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FA Rules on 11v11 Football in June



In grassroots football, there is an ongoing discussion about whether young players should pause their involvement in full-sized 11-a-side matches during June. The Football Association (FA) has clear regulations on this, ensuring that youth players get a balanced approach to development, rest, and alternative training opportunities.


FA Rules on 11v11 Football in June


According to FA regulations, June is officially classed as the closed season, meaning 11v11 matches—both youth and adult—are generally not permitted unless they meet specific criteria. Exceptions include:


✅ Small-sided games (up to 9v9), which can continue without restriction.

✅ Matches for national representative teams or clubs under FIFA or UEFA jurisdiction.

✅ Single-day tournaments, festivals, and pilot projects granted special FA dispensation.

✅ Competitions authorised by the FA or affiliated associations.


From July 1st, friendlies can resume without County FA approval, provided teams are affiliated for the upcoming season.


Why the Break Matters


The enforced pause in 11v11 football during June serves several important purposes:


📌 Physical Recovery – Young players need time to rest and avoid burnout, reducing the risk of injuries.


📌 Mental Refresh – A break allows kids to enjoy football in a more relaxed setting, such as small-sided games or informal kickabouts.


📌 Developmental Benefits – Playing different formats like 5-a-side or futsal can improve technical skills, decision-making, and creativity.


Balancing Rest and Play


While structured 11v11 matches are restricted, young players can still engage in football through training sessions, skill-based activities, and smaller-sided games. This ensures they maintain their passion for the sport while benefiting from a well-earned break.


Final Thoughts


The FA’s regulations aim to protect young players from excessive strain while encouraging varied football experiences. A break from 11v11 football in June isn’t about stopping development—it’s about ensuring kids grow into well-rounded, resilient athletes.


Steve Halls is an FA-qualified football coach specialising in player development, consultancy, and talent identification. With a deep understanding of youth football regulations, Steve ensures young players receive the right balance between structured competition and much-needed recovery periods. By following the FA’s guidance on seasonal breaks, Steve helps aspiring footballers maintain their passion while prioritising long-term development and well-being.











🌈 Equality & Diversity in Football



“Football has the power to unite — but only when everyone has a place on the pitch.”

In the modern game, coaching excellence goes far beyond tactics and technique. The FA’s Equality & Diversity course empowers coaches, club officials, and volunteers to build inclusive, respectful environments where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and valued — no matter their background.


This course isn’t just about compliance. It’s about shaping a better football culture, where fairness and opportunity drive the game forward.


🌍 Why Equality & Diversity Matter in Football


  • Football is the world’s most diverse sport

  • Grassroots and elite environments must be inclusive for all

  • Discrimination in any form has no place in the game

  • Coaches and leaders set the tone for culture and behaviour


“Diversity is a fact. Inclusion is a choice.”

📚 Course Overview: What You’ll Learn


🧠 1. Understanding Key Concepts


  • What “equality” and “diversity” really mean in practice

  • The difference between equality of opportunity and equity

  • How bias, prejudice, and discrimination can appear — overtly or subtly


💬 “It’s not enough to be ‘not racist’ — we must be actively anti-discrimination.”

🔎 2. Recognising and Challenging Discrimination


  • Types of discrimination: racial, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation

  • Understanding direct vs indirect discrimination

  • Real-life case studies from football

  • The impact of discriminatory language, behaviour, and structures


⚠️ “Silence allows discrimination to grow — your voice matters.”

🤝 3. Creating Inclusive Environments


  • How to ensure your team, club, or school is welcoming to all

  • Adapting communication, coaching styles, and facilities

  • Encouraging a positive culture of belonging

  • Promoting equal access to opportunities in playing, coaching, and leading


🏳️‍🌈 “Diversity on the team strengthens the team.”

📋 4. Understanding FA Policies and Your Responsibility


  • Your legal and ethical duties under FA and Equality Act guidelines

  • How to report discrimination or unfair treatment

  • What to do if you witness or hear inappropriate behaviour

  • Being a proactive ally and role model


📣 “Change starts with the coach.”

🧑‍🏫 Course Format & Delivery


  • 💻 100% online, accessible learning

  • 🕒 Takes approx. 1 hour to complete

  • 🎥 Interactive modules, scenarios, and real-world football examples

  • 🧾 Certificate awarded on successful completion


🧠 It’s ideal for coaches, club officials, parents, and volunteers across all levels.


⚽ Why This Course Is Essential for Coaches


By completing the Equality & Diversity course, you’re:


✔ Actively promoting fairness in football

✔ Aware of unconscious bias and how to challenge it

✔ Equipping yourself to lead by example

✔ Contributing to a culture where everyone can thrive


“True coaching is about unlocking potential — in every player, from every background.”

🛡️ A Safer, Fairer, Better Game for All


The course reinforces your safeguarding knowledge by helping you:


  • Spot harmful behaviour before it escalates

  • Make sure underrepresented groups feel heard

  • Challenge inequality with confidence

  • Celebrate and promote diversity in your team or club


🌐 "The future of football is inclusive — and we all have a role in making it happen."

🏁 In Summary


The FA’s Equality & Diversity course is a key step in becoming a modern, inclusive, and responsible coach. It aligns with The FA’s Football Your Way and In Pursuit of Progress strategies — and it aligns with your values too.


When every player feels seen and respected, football becomes truly beautiful.


🌟 Building a Football Culture Where Everyone Belongs


Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach offering consultancy, talent identification, mentoring and player representation in Cheshunt and the surrounding areas. In today’s interconnected world, Steve can offer his services to players, clubs, and organisations globally. With equality, integrity, and care at the heart of his work, Steve fosters environments where every player is given the chance to succeed — regardless of who they are or where they come from.










🚑 Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF)



"Be the calm when it matters most."

In football, moments of magic happen on the pitch — but so can moments of crisis. The Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) course gives coaches, volunteers, and support staff the confidence and knowledge to respond quickly, safely, and effectively when injury or illness strikes.

This is more than a qualification — it’s a critical life skill for anyone involved in the game.


⚽ Why First Aid Training Matters in Football


  • Football is a dynamic and physical sport — injuries happen

  • Immediate, confident response can prevent long-term harm

  • Coaches are often first responders before emergency services arrive

  • Protecting players is as important as developing them


“Being ready for emergencies shows that you care — on and off the pitch.”

📚 Course Overview: What You’ll Learn


🧠 1. The Role of the First Aider in Football


  • Understanding the responsibilities and limits of a first aider

  • Staying calm under pressure

  • Following the correct procedures in line with FA and emergency guidance


🎯 “Your number one job is to preserve life and prevent worsening.”

❤️ 2. How to Recognise and Respond to Medical Emergencies


  • Sudden cardiac arrest and CPR (including AED use)

  • Concussion management and the "If in doubt, sit them out" protocol

  • Asthma attacks, allergic reactions, seizures, and diabetic emergencies

  • Heatstroke, hypothermia, and serious injuries


🧯 “Preparation beats panic every time.”

🦵 3. Common Football-Related Injuries and Treatment


  • Sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations

  • Cuts, grazes, nosebleeds, bruises

  • How to apply basic wound care, immobilisation, and cold therapy


🏥 You’ll learn to assess, treat, and refer appropriately.


🧾 4. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP)


  • Why every club and coach should have a clear, rehearsed EAP

  • How to access emergency help quickly

  • The importance of accurate record-keeping and reporting


📞 “Know what to do, who to call, and how to communicate.”

🧑‍🏫 Course Format & Delivery


  • 🏫 Usually delivered in-person over 3 hours

  • 📍 Practical, hands-on training with football-specific context

  • ✅ Includes CPR demonstrations and real-scenario practice

  • 🧾 Certificate valid for 3 years


📣 This is not just a box-ticking course — it can save lives.


🧠 Skills That Stay With You


Completing the IFAiF course means you're:


✔ Confident in dealing with football emergencies

✔ Aware of risks and how to reduce them

✔ Able to keep calm and act quickly under pressure

✔ Trusted by parents, players, and peers


“First aid doesn’t make you a medic — it makes you a leader in moments that matter.”

🛡️ Welfare and Duty of Care


The IFAiF is aligned with the FA’s wider safeguarding framework, ensuring coaches contribute to safe, professional, and player-first environments. Your knowledge will:


  • Strengthen your safeguarding responsibility

  • Support your Emergency Action Plan

  • Build trust and accountability in your coaching role


🙌 “Great coaches don’t just teach technique — they protect wellbeing.”

🏁 In Summary


The Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) course is a must-have for any coach, parent, or volunteer involved in the game. It gives you the tools to respond when every second counts, promoting safety, confidence, and care across your team and club.


🌍 Empowering Coaches to Lead and Care


Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach offering consultancy, talent identification, mentoring and player representation in Cheshunt and the surrounding areas. In today’s connected world, Steve can offer his services to players, clubs, and organisations across the globe. With safeguarding, first aid, and development at the heart of his coaching ethos, Steve builds environments where players feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive — on and off the pitch.










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