The full league competition in the 2026 “A Blooming Touch” Primary School Girls Football Tournament officially kicks off today, Thursday, 8 October 2026, at Warner Park Stadium.
Following the tournament’s opening ceremony and Knockout Festival, the participating schools will now begin their journey through the scheduled league competition.
Presented by the Department of Sports under the theme“Building & Blooming Talent,” the tournament is designed to provide a safe, positive and development-focused environment for young players between the ages of 10 and 12.
The competition places emphasis on technical development, meaningful participation, confidence, teamwork, sportsmanship and the continued empowerment of girls through football.
Full Competition Fixture Available
The complete competition schedule is now available, outlining the match dates, opponents, playing fields, zones, kick-off times and teams resting on each match day.
Matches will be staged at Warner Park Stadium, with Field 1 assigned to Zone A and Field 2 assigned to Zone B. Matches on both fields may be played simultaneously.
Each match day will feature three playing periods:
- First matches: 3:00–3:30 p.m.
- Second matches: 3:40–4:10 p.m.
- Third matches: 4:20–4:50 p.m.
- A 10-minute interval will separate the match periods.
Teams resting in each zone will participate in the tournament’s floral workshop on that day.
Download the Full Fixture
Supporters may view the complete fixture graphic for all tournament dates, opponents, fields and kick-off times.
A downloadable PDF version of the full fixture is also available from the Department of Sports website. This option is provided for parents, teachers, players and supporters who would prefer a simpler, printable schedule rather than reading the complete fixture graphic.
Download the 2026 “A Blooming Touch” Full Fixture PDF
Supporters are encouraged to save or print the PDF and follow their schools throughout the competition.
Tournament Format
The tournament is being played in a six-versus-six format, with each team comprising five outfield players and one goalkeeper.
A team must have at least five players, including a goalkeeper, to start or continue a match. Teams may register up to six additional substitutes, including an additional goalkeeper. Each eligible player may represent only one school during the competition.
Match Duration
Each match will feature:
- A 12½-minute first half
- A five-minute half-time interval
- A 12½-minute second half
- A total of 25 minutes of playing time
League matches may finish in a draw.
Playing Fields and Football
The matches will be played on reduced-size fields suitable for developmental six-a-side football.
The preferred field dimensions are up to 55 yards long by 35 yards wide. Appropriately sized youth goals must be securely anchored before play begins, and a Size 4 football will be used for all matches.
Rolling Substitutions
Rolling substitutions will be permitted. A substituted player may return to the match later.
Substitutions should be completed at the halfway line and with the referee’s permission. The rolling-substitution system is intended to give registered players meaningful opportunities to participate.
Two Goalkeepers Per Team
Each team must identify two goalkeepers for every match.
One goalkeeper must play in the first half, while the second goalkeeper must play in the second half. This rule is intended to create meaningful goalkeeper-development opportunities for more players.
Goalkeepers may handle the ball only within the designated goalkeeper or penalty area. Punting and drop-kicking the ball directly from the hands are not permitted.
The goalkeeper must distribute the ball by rolling it, throwing it or placing it on the ground and playing it with the feet.
No Offside Rule
The offside rule will not be applied during the competition.
This modification is intended to encourage passing, movement, positioning, attacking play and confidence on the ball. However, players must not remain immediately beside the opposing goal for prolonged periods solely to obtain an unfair advantage.
Throw-Ins, Kick-Ins and Dribbling-Ins
During the initial phase of the competition, players will use traditional throw-ins.
A correct throw-in requires the player to:
- Use both hands
- Deliver the ball from behind and over the head
- Keep both feet on or behind the touchline
A player who incorrectly performs a throw-in will receive one opportunity to retake it. If the second attempt is also incorrect, possession will be awarded to the opposing team.
Once a player demonstrates the ability to complete a correct throw-in, the player may subsequently choose to use a kick-in or dribbling-in.
A player may shoot directly at goal from a kick-in. A player may not shoot directly at goal from a dribbling-in.
Goal Kicks and Corner Kicks
During a goal kick, opposing players must retreat towards the halfway line. This rule is intended to encourage teams to develop the confidence and ability to play the ball out from the back.
Opponents may advance once the ball has been put into play.
All corner kicks must begin with a pass. Opposing players must remain at least five metres from the ball until it is in play.
Heading and Slide Tackling
Deliberate heading is not permitted.
If a player deliberately heads the ball, an indirect free kick will be awarded to the opposing team. Accidental contact between the ball and a player’s head will not be penalised.
Slide tackling is also prohibited. A normal slide intended only to keep the ball in play, where no opponent is being challenged, may be allowed at the referee’s discretion.
Fouls and Free Kicks
Players must not kick, trip, push, strike, hold or make careless, reckless or dangerous challenges against opponents.
Direct or indirect free kicks will be awarded according to the nature of an offence. Opposing players must remain at least five metres from the ball until it is in play.
A direct-free-kick offence committed by a defending player inside the team’s penalty area will result in a penalty kick.
Yellow and Red Cards
Disciplinary measures will be applied in a way that promotes learning, accountability, sportsmanship and player development.
A player receiving a yellow card may be required to leave the field for a two-minute development or cooling-off period. Another registered player may replace the cautioned player, meaning the team will not be required to play with fewer players.
A red card may be issued for serious foul play, violent conduct, abusive or discriminatory language or behaviour, deliberately endangering another player, or receiving a second yellow card in the same match.
A dismissed player may take no further part in the match. The team may replace the player after five minutes unless the Competition Committee determines otherwise in a case involving serious misconduct.
Player Equipment
Players must wear:
- The required team uniform or jersey
- Shorts
- Socks
- Shin guards
- Appropriate football footwear
Jewellery, watches and other potentially dangerous items are prohibited. Earrings must be removed rather than covered with tape.
Goalkeepers must wear colours that clearly distinguish them from the players on both teams.
League Points
Points during the round-robin stage will be awarded as follows:
- Win: Three points
- Draw: One point
- Loss: Zero points
If two or more teams finish level on points, their positions will be determined in the following order:
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Head-to-head result
- Fewest disciplinary points or cards
- Drawing of lots, if the teams remain tied
Goal-Difference Rule
The actual final score will remain the official match result.
However, for the league standings, a maximum goal difference of plus five or minus five will be recorded from any individual match. For example, if a match ends 8–0, the result remains 8–0, but only a plus-five and minus-five differential will be applied to the standings.
Deciding Knockout and Placement Matches
When a winner is required and the score is tied after the 25 minutes of playing time, the match will proceed directly to penalties without extra time.
Each team will initially take three penalty kicks. If the score remains tied, the shootout will continue on a sudden-death basis.
Player of the Team Recognition
At the end of every match, each team will select one player from the opposing team as its Player of the Team. Two players will therefore be recognised after each match.
The selection should not be based only on goals or the final result. Schools are encouraged to consider:
- Skill and overall performance
- Teamwork
- Effort and work rate
- Positive attitude
- Sportsmanship
- Leadership
- Respect for teammates, opponents and officials
Conduct of Players, Coaches and Supporters
Players are expected to show respect towards opponents, teammates, match officials, coaches, school representatives and spectators.
Coaches and team staff must serve as positive role models, respect the decisions of match officials and ensure that player safety, development and enjoyment remain more important than winning.
Parents, teachers and spectators are encouraged to:
- Support players positively, regardless of the score
- Respect the players from both teams
- Respect referees and competition officials
- Allow coaches to coach
- Avoid criticising or embarrassing players following mistakes
- Remain outside the playing field unless authorised
- Refrain from abusive, threatening, discriminatory or intimidating conduct
The Competition Begins Today
With the fixtures released, the fields prepared and the participating schools ready, the full“A Blooming Touch” Primary School Girls Football Tournament begins today at Warner Park Stadium.
Parents, teachers, students, former pupils and members of the wider community are encouraged to support the participating schools and help create a positive environment for every young player.
Follow the Department of Sports for match-day fixtures, results, photographs, videos, Player of the Team recognition and other tournament updates.
🌺 Building & Blooming Talent
⚽ Empowering Girls Through Football