FA mini-soccer guidance says all team members should get equal playing time where possible, with a best-practice minimum of 50% of each game per player. Plan subs before kick-off, rotate the keeper role fairly, and balance minutes across the season as well as each match.
What the guidance says
The FA's mini-soccer laws say every team member should get equal playing time where possible, with at least 50% of each game per player as best practice. Many clubs and leagues go further and make equal minutes the rule up to U11 or U12.
In older age groups, competitive football allows more flexibility, but most clubs still expect every player to get meaningful minutes every week. Check your club and league rules.
Why it matters
Children who sit on the bench stop improving and stop coming. Equal time also takes the pressure off you: parents can see the plan is fair before a ball is kicked.
How to plan fair subs in 30 seconds
- Count your players and the match length.
- Decide how often you'll change (every 5 to 10 minutes works well).
- Rotate who starts on the bench from week to week.
- Share the plan with your assistant or a parent so you can watch the game.
Or let the equal game time sub planner do it: pick your format, tick who's here, and get a sub-by-sub plan with minutes for every player.
Fair over the season, not just the match
Some weeks it won't be perfectly even: a late arrival, a knock, a keeper who wants to stay in. Track minutes over the season and balance them up. Gafferbook can keep that record for you once your squad is saved.