Game Ready: Football Age Group Templates
From U6 to Senior. All the rules, all the detail, ready-made templates. Less admin, more coaching.
Select Your Age Group
U6 Overview
Player Development Focus
At U6, the emphasis is on fun-focused play, enjoyment, exploration, and building confidence with the ball. Players are introduced to the basics of teamwork and respect for the game. The Football Association (FA) prohibit or strongly discourage competitive U6 matches, this is about participation rather than competition. U6 sessions are often a stepping stone, preparing children for joining an U7 team for their first season of organised play the following year.
Game Information & Rules
Equipment & Safety
- Shin pads: Mandatory and must be fully covered by knee-high socks.
- Footwear: Appropriate footwear is required. No metal studs on artificial grass pitches (3G/4G/5G). Moulded studs or astro football boots are recommended.
- Clothing: A full kit is not mandatory at this age but appropriate sportswear is sensible, and some developing teams may have full kit.
- Jewellery/watches: For safety/FA rules, all items of jewellery, including watches and earrings, must be removed before a match. Taping or covering jewellery is not an acceptable alternative.
Laws of the Game / Offside Rules
- No offside rule at U6.
- Games are run in a festival/developmental format, often with flexible rules and rolling substitutions.
Substitutions
Roll-off/roll-on substitutions permitted at any time with referee or coach guidance.
Playing Time & Competition Limits
U6 players should play short matches (10–15 mins each way). Maximum permitted in a day: around 40 minutes of match play.
Competition Structure & Philosophy
No formal leagues or results are kept at U6. Matches are played in festival-style events designed for fun and inclusion.
Disclaimer
The information provided in these templates is based on The FA's published guidelines for youth and adult football in England. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, rules and regulations may vary by county FA, league, or competition. Coaches and clubs should always check with their league or governing body for the most up-to-date and applicable rules.
These resources are provided by tactico for guidance and educational purposes only.
Ready to take your team to the next level?
Less admin. More coaching. Get started with tactico.
Explore tactico