Youth games are of varying lengths, including variations of extra time in Cup ties. They’re also played with different sized balls. Normally the Treasurer, Craig Evans, will provide money for referees in advance of the game. However, if for some reason, it is not available, the manager must pay the referee and then get reimbursed. So always make sure you’ve got enough money on you to cover this cost.

Under 8s are deemed by the FA to be non-competitive so their results are not published and they do not have a league table. In practise, however, the SYL will keep a league table and, based on the early season’s results, when they create new divisions for the second half of the season, try to put teams of equal strength together. Because of this non-competitive ethic, U8s do not have a Cup competition. U8s play 20 minutes each way using a number 3 size ball. They have seven players on the pitch and can use up to three subs on a roll-on, roll-off basis. Referees are paid £15 for their games.

U9 & U10: 25 minutes each way ordinary time + 5 minutes each way extra time + penalties; ref's fee £15

U11 & U12: 30 mins each way + 7 mins each way extra time + pen's; ref's fee £20

U13: 35 mins each way + 10 mins each way extra time + pen's; ref's fee £20

U14: 35 mins each way + 10 mins each way extra time + pen's; ref's fee £25

U15 & U16: 40 mins each way + 10 mins each way extra time + pen's; ref's fee £25

U17 & U18: 45 mins each way + 15 mins each way extra time + pen's; ref's fee £30