Players

Players

THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

The Amateur FA believes in having flexible, inclusive and accessible playing opportunities for all adults, including women and those with a disability. We are committed to delivering an extensive programme of footballing opportunities to suit all adults.

Get in Touch

Visit our HELPDESK to find answers to our frequently answered questions, including safeguarding contact details.

If your query cannot be answered, please submit a ticket.

You can also visit the FA Grassroots Technology Forum for help with FA IT systems.

Ways to play

If you want to be like the professionals, play 11-a-side football. Whatever gender, ability, race, culture or background, there many opportunities to play the traditional format of the game within the Amateur FA.

Played by thousands every weekend across our competitions, teams usually train midweek and play competitive matches in either Saturday or Sunday leagues.

Small-sided football is a scaled down version of the traditional game, with less players, smaller pitches and shorter matches, making it a more close-up and energy-sapping way of playing.

One of the fastest growing formats of the game, it is particularly popular within the Amateur FA for women’s leagues.

Futsal is the format of small-sided football recognised by FIFA. The five-a-side game is normally played on a flat, indoor pitch with hockey sized goals and a size 4 ball with a reduced bounce. The pitch has sidelines whilst there are no restrictions over where players can stand or the trajectory of the ball. The game places considerable demands on technique, movement, tactical awareness and fitness.

The Amateur FA is a supporter of this format of the game and has clubs affiliated to it that play in the national league structure.

The FA Snickers Protein Just Play gives the casual adult footballer a chance just to turn up and play football. Consider it jumpers for goalposts but with the pitch and equipment provided for you, so you can focus on having an hour of exercise and fun! It is ideal for those who cannot commit to a season with a club.

There are Just Play kickabouts set-up nationwide to accommodate for all demographics with the Amateur FA supporting both a men’s and women’s session during the week in the capital.

Book onto a session here.

Aimed at those aged 50+ who thought their playing days were over, Walking Football is an ever-growing format of the game. The slower paced, less physical version of the game provides a sociable, fun and safe environment for those looking to stay active and continue playing the sport they love.

The Amateur FA is a supporter of this format of the game and is willing to support organisations establishing sessions.

To ensure everyone has the opportunity to play and enjoy the game, there are versions of football that have been adapted for cerebral palsy and frame users, powerchair users, amputees, as well as individuals who have visual or hearing impairments.

The Amateur FA is a supporter of these adapted versions of the game and is willing to support organisations establishing sessions.