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How much notice is reasonable for a two-hour away journey?

Asked by EssexMegan
780 views 3 replies
We were told on Friday night that Sunday's fixture had moved to a venue almost two hours away. Some families simply could not rearrange work and siblings at that notice. Should leagues or clubs have expectations around notice when a venue change creates a much bigger travel commitment?

VERIFIED COACH ANSWER

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VERIFIED COACH RESPONSE

UEFA B Coach

9v9 • tactical development

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I would expect as much notice as the league and clubs can reasonably give, especially when the change creates a completely different family commitment. I do not know a universal FA rule that says a venue move of a certain distance requires a set number of hours’ notice. This is more about good competition management and communication. If a switch turns a local game into a two-hour journey, clubs should understand that some families will not be able to rearrange work, siblings or transport at short notice. I would ask your club to raise it with the league as a process issue, not simply complain about one fixture. Could the venue be confirmed earlier? Could clubs be told when a long-distance alternative is possible? Could the game be rescheduled if the change is extreme? At U13, reliable communication is part of making grassroots football sustainable for families.

COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

Join the football discussion. 3 replies

J

justjames7

Community Member

We tell families as soon as there is a possibility of a long-distance switch, even before it is confirmed. That gives them a chance to plan.
L

Louise2

Community Member

Leagues should at least recognise the difference between changing pitch within the same town and adding 90 minutes to the journey.
O

OliviaT

Community Member

A Friday-night venue move can completely change whether a family can attend. Two hours away is not a minor admin update.