Grassroots Football Guides for Parents
Straightforward, parent-to-parent guides to the bits of grassroots football nobody explains — from your child's very first match to kit, formats and the road towards academy football.
Getting started
🎂 What Age Group Is My Child In?
The FA's 31 August school-year cut-off, with your child's birth-date range from U7 to U18 this season.
⚽ Your Child's First Match
What to expect on debut day — arrival times, kit, and matchday etiquette for nervous first-timers.
📐 Football Formats by Age
5v5, 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11 compared — pitch sizes, ball sizes and rules at every age group.
Rules & matchday
⬆️ Can My Child Play Up?
What the FA rules allow on playing up (or down) an age group, and how to arrange it.
🌧️ Is Football On This Weekend?
How cancellations and pitch inspections work — waterlogged, frozen, and who decides.
🤝 The Respect Code for Parents
Touchline do's and don'ts: where to stand, what to shout, and respecting the referee.
Kit & gear
🎒 Youth Football Kit Checklist
Exactly what your child needs for matchday and the bag — and what you can happily skip.
👟 Choosing Football Boots
Studs, surfaces and sizing — how to buy the right boots without overspending.
🛡️ Shin Pads Explained
The three types, how to size them, the FA sock rule, and keeping them fresh.