Equal playing time

The FA recognises that one of the key motivations for young players is fun, enjoyment and a desire to play with friends. These drivers for young people’s participation are undermined by an unstable environment, in which the player feels that they are easily dispensable or not being given a fair chance to play. 

A failure to offer playing time has a direct correlation on players enjoyment and leads to drop out from the game. 

It is impossible at an early age to determine whether very young children will progress into becoming elite adult players. Research has suggested that very few Elite Athletes were elite, or particularly exceptional in their Foundation years (7-12). Whilst Professional Clubs can organise specialised coaching programmes for young people, those involved cannot and should not be deemed as elite. Good practice in the foundation phase would involve children being involved in fundamental movement and games activities as well as football specific practices and matches.

Children will get better by taking part and playing. In the Foundation phase the FA believe that the focus should be on developing the individual players rather than results of the team. In relation to the management of a team this should mean that in a game or over a course of games that a squad of youth players should experience a range of situations – starting, starting as a substitute, coming on as a substitute, being substituted. 

There should be an aim to offer all squad players comparable game time. However, we believe this approach should be based on a developmental ethos rather than regulation imposed by a stop watch. Changes in selection or playing position should be individualised to the player. 

We believe that Clubs should clearly set out their selection and game time policies, so that parents are aware of the approach taken and can take this into account in selecting a club that meets the needs of their child or children.