Fair play, fun first
Non-competitive Rules
The festival is about the children enjoying the game. Cheer every team — yours and your opposition.
Format
- ALL games are played non-competitively — no scores recorded, no league tables.
- Teams are encouraged to give every player equal game time.
- Maximum goal post size for all ages is 12ft × 6ft.
- Pitches will be line-marked (cones may be used in some instances).
- Teams must be at their allocated pitch ready to kick off at the programmed time.
- The second-named team changes shirts/bibs in the event of a colour clash.
Goal sizes by age
- U6 — 4×3ft rigid pop-up Forza pod goals
- U7 — 5×4ft rigid pop-up Forza pod goals
- U8 & U9 — aluminium 5×8ft goals
- U10 & U11 — aluminium 12×6ft goals
- U12 & U13 — aluminium 16×7ft goals
Corners, throw-ins & free kicks
- Taken in the normal way; opponents at least three yards from the ball.
- All free kicks are indirect. No penalties are awarded.
- Offences in the goal area are penalised with an indirect free kick.
Goal kicks
- Taken anywhere in the goal area by kicking the ball off the ground.
- Opponents must retreat to the half-way line until the goal kick is taken.
Goalkeepers
- No goalkeepers for U6 & U7 matches.
- Goalkeepers may handle the ball in the goal area with no step restrictions.
- Goalkeepers must throw or roll the ball after picking it up — no kicking/drop-kicking from hand.
- Goalkeepers cannot handle the ball outside the goal area.
- Goalkeepers may handle pass-backs from a teammate inside the area.
General
- Age groups as per season 2025/26.
- Each manager must register at the registration desk at the time for their age group.
- Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players and supporters at all times.
- 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.
- All participating players will receive medals.
- The Committee may amend rules or format and is final on any dispute or discipline matter.
Behaviour
No emphasis on winning at all costs. Abusive language or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated — the referees are children themselves and their decisions are final. Anyone behaving against this spirit will be asked to leave, and may include the entire team if deemed necessary.
Gazebos & tents
You're welcome to pitch a gazebo for your team — just not on or directly adjacent to the pitches or walkways. They must be properly anchored with pegs, sandbags or weights. Anything deemed unsafe or obstructive will be asked to be moved. Any damage to property or equipment will be charged to the club or person(s) responsible.