Little League Football Officers' Manual

14A LEAGUE - TEAM FORMAT

Refer to

Originally, Little League Football was aimed at boys aged Under 11 to Under 13 (school years 6 to 8).  However, with increased flexibility and the rise in popularity of girls' football, it is now open to Leagues to  cater for both boys and girls aged up to Under 14, and as young as they wish, although Under 7 is tending to become the lowest age and Under 13 the highest.

However, there are certain restrictions laid down by the Football Association: -

  • Teams cannot comprise players with more than a two year age gap. Therefore, Under 11's and Under 12's can play in the same team, as can Under 12's and Under 13's, but not Under 11's and Under 13's.
  • Boys and girls may not play in the same team from age Under 12 and older. However, there is no reason why a League cannot have two sections, one for boys, the other for girls.
  • Note also that children aged Under 10 may not play 11-a-side football, but Mini-Soccer may be organised for them.  Mini-soccer may also be played by older children.

     

    		•  FA Rules Section 16

    Games are usually 25 minutes each way (may be shorter for mini-soccer).  Thus three games can take place on one pitch in one morning.

    Leagues with more than one section should allocate a pitch specifically for each section.

    		 Rule 4.1.2.5

    The League Management Committee shall decide each year:

    1. The number of players in a squad (Max 14 for 11-a-side, max 10 for Mini-soccer teams)
    2. The ages and genders of those players
    3. The number of teams in each Section

     

    		 Rule 2.4.1