1. The match
2. The squad
Players near the top start, unless a different start makes the minutes fairer.
Saved on this device only, so next week's plan takes a minute.
3. Sub sheet
Type your players in the squad box to see the plan.
How it works
The planner shares out the time on the pitch: players on the pitch × match length ÷ players here. Eight players at 5v5 over 40 minutes is 200 player-minutes, so 25 minutes each. It splits each half (or quarter) into sub windows and at each one brings on whoever has played least for whoever has played most, counting time in goal as time played. Keepers are decided before kick-off so a player due in goal later isn't given extra minutes early. If the minutes still come out uneven, it tries other orders and swaps until they are as close as the sub windows allow.
Changing keeper at half-time (or each quarter) shares goalkeeping and keeps minutes equal. Tick "can go in goal" for the players who want a turn; if nobody is ticked, everyone takes a turn in order. With the same keeper all match, the keeper plays the whole game and the rest share what's left.
FA formats from the 2026-27 season
| Age group | Format | Match length | Substitutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| U7 | 3v3 | 6 to 10 min games | None: everyone plays |
| U8, U9 | 5v5 | 40 min | Rolling |
| U10, U11 | 7v7 | 50 min | Rolling |
| U12, U13 | 9v9 | 60 min | Rolling |
| U14 and over | 11v11 | 70 to 90 min | Rolling |
From The FA's Know Your Format guide (February 2026). Your league decides the exact length, how it's split and its own sub rules, so check its handbook.
How much playing time should each child get?
The FA's best practice from U8 up is equal playing time, and at least half the match for every player. At U7 everyone plays and there are no subs during a game. The planner warns you if anyone would get under half the match, which usually means the matchday squad is too big for one team.
How do I split a squad for 3v3?
Make as many teams of three as you can and play a team a player down rather than leave a child out: 10 players make teams of 3, 3, 2 and 2. With "mix the teams" ticked, children get different team-mates each game. Run the games as a carousel so teams meet different opponents. England Football recommends 30 to 40 minutes of games for each child, and no more than 60 minutes of football in a day.
How often should I sub?
Every 5 minutes is common at 5v5 and 7v7; every 10 suits 9v9 and 11v11. Shorter windows give more even minutes but more stoppages. If you'd rather not make lots of changes at once, set "most changes at once" and the planner works within it, telling you if that leaves minutes uneven. Half-time and quarter breaks have no limit.
Is anything sent anywhere?
No. Names and settings stay in your browser on this device (use "Forget squad" on a shared computer). The page counts visits with GoatCounter, which uses no cookies and sees nothing you type.
Not affiliated with The FA or England Football. A planning aid: you know your players, so change anything you like on the day.