Older age groups
Competitive Rules
For competitive age groups — group stage, knockouts, tie-breakers and discipline. Play hard, play fair.
Format
- Competitive age groups play a group stage followed by knockout rounds.
- Group fixtures: 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss.
- Top two teams from each group progress to the knockout stage.
- Match length and squad sizes as published in the Schedule for each age group.
- Teams must be at their allocated pitch ready to kick off at the programmed time — late teams may forfeit.
- The second-named team changes shirts/bibs in the event of a colour clash.
Group stage tie-breakers
- Goal difference across all group games.
- Goals scored.
- Head-to-head result between the tied teams.
- Fewest disciplinary points (yellow/red cards).
- If still level, a 3-minute sudden-death extra time followed by penalties.
Knockout ties
- Drawn knockout matches go straight to penalties — best of 3, then sudden death.
- Only players on the pitch at the final whistle may take penalties.
- Goalkeepers may be substituted for penalties from the named squad.
Goal sizes by age
- U8 & U9 — aluminium 5×8ft goals
- U10 & U11 — aluminium 12×6ft goals
- U12 & U13 — aluminium 16×7ft goals
Match play
- All free kicks are direct unless otherwise indicated by the referee.
- Penalties may be awarded for fouls inside the penalty area.
- Goalkeepers may distribute by throw, roll or kick from hand within the laws of the game.
- Standard FAW substitution rules apply — rolling subs permitted at a stoppage with the referee's consent.
Discipline
- Yellow card: player sin-binned for 2 minutes; team plays short.
- Two yellows in the same match = red card and the player takes no further part in that game.
- Straight red: player removed for the rest of the tournament, subject to Committee review.
- Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents and supporters at all times.
General
- Age groups as per season 2025/26.
- Each manager must register at the registration desk at the time for their age group.
- Match ball provided by the first-named (home) team.
- All players must wear suitable footwear and shin pads.
- Only players and coaches on the playing area — spectators stay behind the barriers.
- Teams must have the relevant number of coaches and first aiders per FAW rules.
- Winners and runners-up receive trophies; all participating players receive medals.
- The Committee may amend rules or format and is final on any dispute or discipline matter.
Respect the referee
Decisions are final. Abusive language or threatening behaviour towards officials, opponents or spectators will not be tolerated and will result in removal from the tournament.