What match format and squad sizes apply in the JDL?
Rule- New South Wales
- Football NSW
- Junior Development Leagues
- Skill Acquisition Phase
- Under 9-Under 13
- 2026
- Coaches
JDL match formats reflect the Football Australia Small Sided Football formula.
Mixed JDL (2026):
| Age group | Players per team on field | Recommended formation | Players per team (squad) | Licensee squad total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 9 | 7v7 | 1-3-3 or 1-2-3-1 | 10 | 20 (16 boys + 4 girls) |
| Under 10, 11, 12 | 9v9 | 1-3-2-3 or 1-3-3-2 | 12 | 24 (20 boys + 4 girls) |
Licensees may select more than 4 girls per team, which proportionately reduces the number of boys. They cannot replace girls' registrations with boys' registrations. Breaching the permissible players per team criteria is a $2,000 fine per breach to the licensee.
Girls' JDL (2026): Under 10, 11, 12 and 13 all play 9v9 (1-3-2-3 or 1-3-3-2), with 12 to 14 players per team and a licensee squad total of 14.
Source: Football NSW Competitions Regulations 2026, Schedule 1 (Mixed JDL) sections 3 and 4, and Schedule 2 (Girls' JDL) sections 3 and 4.
Added 24 Oct 2026