How do substitutions work in 9v9, and how big can my matchday squad be?
Rule- England
- England Football
- Youth football
- 9v9
- Under 12
- Under 13
- 2026/27
- Coaches
Under The FA's Standard Code of Rules (2026/27):
- Substitutions at Under 12 and Under 13 are rolling (return) substitutions: a substituted player becomes a substitute again and can replace any player, following Law 3. England Football's 9v9 guidance describes roll-off, roll-on substitutions at any time with the referee's permission.
- Each league sets how many substitutes a team may use, from 3 up to a maximum of 7. So the largest possible matchday squad is 16 (9 + 7).
- Substitutes must be named to the referee before kick-off, by the deadline in the league's rules. A player not named can't take part.
- A named substitute who doesn't get on isn't counted as having played.
- You need at least 6 players to play a 9v9 match.
The FA's best-practice recommendation from Under 8 upwards is equal playing time, with at least 50% for every player.
Updated 21 Oct 2026