Grassroots Football — A Complete Guide
From Sunday leagues to park kick-abouts, walking football to youth development — everything you need to know about playing, joining and supporting grassroots football.
What Is Grassroots Football?
Grassroots football refers to amateur, community-level football played outside the professional and semi-professional pyramid. It encompasses Sunday leagues, Saturday leagues, walking football, recreational 5-a-side, youth football, veterans' football and casual kickabouts in parks and leisure centres.
Grassroots football is volunteer-driven. The coaches, managers, referees, groundskeepers and committee members who keep local football running are almost exclusively unpaid volunteers giving their time for the love of the game.
Types of Grassroots Football
Sunday League Football
11-a-side matches on Sunday mornings, typically on council-maintained grass pitches. Open to adult players of all abilities. Most leagues run from September to May. Sunday League Hub →
Saturday Amateur Football
Similar to Sunday leagues but played on Saturdays. Often a slightly higher standard of play.
Walking Football
The fastest-growing format, designed for over-50s and those with mobility limitations. Running is not permitted. Browse walking football clubs →
Small-Sided & 5-a-Side
Recreational and competitive small-sided football played on artificial pitches at leisure centres. Formats range from 5v5 to 7v7.
Youth Football
Organised football for children and teenagers from under-7s to under-18s. Youth clubs provide coaching, competitive fixtures and a pathway. Youth Football Finder →
Veteran & Over-35s
Competitive football for players aged 35+. Many County FAs run dedicated veterans' leagues with age categories. Browse veteran clubs →
How to Join a Grassroots Football Club
- Find a club: Use our grassroots club directory or contact your local County FA.
- Attend a training session: Most clubs welcome new players to try a session first.
- Register with your County FA: All players in affiliated leagues must be registered. Your club handles this.
- Pay your subs: Typical costs range from £5 to £10 per match, plus an annual registration fee of £20 to £40.
- Get playing: Once registered, you're eligible for league matches and cup competitions.
How Much Does Grassroots Football Cost?
| Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Match-day subs | £5–£10 |
| Annual registration (County FA) | £20–£40 |
| Training sessions | £3–£8 |
| Kit (club shirt, shorts, socks) | £30–£60 |
| 5-a-side pitch hire (per team) | £30–£60/hour |
| Full-size 3G pitch hire | £80–£150/hour |
Grassroots Football Rules
Grassroots football follows the Laws of the Game with adaptations for different ages:
- Under-7s to under-10s: 5v5 or 7v7 on smaller pitches with size 3 or 4 balls
- Under-11s and under-12s: 9v9 on medium pitches with size 4 balls
- Under-13s and above: 11v11 on full-size pitches with size 5 balls
- Walking football: no running, limited contact, typically 5v5 or 6v6
- 5-a-side: no offside, roll-on/roll-off substitutions, smaller goals
Grassroots Football Referee Fees
Referee fees are set by each County FA. Typical fees for the 2024–25 season:
| Match Type | Referee Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult 11v11 (Sunday league) | £35–£50 |
| Adult 11v11 (Saturday league) | £40–£60 |
| Youth 11v11 | £25–£40 |
| Youth 9v9 | £20–£30 |
| Mini Soccer 7v7 / 5v5 | £15–£25 |
Find Grassroots Football Near You
Browse our directories to find clubs, pitches and venues: