Coaching Leagues Rules Age 7 – 10

NECSL Coaching League Rules for Age Groups 7 – 9

All games 30 minutes duration (12.50 minutes each way with 5 minute break)

Footwear: Astro runners or ordinary runners only

Shin guards to be worn by all players

All teams to consist of a panel of, at least, 10 players

Age Group 7 = 6 a side (1 goalkeeper with 5 outfield players)

Age Group 8 = 7 a side (1 goalkeeper with 6 outfield players)

Age Group 9 = 7 a side (1 goalkeeper with 6 outfield players) 

Apply roll on roll off substitutions.

Ball regulation size 3 for the three age groups

Goalkeeper only allowed handle the ball in the small box.

If goalkeeper handles outside the small box then free kick is awarded.

Goalkeeper cannot handle ball from a pass back.

If goalkeeper is in possession of ball he/she must throw ball out rather than kick it. No long kicks or drop kicks allowed from hands.

Penalty awarded for defending player touching ball in small box.

Defending player can encroach in small box provided he does not deliberately touch the ball.

No goal allowed to be scored inside small box.

Tip off to be taken after a goal has been scored.

Each team to provide a referee for one half of each game 

NECSL Coaching League Rules for Age Group 10

All games 45 minutes (20 minutes each half with 5 minute break)

Footwear: No steel studs or steel blades allowed

Shin guards to be worn by all players

All teams to consist of a panel of up to 14 players

Games are 8 a side (1 goalkeeper and 7 outfield players)

Ball regulation size 4

Apply roll on roll off substitutions.

Goalkeeper allowed handle the ball in the large box.

If goalkeeper handles outside large box then free kick is awarded.

Goalkeeper cannot handle the ball from a pass back.

If goalkeeper is in possession of ball he/she must roll the ball out rather than kick it. No long kicks or drop kicks allowed from hands.

Penalty awarded for defending player touching the ball in small box.

Defending player can encroach in small box provided he does not deliberately touch the ball.

No goal allowed to be scored inside small box.

Tip off to be taken after a goal has been scored.

Each team to provide a referee for one half of each game.

Match day requirements  

All teams must comply with the team sizes appropriate to their age group. 

All teams to be on time as all matches have to finish at allotted time. 

All teams must have a first-aid kit. 

Both footwear and shin-guards rules above are mandatory and managers must insist on their players complying. If a player turns up with inappropriate footwear then manager must inform player that he/she cannot play. 

Comply with the ball regulation appropriate to the age group. 

Remember this is a non-competitive league. 

Please ensure all managers players and supporters comply with NECSL Stewards on match day and are on best behaviour encouraging the children positively. 

Respect the volunteer refereeing the game. 

Managers should try and discourage players from using the wall around the pitch to beat opponents. 

Fixtures schedule for the day will be available each Saturday in the cabin.