Coach / Guides / For parents

For parents and carers

Coaches: share this page with your families at the start of the season. It sets out what the club expects on matchdays and how parents can help at home.

On the touchline

England Football's Grassroots Code asks everyone at a game to enjoy the game, give respect, be inclusive, work together and play safe. In practice that means:

Cheer for everyone: Both teams. Children notice when adults clap a good pass by the other side.
Leave the coaching to the coach: Two adults giving different instructions is confusing. "Shoot" from the touchline takes away the decision they are learning to make.
Let the referee referee: Many youth referees are teenagers learning the job. Without them there is no game.
Stay behind the line: Many clubs mark a spectator line or barrier a few metres back from the touchline. Use it.
Keep the ride home light: Ask "Did you enjoy it?" rather than going over mistakes. Saying you loved watching them play is enough.
Talk to the coach away from the game: If something worries you, pick a quiet moment, not the touchline after a defeat. Safeguarding worries go to the club welfare officer.

Playing time and positions

Under-7s play 3v3 with no substitutes, so every child plays. From under-8, The FA's best practice is equal playing time, with every player on the pitch for at least half of each match. Coaches who follow it will rotate who starts and who comes off.

Young players should try every position, including in goal if they want to. Being moved around is part of learning the game, not a sign they are doing badly.

See the youth rules by format for match lengths, pass-ins and the retreat line.

Practice at home

Ten minutes with a ball, a few times a week, does more than an extra hour of matches. The player side has a week of practice for every age, with drills they can do on their own or with you.

The best thing you can do in the garden is be a wall: pass back to them, roll the ball for them to strike, or go in goal. Let them win sometimes.

Children should never feel football is a job. If they want a week off, that is fine.

If you are worried about a child's welfare, at football or anywhere else, talk to the club welfare officer, or call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Children can call Childline on 0800 1111.