How do substitutions and playing time work?

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Accepted Answer

FAW 2026/27 rules for small-sided football: Rolling substitutes: any number, at any time, and players can go back on. At 9v9, substitutions are made at suitable breaks in play with the referee's permission. At least 50% playing time for every player in the match-day squad. For example, at an Under 8 festival with 50 minutes of play, each player gets at least 25 minutes. Maximum wait on the bench: 5 minutes at Under 6 to Under 9, and 10 minutes at Under 10 and Under 11. Squad size: no more than double the format. That's 8 for 4v4, 10 for 5v5, 14 for 7v7 and 18 for 9v9. At Under 12 and 13, all 18 are eligible to play and teams can register up to 20 players. One team per match day: a player can't play for two teams on the same day, for example Under 9 and Under 10. From Under 8 to Under 11, every squad member should get to play every position, including goalkeeper. If a team is short at Under 6 to Under 11, the other team should lend players or take players off so numbers are even. A 9v9 match can't start or continue if either team has fewer than 6 players.