Should rolling substitutions become more tactical at U16?

Yes, I think substitutions can become more tactical at U16, but the communication has to improve at the same time. A player coming off because you need a different profile is not automatically being punished. The problem is when nobody explains that distinction. I’d make sure players understand before the season that rolling subs can serve three purposes: game time, physical management and tactical change. Then the decision on Saturday has context. If you bring on extra pace wide, tell the player coming off what you are trying to change. If you need a more defensive midfielder late in the game, that does not mean the original midfielder has failed. I would still track meaningful minutes across the squad. Tactical substitutions are a useful part of learning older football. They become damaging when the same players always become the tactical sacrifice and the explanation only arrives after they are upset.