Fair minutes. Every player.
Last updated 3 November 2026 · By Davide Domenghini
Every coach says everyone gets a game. Then it's 1-1 with ten minutes left and the same five are on.
Plan the minutes before kick-off. Log the subs as you make them. Check the totals at full time.
Open the board in 7-a-sideWhat does the FA say about playing time?
For under 7s to under 11s, the FA's Mini-Soccer Handbook says all players should get equal playing time where possible, with at least half of every game for every player as best practice.
That is advice, not a rule. There is no national rule for under 12s and up. Some county FAs and many clubs have their own policy, often equal minutes over the season. Ask yours.
How many minutes should each player get?
One sum. Match minutes, times the players on the pitch, divided by the squad.
A 7-a-side game is 50 minutes. Seven on the pitch makes 350 minutes to share. Ten in the squad is 35 minutes each. Twelve in the squad is about 29.
The keeper counts. Rotate them too.
A minutes plan for 7-a-side with ten players
Cut the 50 minutes into five blocks of 10. Seven players in each block makes 35 places. Ten players can't share 35 evenly, so five play four blocks and five play three.
Swap the two groups next week. Over two games, everyone is level.
| Group | Blocks | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Five players | 4 of 5 | 40 |
| Five players | 3 of 5 | 30 |
| Squad total | 35 places | 350 |
How do I keep track on matchday?
Not on the back of a teamsheet. Start the clock, and make each sub on the board as it happens. It logs the minute.
Minutes played shows every player's total as you go. You see who needs the second half before half time, not after the final whistle.
What about when results count?
From under 12s it gets harder. Your strongest side matters, and so does keeping a squad together.
Set a floor and stick to it, such as half a game for anyone who trained all week. Tell the parents what it is before the season, not after a defeat.
Where the rules come from
Checked against the FA's own pages. Leagues and county FAs can add their own rules.