Article one - Under 8's Banned from League and Cup Football

The FA have decided to ban under 8’s from competing in league and cup football. Youth football is being taken too serious and there is too much emphasis on winning leagues. Over four million children play in youth leagues in the UK and the FA believe that we are not at the same level as other countries.

Under 8’s are still allowed to play in teams and play competitive matches every week but the difference being that the results cannot be published to form league tables. For example in the Mid Lancashire Colts league the teams are seeded in groups after Christmas in relating to the amount of games each team has won. They are also not permitted to compete in cup competitions where trophies will be presented.

Parents in control

Parents and coaches are one of the main factors as to why the decision to ban leagues for mini soccer players came across. Violence and abuse from parents trying to ‘support’ their child cause tension and can affect a child’s game. Some think that the coaches sometimes forget the age of the players and become too aggressive with them in order to gain the win and the three points.
“There’s not a massive problem with kids football, it’s the parents that’s the problem”. Kevin Kealey, Chairman of the Mid Lancashire Junior football League.

Understanding the laws

All ages of youth football from under 6’s to under 18’s parents are now told to stand behind a rope at the side of the pitch and only coaching staff and managers can stand beyond this line.
Youth football should be a fun and enjoyable introduction for young children to the game of football, and by making it less competitive the focus will be trying to improve the skills and fitness of the players. But will the ban work?

Below is a slideshow including videos of youth football and features an interview with Youth Football Referee Lewis Burgess.