EQUAL GAME FESTIVAL
EVENT INFORMATION
Equal Game Festival
This festival forms part of our 23/24 season Equal Game programme which includes workshops in Swindon and in Melksham. We invite women and girls involved in recreational football to Swindon Town Foundation's new covered facility, Nigel Eady Training Centre, to participate in round robin fixtures. This will be followed by free access to the Women's County Cup Final at the County Ground.
Festival details
Date: 14th April 2024
Open to: U8 Girls teams and Women's Recreational Teams
Cost: Free
Venue:
Equal Game Workshops
Wiltshire FA is excited to announce details of our upcoming Equal Game Training Workshop, which aims to support clubs with insight and knowledge to help grow female participation.
If you’re looking to increase female participation at your club – register now for our FREE face-to-face workshop, which is being delivered with England Football and supported by Barclays Football.
The workshop will explore EVERYTHING you need to know to help you grow and develop female football at your club.
The interactive workshop will enable you to create the right environment to increase female participation, and is based on research that has been carried out through engagement with football clubs, volunteers, parents, and players across the country.
Areas included in the workshop include:
• Club identity and governance
• Marketing
• Workforce
• Finances
• Facilities
Game Format & Rules
This festival has a player centred, non-competitive ethos. As such, there will be no referees officiating the matches. We kindly request that coaches share this responsibility between them to ensure fair play and we also encourage coaches to be mindful of matches becoming one-sided. If such a situation arises, the Power Play rule will be used to equalise the game and create an enjoyable experience for all participants.
Power Play Rule explained
Development football is designed to create the best learning and fun experience for young players. To ensure an imbalance in ability does not spoil this, The FA has approved 'Power Play' as an option.
• If a team is losing by a four-goal difference they can put an additional player on – so 5v5 becomes 6v5.
• If the score returns to less than a four-goal difference the team takes off a player. It does not have to be the last player to come on. If a team goes on to be losing by a six goal difference a further additional player can be added – so 6v5 becomes 7v5. • The main aim of the ‘Power Play’ option is that all players are being challenged and enjoying the game.
U8 Girls Teams
5v5
10 minute games
5 minute break between games
Total 40 minutes of match play
Maximum squad size of 12 players
Women's Recreation Teams
We are aiming for 7 a side but can/will be flexible if needed depending on numbers. We will maximise playing time depending on the entries we have.
Maximum squad size of 12 players
Players must be over 16 years of age
Swindon
Foundation Park
County Ground Lane
Swindon
SN1 2FD
Melksham
Oakfield Stadium
Eastern Way
Melksham
SN12 7GU