Football for Adults
Whether you haven't played since school or you're looking to get back into a team after a break, there's a football option for every adult in England. Find a team, a league, or a casual kickabout near you.
Types of Adult Football
There are more ways to play football as an adult than ever before. Here are the main formats:
Saturday League (11-a-side)
Traditional football on Saturdays. Affiliated leagues with promotion, relegation and cup competitions. Most competitive grassroots format.
Sunday League (11-a-side)
The classic Sunday morning game. More social than Saturday football but still competitive. Most common entry point for new adult players.
5-a-Side / Small-Sided
Played on artificial pitches at leisure centres. Quick, intense games — great for fitness. Leagues run midweek evenings and weekends.
Walking Football (Over 50s)
Modified football where running isn't allowed. Designed for older adults and those returning from injury. The fastest-growing format.
Veteran / Over-35s
Competitive leagues specifically for players aged 35+. Often Saturday or midweek. Many clubs run vet teams alongside their senior sides.
Casual / Pick-Up Games
Informal games organised through apps like Footy Addicts, Meetup groups, or local Facebook pages. No commitment — just turn up and play.
How to Find a Team
Search by Location
Use our club directory to find football clubs near you. Filter by grassroots, senior, or veteran categories to narrow your search.
Find clubs near youContact Your County FA
Your local County FA maintains a register of all affiliated leagues. They can help you find teams looking for players at your level.
Grassroots football guideJoin Online
Footy Addicts, Meetup, and Facebook groups are popular ways to find casual games and teams with spaces. Many clubs advertise for players on social media.
Browse grassroots clubsWhat to Expect
If you haven't played in a while, the prospect of joining a team can feel daunting. Here's what most adult football looks like in practice:
- Fitness levels vary hugely. Most grassroots teams have a mix of abilities. Nobody expects you to be match-fit from day one — that comes with regular play.
- Training is usually once a week. Midweek evenings (Tuesday or Thursday) on artificial pitches. Attendance is rarely compulsory, but regular turnout helps get you selected.
- Matches are on weekends. Saturday or Sunday depending on the league. Expect 90 minutes plus warm-up, with kick-offs between 10am and 2pm.
- Weekly costs are low. Most teams charge £5–£10 per week in subs, which covers pitch hire, referee fees, and league costs. You provide your own boots and shinpads.
- The social side matters. Post-match drinks, WhatsApp banter, team events. For many players, the team becomes a key part of their social life.
Football by City
Women's & Girls' Football
Women's football at grassroots level is booming. Most clubs now run women's teams alongside their men's sides, and dedicated women's leagues are growing across the country. Whether you're a complete beginner or a returning player, there's never been a better time to get involved.
Browse women's clubs