In grassroots football, the development of young players is paramount. Coaches, teams and clubs strive to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and enjoy the game. However, a growing concern has emerged recently, specifically in youth football: the fairness of game time allocation, particularly when it comes to players who are less developed. For example is it fair for a lesser-developed child to only get 5 minutes of play per game, while others receive significantly more? And, perhaps more importantly, is 5 minutes per game enough to truly foster player development? This article explores both sides of the argument, weighing the pros and cons of such a system in grassroots football.
The Case for Equal Game Time
One of the fundamental principles of grassroots football is inclusivity. The goal is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate and enjoy the game, regardless of their skill level. In this context, some argue that all players should receive equal amounts of game time to promote fairness and equal development opportunities.
For less-developed players, limited game time—such as 5 minutes per game—can feel discouraging. These children often struggle to make an impact on the field during such brief intervals, which can affect their confidence and self-esteem. Football, like many sports, requires time and experience to develop skills like ball control, passing accuracy, and spatial awareness. When players are given only a few minutes of play, they may feel sidelined, leading to frustration and a diminished love for the sport. For a child who is still learning the basics of football, having more consistent playing time can be crucial for building their confidence and fostering a greater connection to the game.
Furthermore, equal game time ensures that every player is treated fairly. In team sports, where a coach’s decisions often influence the development of the players, it’s important that each child has the same opportunity to improve. If more-developed players consistently receive the majority of game time, the less-developed players may not have enough opportunities to improve their skills. Fair and equal playing time, regardless of skill level, ensures that no player is left behind.
In the long run, equal game time can also help create a team atmosphere based on fairness and camaraderie. When all players feel they have an equal stake in the match, they are more likely to support one another and encourage team cohesion. In contrast, when certain players are favored for longer periods of play, it may foster resentment and division within the group, which can negatively impact both individual and team morale.
Football, at any level, is a competitive sport. While grassroots football focuses on enjoyment and learning, it still introduces children to the idea of competition, teamwork, and self-improvement. From this perspective, as players grow older there are valid arguments for allowing players to earn their game time based on their skill level and development.
For less-developed players, shorter intermittent spells in a game can be used as a way to manage players who are still learning basic skills or struggling to keep up with the flow of the game. Coaches can then concentrate on giving these players specific developmental guidance3 or 4 times during the same game rather than just at half time, helping them improve over time. The shorter intervals may also provide an opportunity for the coach to provide focused, constructive feedback during the game time, which can be vital in helping players improve.
But is 5 minutes enough?
Despite the arguments for skill-based allocation of playing time, the core issue remains whether 5 minutes per game is truly enough to develop as a player, particularly for those who are less developed. Football is a complex game that requires technical, tactical, and physical skills. While short game periods may offer moments of individual learning, they are unlikely to provide enough time for players to truly immerse themselves in the demands of the game.
Development in football requires repeated exposure to match situations, which enables players to build their decision-making skills, understand team dynamics, and improve their fitness. A brief 5-minute period may not allow players enough time to grasp these concepts. Instead, it might only reinforce basic skills, such as running, dribbling, or passing in isolation. In this way, a player who only gets 5 minutes of play in every match may struggle to develop a deeper understanding of football.
For children who are still learning the fundamentals of the game, longer periods of play are essential. These extended sessions allow players to experience both the physical and mental demands of football, providing the context needed to grow as an athlete. Without enough game time, players may not have the chance to see their mistakes in action or adapt to the flow of the game, making it harder to develop their skills fully.
Striking a Balance
The key to fostering development in grassroots football lies in finding the right balance. While shorter game times might be appropriate for younger children or players who are still learning the basics, it is crucial to ensure that all players receive enough time on the field to grow. Development-based allocation of game time, where players who have earned more experience are given more minutes, should not come at the cost of less-developed players. Coaches should aim to create a system that allows players to gradually build up their match experience, while also providing opportunities for less-experienced players to grow and learn.
Coaches could also consider incorporating additional training sessions as “home work” and match based drills at training to complement the match experience, allowing all players, regardless of their skill level, to develop at a pace suited to their abilities.
In reality, my final thoughts are 5 minutes per game is unlikley to be enough game time for a player to fully develop, especially for those who are less experienced. While shorter intermittent periods of roll on roll off style game time can benefit less-developed players by offering frequent/multi opportunities for participation with added coach support, they may lack the depth required for true development. Ensuring fairness in game time allocation is crucial, but it’s equally important to allow players the opportunity to grow and learn in a way that matches their level of ability. By finding a balance between equal participation and development-based game time, coaches can create an environment that fosters growth for every player, helping them build their skills, confidence, and love for the game.
Paul Kirton
Teamgrassroots
