Grade 9 Fun Football 2026 - Key Points

This page is in the process of being updated. 

"Fun Football" for 9th Grade is played 5v5, with goalkeepers. 

Game Day Format:

• Teams should arrive to warm up 20 mins before their first game.
• The Ideal warm up is two skill activities from the McDonalds Junior Framework - you can find these activities in Coachmate
• Each team will play 2 x 20min games (10mins each way), playing two other teams. (NOTE: In some locations, the format changes to one 40min game)

Small-sided games with lots of touches are great for young players as they focus on fun and skill development.

The 5v5 format means more time on the ball, keeping kids involved.

Two shorter games against different teams keep them engaged (without to much focus on tactics, or big scorelines).

• 5v5 format (Four players plus a goalkeeper)
• 40 minutes maximum game time (Ideally 2x20mins)
• No offside rule
• Corners - yes
• Free kicks awarded for fouls - direct and indirect
• Retreat to half way for goal kicks
• Ball kicked/dribbled back into play (No throw-ins)
• No published match results or ladders
• Both coaches can be on field during the game (only one can referee)