A photo of a Nike ball on a County FA stand ahead of a cup final

Close Season Clarification

The close season is between 1st June and 30th June.

As a reminder to grassroots football across the Sheffield and Hallamshire region, in accordance with FA Rule B21, which defines the Close Season, teams are not permitted to play 11 V 11 fixtures between 1st June and 30th June.

No matches other than the following may be played in the Close Season:

  • B21.3.l Small-sided Matches and competitions (not more than 7-a-side), mini-soccer Matches or Matches played according to "The Laws of the Game - 9 v 9" and those organised in connection with works clubs' sports days on private grounds and at fetes and similar sports functions.
  • B21.3.2 Matches between Army, Navy and Royal Air Force teams and teams of the Auxiliary Forces in Competitions whilst in camp. Such Competitions shall be strictly confined to the units concerned and gate money shall not be taken.
  • B21.3.3 Matches involving members of scouts, guides and similar organisations in Competitions whilst in camp.
  • B21.3.4 Matches for national representative teams or clubs played under the auspices of FIFA or UEFA.
  • B21.3.5 Matches between Clubs in the Premier League, the EFL, FAWSL and FAWC for the following season. This sub-paragraph B21.3.5 shall also apply to any successor in title to any of the Competitions specified.
  • B21.3.6 llvll matches in authorised Competitions that meet the criteria in accordance with the "Regulations for the Sanction and Control of Competitions" and are approved by The Association or authorising Affiliated Association.
  • B21.3.7 Single day, weekend and bank holiday competitions and festivals meeting the criteria and receiving authorisation.
  • B21.3.8 Pilot projects granted dispensation by The Association or authorising Affiliated Association. 

To apply for permission to play 11v11 games during June, please email support@SheffieldFA.com

For any Clubs/teams/organisations wishing to apply for a Summer Festival/Tournament sanction, please CLICK HERE.

From the 1st July, friendlies can be played without the County FA's approval, but teams should ensure that they and their opposition are affiliated for the upcoming 2024/25 season.