Coach / Guides / Matchday

Matchday

The match is the best session of the week, if everyone plays. Here is how to share the minutes fairly, what to bring, and how to keep the touchline calm.

Share the minutes

From under-8, The FA's best practice is equal playing time, and at least half of every match for every player. Under-7s have no substitutes at all. Put in your numbers and print the plan.

–minutes each

Players are numbered, so the plan holds no names. Swap goalkeepers at a break if more than one child wants to go in goal. The plan is worked out on this page and not sent anywhere.

Before the game

The night before and the hour before.

In the bag

  • First-aid kit, with ice packs, and the phone number of each player's parent or carer.
  • Match balls of the right size: size 3 up to under-11, size 4 for under-12 and under-13, size 5 from under-14.
  • Bibs, a few cones for the warm-up, water and spare kit.
  • Your team sheet or the league's matchday app, done in advance.
  • A plan for who plays when (above), so nobody has to ask.

At the pitch

  • Check the goals are anchored or weighted, every time. Never let children hang on a crossbar.
  • Walk the pitch for glass, holes and dog mess.
  • Greet the other coach and the referee. Thank the referee by name.
  • A short warm-up with a ball each, then a quick game. The 15-minute warm-up works on matchdays too.
  • Tell the players one thing to try today, and only one.

The Grassroots Code

England Football's standards of behaviour, for players, coaches, parents, spectators and volunteers. Leagues and clubs expect everyone on the touchline to keep them.

  1. Enjoy the gameFootball is a game. Celebrate effort and the brave decision, not just the result.
  2. Give respectTo the referee, the other team, their coaches and their supporters, and to your own players.
  3. Be inclusiveEveryone belongs, whatever their background or ability. Discrimination has no place on or off the pitch.
  4. Work togetherCoaches, parents, players and officials want the same thing: a good game for the children.
  5. Play safeSafe pitches and goals, a first-aid kit, and "if in doubt, sit them out" for any head injury.

The five standards are England Football's. The explanations are ours. Clubs have a matchday contact, often called the match delegate, who looks after behaviour on the day.

During the game

Less talking from the side, more learning on the pitch.

From the touchline

  • Let them decide. Shouting "pass" or "shoot" takes the decision away, and the decision is what they are learning.
  • Praise effort and bravery, out loud. Save corrections for the break.
  • Only coaches give instructions. Ask parents to cheer, not coach.
  • Rotate positions over the season, including goalkeeper for anyone who wants a go. Children who only ever play one position learn less of the game.

At half-time

  • Water first. Then two minutes of talking, at most.
  • Ask before you tell: "What's working?" "Where is the space?"
  • One thing to keep doing, and one thing to try.
  • After the game, both teams shake hands and thank the referee. Win or lose, end on something they did well.

Head injuries. If a player might have concussion, they come off and do not go back on that day. "If in doubt, sit them out." See safeguarding for the signs.