to GK - Indirect Free Kick

 

8. Heading

  • Heading is not allowed

  • If a player deliberately heads the ball:

    • An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposition

  • Accidental heading will be managed with common sense

 

9. Kick-Offs & Restarts

  • Opponents must be 5 yards from the ball at kick-off

  • Goals can be scored directly from kick-off

  • Kick-ins or dribble-ins only, no throw-ins.

  • Goals can not be scored directly from the side-lines

 

10. Respect & Environment

  • All coaches and spectators must follow The FA Respect Code

  • Support from the sidelines only (no coaching during play)

  • Referees’ decisions are finaL

  • Any form of abuse from coaches or parents towards the referee will not be tolerated.

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