How long can we play? (Maximum permitted playing times)

Modified on Mon, 17 Jun at 9:44 AM

Within the Standard Code of Rules for youth football, the maximum permitted playing times are detailed, as shown below:

All Competition Matches shall have a duration as set out below unless a shorter time is mutually arranged by the two Clubs in consultation with the referee prior to the commencement of the Competition Match, and in any event shall be of equal halves.

Competition Matches should be played in accordance with the Laws appropriate to the relevant age group, as laid down by The FA, as detailed below.

Age Group	Minimum Duration of play per quarter (minutes) (Mini-Soccer	Maximum Duration of play per quarter (minutes) (Mini-Soccer only)	Minimum duration of play per half (minutes)	Maximum duration of play per half (minutes)	Maximum playing time in one day in all organised development fixtures (minutes)	Maximum playing time in one day in all tournaments and trophy events/festivals (minutes)	Competition structure
Under 7 and Under 8	5	10	10	20	40	60	Development focussed with a maximum of 3 trophy events per season over 2 week periods (6 weeks)
Under 9 and Under 10	10	12.5	20	25	60	90	Development focussed with a maximum of 3 trophy events per season over 4 week periods (12 weeks)
Under 11	N/A	N/A	20	30	80	120	Development focussed with a maximum of 3 trophy events per season over 6 week periods (18 weeks)
Under 12	N/A	N/A	20	30	80 (if applicable)	120	Any varieties including one season long league table
Under 13 and Under 14	N/A	N/A	25	35	100	150	Any varieties including one season long league table
Under 15 and Under 16	N/A	N/A	25	40	100	150	Any varieties including one season long league table
Under 17 and Under 18	N/A	N/A	25	45	120	180	Any varieties including one season long league table

Competition Matches for age groups from U7 to U10 can be played in either quarters or halves. This Competition uses quarters/halves (delete as appropriate).

For round robin/trophy events, the maximum duration of play per half cannot be exceeded, but the minimum duration of play per half may be adjusted.