Good afternoon,

This email has been sent to all league secretaries and all small-sided team secretaries, recommencing their small-sided fixtures this weekend.

While the Scottish FA’s app is still being updated, you can find a summary table of the National Player Pathway formats and rules here:
https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football-development/participation/childrens-youth-football/children-youth-player-pathway/

We’ve also attached an update from the Scottish FA regarding the ‘Football For All’ strategy, and information on how this relates to the small-sided game. This document also contains a summary table of the playing rules for each format. While the focus should be on enjoyment, fun and flexibility, leagues and teams should ensure this is in line with the agreed guidance.

The Scottish FA, Scottish Youth FA and Scottish Women’s Football support the small-sided game for children to enable them all to develop but more importantly to have fun in a safe and friendly environment. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that we create the best possible environment for children and remember that they are there to enjoy the game in a relaxed atmosphere and not to be shouted at or have the fun taken out of the sport.

As part of the new ‘Football for All’ strategy all of our organisations are committed to #LetThemPlay which will help develop a more friendly playing offering to ensure all children enjoy the sport.

We are all requesting again this year these 5 key rules are followed to help make the game as child centred as possible.

All parents, carers and other spectators must stay 2m back from the pitch and if possible, this should be done via a marked off area/zone.
No parent or carer should attempt to enter the field of play.
All parents and carers must ensure that they are following their own club’s Code of Conduct
There should be no shouting from the side lines, spectators should always encourage all participants.
Let the children play the game, making sure we encourage before/after the game – during the game let the grassroots volunteers deal with the game.
Our very best wishes to everyone for the season ahead.

Kind regards,
Scottish Youth Football Association
Hampden Park