How do substitutions and matchday squads work?
Rule- England
- England Football
- Mini-soccer
- Under 8
- Under 9
- Under 10
- Under 11
- 5v5 and 7v7
- 2026/27
- Coaches
- Rolling substitutions: any number, at any time, with the referee's permission. Players come on only during a stoppage, and a player who has been substituted can go back on.
- Matchday squad: no more than double the team size: 10 for 5v5 (Under 8-Under 9) and 14 for 7v7 (Under 10-Under 11).
- Minimum to play: 4 players for 5v5, 5 for 7v7.
- Playing time: The FA's best-practice recommendation is equal playing time, with at least 50% of each game for every player.
If you have big numbers, The FA recommends splitting into smaller games where facilities allow. For example, two Under 8 teams of 7 registered players each could play a 4v4 and a 3v3 instead of a 5v5 with two subs each. Outside trophy events, coaches can be flexible with formats.
Added 21 Oct 2026