Coaches Corner 7 of 11

7. Playing Matches


If your team is entered into a league then you will play matches.

Matches start for U7s as friendly 5 a side games and increase in size and length as they get older. From U12 games are 'competitive' and played for points in division basis. At this age it is important that teams are in the appropriate division for their ability. It is better to start low and work your way up than high and lose each week as moral can be affected - especially during the sensitive teenage years.

This section gives you more information on the following topics, using the Sussex Sunday Youth League as the basis for the majority of the information as that's where most of our younger teams play.

Some information you may find useful with regard to matches, match days and how it all works...

  • Your fixture schedule
  • Before the match
  • Referees
  • Match day setup (including details you'll need for our various home grounds)
  • After a match
  • Postponements and cancellations
  • FA Full Time
  • Age group formats

Different leagues have slightly different policies, so the information here is meant as a guide. Please refer to your league handbook for specific information and familiarise yourself with the policies the league has so as to avoid fines or loss of points.