Welcome to Wigmore Youth FC Sports Club!

Our Under 7's currently compete in the Medway youth league. Under 7’s football is an exciting and crucial stage in a young player’s development. Here are some key points about this age group:

1. Introduction to Football: Under 7’s (U7) is often the first formal introduction to organised football for children. It’s a time when they learn the basics of the game, including dribbling, passing, and shooting. At this age group they play 5vs5.
2. Fun and Play: At this age, the emphasis should be on fun! Coaches and parents create an enjoyable environment where kids can explore the game without pressure. Small-sided games and activities keep them engaged.
3. Basic Skills: U7 players work on fundamental skills such as ball control, balance, and coordination. They learn to use both feet and develop spatial awareness.
4. Teamwork and Social Skills: Football teaches teamwork and communication. U7 players start understanding their roles within a team and learn to share the ball.
5. No Formal Competition: The Medway Youth League avoid formal competition. Instead, they focus on friendly matches and skill-building sessions. The goal is to foster a love for the game.

Remember, at this age, it’s less about winning and more about enjoying the beautiful game!

OurUnder 8's currently play in the Medway Youth League. Under 8’s football, also known as U8 football, is an exciting stage in a young player’s development. Here are some key points about this age group:

1. Age Range: U8 football is typically played by children aged 7 and 8 in school year 3 . Year 1 children aged 6 are also permitted to play “up” an age category and participate in U8 football.
2. Team Size: U8 football adheres to the FA “mini soccer” rules, which means it is played in a 5v5 format. Each team should have 5 players on the pitch.
3. Game Duration: Mini soccer laws dictate that a game should last no longer than 40 minutes in total, divided into two 20-minute periods of play. However, some leagues may have shorter game durations, so it’s essential to check with your local league.
4. Mini Soccer Format: The FA produces laws for “mini soccer,” which applies to both U7s and U8s age groups. Competitive/league football is not permitted below this age bracket, although some under-6 teams play friendlies in preparation for their first league season at U7s. The main differences at these age groups are in the size of players, with U8 players typically being bigger, making the game more physically challenging in many cases.
5. Age Eligibility: Children playing U8s football are generally aged 7 and 8. The age categories are based on their school year. So, a child who is 7 on August 31st (at the start of the season) can play U8s football, even if they turn 8 during that season. Players aged 6 and over are also permitted to play up an age level.
6. Team Composition: Each U8s football team has 5 players on the pitch at any time. If a team is short of a player, the game can proceed with 5 v 4 or 4 v 4, but no game may begin if each team doesn’t have at least 4 players.

We currently have two teams in this age group, Wigmore Youth & Wigmore Youth Athletic, both of them compete in the Medway Youth league. Under 9’s football, also known as U9 football, is an exciting stage in young players’ development. Here are some key points about this age group:

1. Age Range: U9 football is generally for boys and girls in Year 4 in England. Children aged 8 and 9 are eligible to play at u9's
2. Team Size: U9 football adheres to the FA “mini soccer” rules. In the U9 format, teams play 7v7. This meamns that 7 players are the maximum allowed on the pitch at once. 
3. Match Length: Each match consists of two halves, with each half lasting 25 minutes. Half time should not exceed 5 minutes. 
4. Player game time: Players can participate for a maximum of 60 minutes per day or 90 minutes in a competition.
5. The recommended pitch size for u9's is 60 x 40 yards
6. Ball Size: U9s play with a size 3 ball. 
7. The dimensions of the goal are 12 ft x 6ft
8. Roll-off roll-on substitutions can be made at any time during the game with the permissions from the referee, including players who have already been substituted.
9. Playing Equipment: Children cannot play development football without shin pads, which should be covered entirely by knee-length socks. Goalkeepers should wear a different colored shirt from the rest of the team. Appropriate footwear for the playing surface is essential (no metal studs on grass or artificial pitches).

We currently have four teams in this age group and they all compete in the Medway youth league, three of our teams play at Kings Frith Park and two play at Cozenton Park. Age Range: U10 football is generally for boys and girls in Year 5 in England. Children ages 9 and 10 are eligible for this competition.

1. Team Size: U10 football adheres to the FA “mini soccer” rules. In the U10 format, teams play 7v7. 
2. Match Length: Each match consists of two halves, with each half lasting 25 minutes. Half time should not exceed five minutes.
3. Match Length: Each match consists of two halves, with each half lasting 25 minutes. Half time should not exceed 5 minutes. 
4. Player game time: Players can participate for a maximum of 60 minutes per day or 90 minutes in a competition.
5. The recommended pitch size for u9's is 60 x 40 yards
6. Ball Size: U9s play with a size 3 ball. 
7. The dimensions of the goal are 12 ft x 6ft
8. Roll-off roll-on substitutions can be made at any time during the game with the permissions from the referee, including players who have already been substituted.
9. Playing Equipment: Children cannot play development football without shin pads, which should be covered entirely by knee-length socks. Goalkeepers should wear a different colored shirt from the rest of the team. Appropriate footwear for the playing surface is essential (no metal studs on grass or artificial pitches).

• U13 football is generally for boys and girls in year 8 which means they are typically 13 or 13 years old. 
• In the U13 format, teams play 11v11. 
• Match Length: Each match consists of two halves, with each half lasting 35 minutes. 
• Players can participate for a maximum of 100 minutes per day or 150 minutes nin a competition
• The recommeded pitch size for U13'S is 100 yards x 60 yards.
• Ball Size: U13s play with a size 4 football. 
• The goal dimensions are 21 ft x 6 ft. 
• Subs are still roll on roll off 
• Playing Equipment: Children cannot play development football without shin pads, which should be covered entirely by knee-length socks. Goalkeepers should wear a different colored shirt from the rest of the team. Appropriate footwear for the playing surface is essential (no metal studs on grass or artificial pitches).

• U16 football is generally for boys and girls in Year 11 which means they are typically 15 or 16 years old. 
• Team Size: U16 football adheres to the FA “mini soccer” rules. In the U16 format, teams play 11v11. 
• Match Length: Each match consists of two halves, with each half lasting 40 minutes. 
• Players can participate for a maximum of 100 minutes per day or 150 minutes in a competition.
• Pitch size for U16'S is 110 yards x 70 yards. 
• Ball Size: U16s play with a size 5 football. 
• The goal sizes are 24 ft x 8 ft 
• Still roll on roll off subs at this age group 
• Playing Equipment: Children cannot play development football without shin pads, which should be covered entirely by knee-length socks. Goalkeepers should wear a different colored shirt from the rest of the team.

• U18's football is generally for boys and girls in Year 13
• Team Size: U18 football adheres to the FA “mini soccer” rules. In the U18 format, teams play 11v11. 
• Match Length: Each match consists of two halves, with each half lasting 45 minutes. 
• Players can participate for a maximum of 120 minutes per day or 180 minutes in a competition. 
• The recommended pitch size for u18's is 110 yards x 70 yards.
• Ball Size: U18s play with a size 5 football. 
• The goal dimensions are 24 ft x 8ft 
• Roll on roll off subs 
• Playing Equipment: Children cannot play development football without shin pads, which should be covered entirely by knee-length socks. Goalkeepers should wear a different colored shirt from the rest of the team.

We currently have two mens teams at Wigmore , both of which play on a Sunday morning.

1. Wigmore Wanderers: Moving up from U18’s football to mens football is a significant transition, and it’s impressive that they’ve had such a successful season in their opening year! 🌟👏
2. Wigmore 1st: Being an established mens team speaks volumes about their dedication, skill, and commitment. They’ve likely built a strong team culture over the years. 🏆⚽️

Both teams contribute to the vibrant football community at Wigmore, and their passion for the game is commendable. May they continue to thrive and enjoy the beautiful game on those Sunday mornings!