This policy establishes the clear standards that Kendal United require from our volunteers when it comes to what every player can expect from the game. At Kendal United Football Club, we believe that every young player deserves fair playing time to develop their skills, confidence, and love for the game. This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring that all registered players receive an appropriate amount of match time across our junior age groups. Our policy is here to support players and volunteers in meeting the minimum standards outlined.

 

OUR COMMITMENT

Kendal United Football Club commits to the following:

• Every child will play a significant amount of time in every match
• Playing time will be shared fairly across the whole season
• Player development comes before winning matches
• No child will be left on the sidelines feeling forgotten

 

WHY THIS POLICY MATTERS

For Players:

• More playing time means faster skill development
• Regular participation builds confidence and enjoyment
• Everyone feels valued as part of the team
• Better preparation for moving up to higher age groups

For Parents:

• Clear expectations about your child’s involvement
• Transparency in how decisions are made
• Assurance that your child’s development is prioritised
• Peace of mind that fair play principles are followed

For Coaches:

• Clear guidelines to follow in every match
• Support from the club in implementing fair play
• Focus on long-term player development
• Tools and techniques to manage playing time effectively

 

DETAILED PLAYING TIME REQUIREMENTS

Complete Reference Table for Season 2025-2026

Age Group	Match Format	Total Match Time	Minimum Playing Time (Guaranteed)	Fair Play Target Time	What We Aim For
Under 7 to Under 8	5 vs 5 players	40 minutes (20 min/half)	10 minutes (every player, every match)	15 mins	20+ mins for all players
Under 9 to Under 10	7 vs 7 players	50 minutes (25 min/half)	15 minutes (every player, every match)	20 mins	25+ mins for all players
Under 11 to Under 12	9  vs 9 players	60 minutes (30 min/half)	15 minutes (every player, every match)	25 mins	30+ mins for all players
Under 13 to Under 14	11 vs 11 players	70 minutes (35 min/half)	15 minutes (every player, every match)	30 mins	35+ mins for all players
Under 15 to Under 16	11 vs 11 players	80 minutes (40  min/half)	15 minutes (every player, every match)	30 mins	40+ mins for all players
Under 17 to Under 18	11 vs 11 players	90 minutes (45 min/half)	15 minutes (every player, every match)	30 mins	45+ mins for all players

 

What These Numbers Mean

Minimum Playing Time: This is the absolute least amount of time any player will get in a match. We promise this to every child who turns up ready to play.

Fair Play Target Time: This is what The Football Association recommends as good practice. We aim to give every player at least this much time.

What We Aim For: This is our club’s ambition – to give every player even more time than the minimum requirements, helping them develop faster and enjoy football more.

 

EXCEPTIONS

• It is recognised that there may be occasions such as cup finals, title deciders, where strict adherence to the policy could be detrimental to the overall aspirations of the team, particularly in the older age groups. Managers must have an open and honest discussion with their group beforehand on these rare occasions and agree, by vote if necessary, on the strategy to be applied.
• Players arriving late, or misbehaving at a minor or serious level will still receive a minimum of 10 minutes playing time, with additional sanctions where necessary. When behaviour is very serious (violence, abusive language) then no playing time commitment applies and the player must be immediately removed from the match.

MONITORING & REPORTING CONCERNS

Club Welfare

• Welfare officers attend matches across all age groups
• Parent feedback actively sought after matches
• Regular check-ins with coaches about policy implementation
• Available for immediate consultation if issues arise
• Monthly review meetings with the club committee

How Parents Can Hold Us Accountable

• Contact welfare officers directly with any concerns
• Request us to review playing time for their child at any point during the season.
• Immediate discussion with the relevant coach
• Meeting with affected players and parents if needed
• Implementation of corrective measures and follow-up monitoring