What is small-sided football?

By Elly Langmuir, Marketing Partner

Small-sided football is like the little sibling of the traditional 11-a-side football match. It’s the same game you know and love but with fewer players, a smaller pitch, and usually shorter games. You’ve most likely heard of 5-a-side, 6-a-side, and 7-a-side football - the small-sided game has gained massive popularity worldwide due to its accessibility, fast pace, and suitability for players of all ages and skill levels.

GOALS is your local small-sided football club. Our dedication to the game allows equal opportunities to access premium 5-a-side, 6-a-side, 7-a-side, and 8-a-side football facilities promoting physical and mental well-being and community spirit through football. With over 400 pitches across 43 locations in the UK offering casual pitch hire, Block Bookings, and Leagues – we ensure your experience is straight from the top drawer.

We have the 5-a-side, 6-a-side, 7-a-side, and 8-a-side pitches covered, boasting our premium, all-weather artificial turf, ProTurf, exclusive to GOALS. In addition to our all-weather playable pitch surface, most of our pitches are fully enclosed with LED floodlights meaning the game never stops, even on those wet winter nights. Your venue is sorted with pitches available to book over the phone, on our app, in person, or on our website. All you need to do to get involved in small-sided football at GOALS is:

1) Decide which format of the beautiful game you prefer from 5-a-side to 8-a-side. Teams usually consist of 5 to 8 players, including a goalkeeper. With fewer players on the pitch, you’re guaranteed more action and involvement in a fast-paced game.

2) Pull your squad together. You may want to field 10 players to make up 2 teams competing in a casual 5-a-side booking at GOALS, or draft 5-8 players to join our competitive 5-a-side Leagues.

3) Lock in your booking!

Now you know what’s involved, let’s dive into why you might choose to get involved in the small-sided game:

• Small Pitches - The pitch is significantly smaller than a full-size football field. The condensed space demands quick decision-making and constant moving.

• Shorter Game Time - Matches are generally shorter, making it easier to fit into your busy schedule.

• Fitness - The informal nature of 5-a-side football makes it a highly enjoyable way to stay fit and active. Researchers from the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences at the University of Copenhagen found that the average player runs over 3 miles per game, burning up to 800 calories in an hour. Read more about their findings here.

• Accessibility and Inclusivity - Small-sided football is less physically demanding than the full 11-a-side version, making it accessible to a broader range of participants, including children, older adults, and those new to the sport. The smaller teams also mean it’s easier to organise a game, even with fewer players.

• Well-being and Mental Health - Football has been proven to bring your mental state of mind to an optimal state; this is a feeling you experience when you're fully focused, engaged, motivated, and happy in whatever activity you're taking part in.

• Fun and Socialisation - 5-a-side is often played in a more relaxed atmosphere, fostering social interaction and community spirit. Many local leagues and recreational groups use small-sided football as a way to bring people together.

Hopefully, you have a good idea of what the beautiful game is and how you can get involved. But, see below some frequently asked questions we hear about all things football and fitness:

1. What is small-sided football?
   Small-sided football is any football format that has fewer then 11 players per side, such as 5-a-side, 7-a-side, 8-a-side, or 9-a-side.

2. What are the rules for small-sided football?

   There are many "laws" that should be considered when playing football. You can read a full list of rules, backed by The FA here. 

3. How do I join a small-sided football league?

   Make contact with GOALS online, over the phone, or in-person to find out the details for your local League availability. 

4. Can small-sided football really improve my mental health?

   Absolutely! Football has not only proven results for your physical health, but also your mental well-being. Read more about studies gathered on this here. 

Whether you’re looking to improve your football abilities, stay fit, or simply have fun with friends, small-sided football has something to offer. So, lace up your boots, grab a ball, and get ready to experience the excitement of the beautiful game!

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For media enquiries, please contact:

Corrie Kane-Thom

National Marketing Manager
GOALS
Tel: 01355 340 260
corrie@goalsfootball.co.uk

For football development enquiries, please contact:

Martin Cassidy

National Football Development Officer
GOALS
Tel: 07842443836
martinc@goalsfootball.co.uk