# SEASON 2026-2027 WDYFL NEWSLETTER NUMBER 1

> :fa[futbol] WDYFL Newsletter — Season 2026–2027 :fa[futbol] Witney & District Youth Football League Season 2026–2027 · Newsletter No. 1 Please read this…

- Site: Witney and District Youth Football League (https://wdyfl.co.uk/)
- Canonical: https://wdyfl.co.uk/post/season-2026-2027-wdyfl-newsletter-number-1
- Published: 2026-09-16
- Updated: 2026-09-16
- More: https://wdyfl.co.uk/llms.txt

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# :fa[futbol] WDYFL Newsletter — Season 2026–2027

## :fa[futbol] Witney & District Youth Football League
**Season 2026–2027 · Newsletter No. 1**

*Please read this newsletter carefully — it could save you time and money!*

> :fa[solid triangle-exclamation #f5a623] **The Rules are available on the App, via email to each Club Secretary, and on the Full Time website. Read them to avoid fines.**

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## :fa[solid address-card] Contact Directory

| Role | Name | Email |
|---|---|---|
| League Secretary | Edward Todd | secretary@wdyfl.org |
| Fixture Secretary (U7, U8 & U9) | Connor Rose | fixtures@wdyfl.org |
| Fixture Secretary (U10 & U11) | Jon Dowell | fixtures@wdyfl.org |
| Fixture Secretary (U12 & U13) | Rachel Beynon | fixtures@wdyfl.org |
| Fixture Secretary (U14, U15 & U16) | Chris Wales | fixtures@wdyfl.org |
| Referee Appointments | Billy Coutts | refereeappointments@wdyfl.org |
| Postponements | — | postponements@wdyfl.org |

:fa[solid phone] **League Secretary phone:** 07500 284693

> :fa[solid circle-info] When emailing fixtures@wdyfl.org, always include the **age group or fixture secretary's name** in the subject line, and start your email with your **name, team name, and age group**.

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## :fa[solid users] Minimum Number of Players

The deadline to have the minimum number of players signed was **31st July**.

- Any team that postpones their first game due to insufficient registered players will **forfeit that game**.
- A player may only participate in a league or cup game once they are **registered and approved on the Whole Game System** and showing on the Full Time system.
- Playing an unregistered player can result in **penalties and the game being awarded to the opposition**.
- This responsibility lies with the **manager**, not the league.

---

## :fa[solid gear] FA Portal & Full Time (FT)

**FA Portal**
- Remove all individuals who are no longer with your club.
- Any changes to club personnel or contact details must be updated in Portal **ASAP** and emailed to the League Secretary.
- The league **cannot** add names to your club.

**Full Time**
- Anyone new to Full Time must **respond promptly** to verification emails — until verified, they will not receive newsletters, fixture changes or referee appointments.
- Each team can have **two mobile numbers** assigned to receive SMS result requests — ensure these are complete and correct on Portal first.

> :fa[solid triangle-exclamation #e53e3e] **The Match Day App is unreliable. Any omissions on Full Time may result in a fine.**

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## :fa[solid trophy] Trophy Events & Cups

### One-Day Trophy Events
Where suitable venues can be found, the league hopes to host several one-day trophy events during the season, with separate events for different age groups.

### U9 & U11 Champions League
A champions league–style competition running across the two seasons:
1. Teams play in divisions in a **round-robin format**
2. Based on performance, teams are split into **Cup, Shield, and Plate** competitions
3. These culminate in finals

**Contact:** Rachel Beynon at fixtures@wdyfl.org

### County Cups
- U12 and above are entered into county cup competitions.
- County cups take **precedence over league and cup games**.
- Keep your Fixture Secretary informed as you progress through the rounds so fixtures can be moved.
- These games are **not organised by the league** — contact your County FA.

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## :fa[solid calendar] Fixtures

- **Season start:** Saturday 6th September
- **Season end:** By the third weekend in May

**U14 season structure:**
- **Autumn season:** September 2026 – December 2026
- **Spring season:** January 2027 – May 2027 (teams reseeded based on Autumn performance; new teams may join for Spring)

All teams **U12 to U16** will participate in KO Cups.

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## :fa[solid people-group] Squad Size & Substitutes

| Age Group | Max Squad on Match Day |
|---|---|
| U7 | 12 players |
| U8 / U9 / U10 | 14 players |
| U12 / U13 | 18 players |
| U14 to U16 | 22 players |

**U14–U16:** Up to 5 substitutes may be used from 5 substitute players. A substituted player may return to replace any other player in accordance with Law 3.

**U7–U13:** Any number of substitutes (up to the maximum) may be used at any time with the Match Official's permission. A substituted player may return at any time in accordance with Law 3.

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## :fa[solid clock] Maximum Playing Time in Any 24-Hour Period

| Age Group | Max Duration (24 hrs) | Max Match Duration |
|---|---|---|
| U7 & U8 | 40 minutes | 40 minutes |
| U9 & U10 | 60 minutes | 50 minutes |
| U11 & U12 | 80 minutes | 60 minutes |
| U13 & U14 | 100 minutes | 70 minutes |
| U15 & U16 | 100 minutes | 80 minutes |

> :fa[solid circle-info] This applies to all age groups, including U7–U11 development games. Players cannot participate in locally organised friendly games if doing so would exceed the FA's maximum duration of play.

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## :fa[solid stopwatch] Match Times

| Age Group | Each Half | Total Match Time |
|---|---|---|
| U7 | 20 mins | 40 mins |
| U8 | 20 mins | 40 mins |
| U9 | 25 mins | 50 mins |
| U10 | 25 mins | 50 mins |
| U11 | 30 mins | 60 mins |
| U12 | 30 mins | 60 mins |
| U13 | 35 mins | 70 mins |
| U14 | 35 mins | 70 mins |
| U15 / U16 | 40 mins | 80 mins |

---

## :fa[solid baby] Honeymoon Period

At the start of the season there is a **four calendar week honeymoon period** during which fines will **not** be issued for mistakes or omissions relating to:

- Reporting results on Full Time
- Postponement reasons
- Player statistics
- Respect and Fair Play marks
- Referee marks

### Result Reporting Requirements by Age Group

## U7 — 3v3
Both managers must register the result by SMS or by entering it into Full Time.

- A result of **0-0 must still be submitted** to confirm the game took place.
- If postponed, both managers must text **P-P**, then enter the reason in Full Time.

**Deadline:** Result (or 0-0) by **6pm on the day** of the game.

## U8 / U9 — 5v5
Both managers must register the result by SMS or Full Time.

- If postponed, both managers must text **P-P**, then enter the reason in Full Time.

**Deadlines:**
- Weekends: Result by **6pm on the day**
- Midweek: Result by **10pm on the night**
- Respect & Fair Play marks within **48 hours**

## U10 / U11 — 7v7
Both managers must register the result by SMS or Full Time. Full Time must be fully updated with **referee marks, Respect & Fair Play marks, and player statistics**.

- If postponed, both managers must text **P-P**, then enter the reason in Full Time.

**Deadlines:**
- Weekends: Result by **6pm on the day**
- Midweek: Result by **10pm on the night**
- Respect & Fair Play marks and player statistics within **48 hours**
- Referee marks by **Tuesday after the game** (or within 48 hours if midweek)

## U12 / U13 — 7v7
Both managers must register the result by SMS or Full Time. Full Time must be fully updated with **referee marks, Respect & Fair Play marks, and player statistics**.

- If postponed, both managers must text **P-P**, then enter the reason in Full Time.

**Deadlines:**
- Result by **6pm on the day**
- Midweek: Result by **10pm on the night**
- Respect & Fair Play marks and player statistics within **48 hours**
- Referee marks by **Tuesday after the game** (or within 48 hours if midweek)

## U15 / U16 — 11v11
Both managers must register the result by SMS or Full Time. Full Time must be fully updated with **referee marks, Respect & Fair Play marks, and player statistics**.

- If postponed, both managers must text **P-P**, then enter the reason in Full Time.

**Deadlines:**
- Result by **6pm on the day**
- Midweek: Result by **10pm on the night**
- Respect & Fair Play marks and player statistics within **48 hours**
- Referee marks by **Tuesday after the game** (or within 48 hours if midweek)

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## :fa[solid ban] Postponements — Rule 26

## A — General Responsibility
The **postponing manager** must notify: the opposing team, match officials, Fixture Secretary, and Referees' Secretary.

Failure to give adequate notice (to avoid unnecessary travel) may result in a fine. If the manager is unavailable, contact the opposition Club Secretary, Chairman, or Treasurer. If none are available, contact the League Secretary.

## B — U7–U11: Pitch / Weather Cancellations
Notify the opposition **ASAP** and the Fixture Secretary at postponements@wdyfl.org. The two managers will then **mutually agree a new date** and notify the Fixture Secretary at fixtures@wdyfl.org.

## C — U12–U16: Pitch / Weather Conditions
- The game should be played at **another pitch or the away pitch** if available and playable.
- Pitch hire and official costs remain the **original home team's responsibility**.
- Reversing the fixture is required regardless of whether the teams have played there before.
- Failure to reverse when feasible = **refusal to play**.
- Where reversed, note this in the **text box on the Full Time results page**.

## D — Delayed Kick-Off
Where both teams are present, both must be prepared to **delay kick-off by up to 30 minutes** for reassessment. A team refusing to delay becomes the **postponing team**.

## E — Refusing an Available Pitch
A written explanation must be emailed to the Fixture Secretary within **24 hours**. If no email is received, or reasons are found invalid, this counts as a postponement by the defaulting manager.

## F — U12–U16: Player / Coach / Manager Unavailability
- Both teams must reply to their SMS text with **P-P**.
- The postponing manager must email the Fixture Secretary within **24 hours**.
- A fine will be imposed on the postponing team.
- If a rescheduled game cannot be fitted in, it will be **awarded to the team who were available**.
- A second postponement by the **original non-postponing team** = game made **void**.
- A second postponement by the **original postponing team** = game **awarded 1-0 to the opposition**.

## G — Refusing a Scheduled Fixture
A team deemed to be refusing a fixture without valid reason may receive a fine, **up to a 3-point deduction**, and/or the match awarded to the opposition.

## H — Fixture Review
The Fixture Secretary and committee members will **regularly review postponements** and may take necessary measures to keep fixtures running smoothly.

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## :fa[solid whistle] Referees

- Home teams (U11 and above) **must use** their allocated referee.
- Contact the referee **at least 4 days before the game** to confirm venue, kick-off time, etc.
- Ask the referee their **preferred payment method** — this is the referee's decision, not the club's.
- Referees must be paid **before the game commences**.
- Both managers must mark league-appointed referees **out of 100**.
- Scores of **61 or below** require a written reason (note: disagreement with decisions is not a valid reason — see the rules for the marking guide).
- If a referee does not turn up or is unavailable, notify: refereeappointments@wdyfl.org

---

## :fa[solid shirt] Club Colours

- All teams must register shirt and shorts colours with the Secretary by **1st June**.
- Goalkeepers must wear colours distinguishing them from outfield players and match officials.
- **Black or very dark shirts are not permitted** for any player including the goalkeeper.
- Notify opponents of alternative colours (including goalkeeper's jersey) at least **7 days before the match** if normal colours cannot be worn.
- If the referee deems colours too similar, the **home team must change**.
- Clubs should resolve colour clashes **before match day**.
- Shirts must be **individually and differently numbered** — failure to comply will result in a fine.
- Player surnames may be printed above the number (max **7.5 cm** height, same font and colour as number). If names are on shirts, players must wear their **correctly-named shirt**.

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## :fa[solid shield] Ground & Matchday Rules

## :fa[solid road-barrier] Barriers (Rule 4K — All Age Groups)
All games must use suitable **Respect-style barriers**. Both managers must instruct all spectators to stand behind barriers on **one side of the pitch only**.

- Only each manager, one assistant, and substitutes may stand on the **opposite touchline**.
- **No one** is permitted behind the goals or along either goal line.

## :fa[solid square-dashed] Technical Areas (Rule 4L — U12 and Above)
Every pitch must have **two technical areas** marked with white lines, cones, or tape:
- Size: **10 yards × 2 yards**
- Located at least **2 yards either side of the centre line**
- All coaching staff must remain within their technical area throughout the game.

## :fa[solid smoking-ban] No Smoking (Rule 4M — All Age Groups)
- Club officials and coaching staff must **not smoke** in the technical area or on the touchline during the game.
- Spectators and parents must not smoke on the touchlines during the game.
- Smoking is **prohibited anywhere near players or the touchline** before, during, or after the game.

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## :fa[solid mobile] Mobile App

Download from the **Google Play Store** or **Apple App Store** — search for **Witney**.

**Login details for the restricted area:**
- Email: wdyfl@wdyfl.com
- Password: wdyfl

The app includes:
- :fa[solid check] League Committee contact details
- :fa[solid check] All club and team contact details
- :fa[solid check] Referee contact details
- :fa[solid check] Full set of rules
- :fa[solid check] Newsletters
- :fa[solid check] Manager checklists
- :fa[solid check] Laws of Mini Soccer
- :fa[solid check] FA Guidelines (U7–U11)
- :fa[solid check] Match Day Guidelines
- :fa[solid check] And much more!

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## :fa[solid futbol] Ball Sizes

| Age Group | Ball Size |
|---|---|
| U7 | 3 |
| U8 / U9 | 3 |
| U10 / U11 | 3 |
| U13 & U14 | 4 |
| U15 & U16 | 5 |

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## :fa[solid heart-pulse] Defibrillators

Following a medical emergency at a match last season, please take note:

> :fa[solid triangle-exclamation #e53e3e] **Know where your defibrillator is — and make sure parents know too.**

- Defibrillators are covered in the **FA Emergency Aid course**, which is a requirement for all managers.
- Batteries and pads have a **shelf life** — check them periodically.# heading