New to Five-a-Side Football
Whether you're reliving your school days, looking to get fit, or just fancy a weekly laugh with mates, five-a-side football is a cracking way to do it. It’s fast, fun, and a lot less intimidating than the full-sized version. If you’ve never played before, don’t sweat it – here’s your no-nonsense guide to getting started.
So, What is Five-a-Side?
As the name suggests, five-a-side football is played with five players on each team – typically four outfield players and one goalkeeper. The pitch is smaller, the pace is quicker, and you’ll definitely get your steps in.
It’s usually played on an indoor or astroturf pitch, surrounded by rebound boards or netting – so no throw-ins, and the ball hardly ever goes out. You’ll be in the action pretty much non-stop!
Basic Rules (Nothing Too Fussy)
-
Match Length: Games usually last around 40 minutes, split into two halves.
-
No Offside: Yep, you heard right – no faffing about with offside rules.
-
Head Height Rule: In some leagues, you can’t kick the ball above head height – keeps the game tidy.
-
Substitutions: Rolling subs are allowed, so catch your breath whenever you need.
-
No Sliding Tackles: Safety first – this is meant to be fun, not hospital-inducing.
What Do You Need to Bring?
Nothing fancy! Here’s your five-a-side starter kit:
-
Astroturf trainers or futsal shoes (no studs!)
-
Comfortable kit – t-shirt, shorts, and football socks
-
Shin pads – not mandatory everywhere, but highly recommended
-
Water bottle – trust us, you’ll need it
-
Goalkeeper gloves – only if you fancy playing in goal (respect to you!)
Beginner Tips to Get You Going
-
Keep it simple: Short passes, quick movement – no need for Premier League flair.
-
Stay alert: The game moves fast, and the ball rebounds quickly off the walls.
-
Communicate: Call for the ball, shout for a man – don’t be shy.
-
Play in your comfort zone: Stick to defending or attacking if it suits you – learn the rest as you go.
-
Don’t worry about mistakes: Everyone fluffs a shot or misses a tackle. Laugh it off and crack on.
Why Five-a-Side is Brilliant
-
You’ll get fit without even noticing (well, almost).
-
It’s social – great banter and a perfect excuse to hit the pub after.
-
All levels welcome – genuinely. There’s no judgement here.
-
Short games mean more fun and less waiting around.
Final Whistle
If you’ve been thinking about giving five-a-side a go – this is your sign. It’s one of the best ways to stay active, meet people, and have an absolute blast. Grab your boots, rally your mates, and get stuck in. Who knows? You might even bag a goal or two.