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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.











🏆 The Junior Premier League (JPL): Nurturing the Nexxt Generation of Football Talent



“Development before results, players before points — that’s the JPL difference.”

In the world of youth football, the Junior Premier League (JPL) stands out as one of the most progressive, player-centred development environments in the UK. With over a decade of structured growth and innovation, the JPL has become a crucial bridge between grassroots and academy football.


From its emphasis on player development over results to its inclusive ethos, high standards, and national reach, the JPL is a league where ambition meets opportunity — for both players and coaches.


Whether you’re a parent considering the league for your child, a coach looking to compete at a higher level, or a player dreaming of stepping into academy football, this article will give you a detailed insight into what makes the Junior Premier League so unique and impactful.


⚽ What Is the Junior Premier League (JPL)?


Launched in 2011, the Junior Premier League was built on the principle that young footballers deserve a platform that focuses on long-term development, technical excellence, and exposure to elite-style formats — not just results.


With over 25,000 players participating each season across 1,500+ teams nationwide, the JPL is now the largest youth football league in England outside the academy system.


“The JPL isn’t just another league — it’s a philosophy. One where players grow, learn, and lead.”

🏁 Key Aims and Philosophy


The Junior Premier League is founded on the belief that development comes first. Its core values include:


  • 📈 Player Development Over Winning - Coaches are encouraged to rotate players, test different formations, and focus on skill acquisition over scorelines.

  • 🤝 Respect and Sportsmanship - All clubs, players, parents, and coaches adhere to strict codes of conduct, ensuring a safe and respectful environment.

  • 🧠 Tactical and Technical Intelligence - Players are challenged with 9v9 and 11v11 formats earlier than in traditional leagues, encouraging spatial awareness, game intelligence, and mature decision-making.

  • 👥 Equal Opportunity and Inclusion - From elite boys’ academies to girls’ football development programmes, the JPL offers access to high-level football for all.


🗺️ National Structure & Format


The JPL runs regional divisions across England and Wales, providing local competition with national recognition. It caters for boys and girls from Under-7 through to Under-18 level.


  • 🗓️ Weekly Fixtures: Matches usually take place on Saturdays (boys) and Sundays (girls).

  • 🏟️ Home & Away Games: Teams compete in a full season, with cup competitions and national finals.

  • 🎯 Development-Focused Formats: Players are rotated regularly, and fixed positions are discouraged for younger age groups.

  • 🏆 JPL Cup & Shield Competitions: Adds the excitement of a knockout format, while still promoting long-term growth.


Some teams are even granted Advanced Player Development (APD) status, recognising high standards in coaching, safeguarding, and player care.


🔬 What Makes the JPL Different?


🌱 1. Focus on the Long-Term Player Pathway


Unlike some leagues where the pressure to win overrides development, JPL clubs prioritise:


  • Technical progression

  • Tactical education

  • Physical literacy and mental resilience

  • Balanced, child-centred coaching


Players are encouraged to play in multiple positions, face varied challenges, and stay focused on process over outcomes.


“In the JPL, mistakes aren’t punished — they’re part of the plan.”

📋 2. Stringent Club Standards


To gain and retain a place in the JPL, clubs must meet strict entry requirements:


  • FA-qualified coaches

  • Valid and up-to-date safeguarding checks

  • Appropriate training facilities

  • Regular CPD and education commitments

  • Development plans for players at every level


This ensures a consistently high-quality experience across the league — raising the bar nationwide.


🧭 3. Pathways to Academy Football


For many, the JPL acts as a stepping stone into professional academies. Scouts from Category 1, 2, and 3 academies frequently attend fixtures, and clubs often have partnerships with EFL or Premier League sides.


  • Players are given showcase opportunities

  • Match footage and performance data are increasingly utilised

  • Emphasis is placed on preparing players for what comes next


Even players who don’t progress to the academy system benefit massively from the structured, professional environment — becoming more confident, technically able, and tactically aware.

🏆 4. JPL Warriors – Inclusive Football for All


The JPL doesn’t just cater to elite players — it also runs the JPL Warriors programme, dedicated to disability football. This inclusive platform offers structured, competitive football for children with a range of needs, ensuring that no player is left behind.


This makes the JPL one of the most progressive and holistic youth leagues in the UK.


🧑‍🏫 What It’s Like to Coach in the JPL


For coaches, the JPL is a platform that encourages creativity, responsibility, and education. It’s a place where:


  • Tactical coaching is rewarded

  • Game plans evolve weekly

  • Players are stretched and supported

  • Coaches can grow alongside their teams


Clubs are expected to invest in their staff, with many supporting coaches to progress through the FA and UEFA coaching pathway.


“You don’t just coach the game — you coach the future.”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents and Players: What to Expect


  • Commitment: Players are expected to train regularly and attend weekly fixtures

  • Supportive Environment: Parents are encouraged to support from the sidelines with respect and patience

  • Feedback Culture: Coaches provide regular individual development feedback

  • Progressive Journey: It’s not just a team — it’s a player pathway


🚀 JPL in Numbers (2024–25 Snapshot)


  • 🏟️ 1,500+ Teams Nationwide

  • 👶 U7–U18 Boys & Girls

  • 🌍 25,000+ Players

  • 🎓 Dozens of players progressing to pro academies annually

  • 🤝 Linked to national initiatives like FA’s England DNA and Talent Pathway


🏁 In Summary


The Junior Premier League is more than just a competition — it’s a platform for true football development. Rooted in integrity, progression, and care, the JPL offers one of the most exciting environments in which young players, coaches, and clubs can thrive.


It’s the future of grassroots — now.


🌍 Supporting Development, One Player at a Time


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 across the globe. With a passion for holistic development and a deep understanding of the youth pathway, Steve supports individuals and teams in reaching their full potential — both on and off the pitch.











⚽ BT Playmaker by England Football


“You don’t need to be a coach to change the game — just someone who cares.”

The BT Playmaker by England Football course is the perfect entry point into the football world for anyone looking to get involved — no prior experience required. Whether you’re a parent, volunteer, youth leader, or simply a passionate supporter of the beautiful game, this free course gives you the skills, confidence, and support to start making a difference.


It’s where football meets community, and where passion meets purpose.


🌟 What Is BT Playmaker?


Created by England Football in partnership with BT, the Playmaker course is a free online training programme designed for anyone who wants to help out at their local football club or organisation.


You don’t have to be a coach. You don’t need a kit. All you need is a love for the game and a willingness to help out — whether that’s setting up cones, welcoming new players, supporting matchday logistics, or becoming a role model for young people.


“Not every hero wears a whistle — some just show up and care.”

📚 Course Overview: What You’ll Learn


✅ 1. Getting Started in Football Volunteering


  • The different ways you can support your local club

  • How volunteering changes lives — including your own

  • The impact of community football across ages, genders, and abilities


🙋 “You don’t have to lead sessions to be a leader.”

🛡️ 2. Creating a Safe, Fun Environment


  • How to make players feel welcome, safe, and included

  • The importance of safeguarding, awareness, and positive behaviour

  • Setting a great example as a trusted adult in football


🌈 “Every child deserves to feel like they belong on the pitch.”

🧠 3. Understanding Your Role


  • The different roles volunteers can play (helper, organiser, supporter)

  • Working as part of a coaching or club team

  • Being reliable, approachable, and consistent


🤝 “Clubs don’t just need coaches — they need people who care.”

🩹 4. First Aid Essentials


  • Basic first aid awareness for emergencies in football

  • When to escalate, when to support

  • Staying calm and caring under pressure


🧯 “You might never need it, but you’ll be glad you learned it.”

📋 5. Next Steps After Playmaker


  • How to continue your journey into coaching, refereeing, or club support

  • Introduction to further FA courses like Introduction to Coaching Football or Safeguarding

  • Opportunities to grow within the England Football ecosystem


🚀 “Today a Playmaker — tomorrow, who knows?”

🧑‍🏫 Course Format & Delivery


  • 💻 100% online and totally free

  • 🕒 Takes around 2 hours to complete

  • 🎥 Interactive video modules, real-world scenarios, quizzes, and support

  • 🧾 Certificate awarded on completion


Perfect for parents, carers, youth workers, school staff, and first-time volunteers looking to get involved in football.


🙌 Why BT Playmaker Is a Game-Changer


BT Playmaker:


✔ Opens the door to new voices and faces in football

✔ Promotes inclusivity and diversity in clubs and communities

✔ Strengthens the volunteer network in grassroots football

✔ Gives you confidence and clarity in your role

✔ Helps more young people stay in sport — and thrive


“Great clubs aren’t just built on talent — they’re built on people who show up.”

🏁 In Summary


The BT Playmaker by England Football course is about making football accessible — not just for players, but for those who want to help make it happen. It’s grassroots in its purest form, and it offers a fantastic, supported way into the game for people of all backgrounds.


Whether you help run a warm-up, hand out bibs, or simply cheer from the sidelines with purpose — you are changing lives through football.


🌍 Leading With Purpose, Supporting With Passion


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. Steve champions inclusive pathways into the game, believing that empowered volunteers, mentors and coaches form the beating heart of grassroots football.











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