Non-competitive Rules

The festival is about the children enjoying the game. Cheer every team — yours and your opposition.

All rules are in line with FAW rules for relevant age groups

Format

ALL games are played non-competitively — no scores recorded, no league tables.
Teams are encouraged to give every player equal game time.
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 — 5×4ft rigid pop-up Forza pod goals
U7 — 5×4ft rigid pop-up Forza pod goals
U8 & U9 — aluminium 8×5ft goals
U10 & U11 — aluminium 12×6ft 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 have registered at the registration desk at least 30 mins before kick-off.
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.
Coaches of both teams in the fixture will referee the games between them.
All participating non-competitive players will receive medals.
The Committee may amend rules or format and is final on any dispute or discipline matter.

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.