Most people who want to get back into football say the same thing. They would love to play again but they are not sure where to start. What if everyone else is much better? What if they do not know anyone? What if they are too unfit to keep up? These are completely normal thoughts. They are also the reason a lot of people put it off for years longer than they need to.
The reality of joining a casual football game is much simpler than most people expect. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before your first session, from what to wear to what actually happens on the night.
1. What is a casual football game?
A casual football game is exactly what it sounds like. It is a relaxed, social kickabout between adults, usually played on an astroturf or 3G pitch, with no leagues, no contracts and no pressure to perform. Games are typically small-sided, meaning five, six or seven players per team, which keeps everyone involved throughout.
There are no referees. There is no coach watching from the sideline. Most games run for around 60 minutes and are organised through platforms like Footy Addicts, which make it easy to find a session near you and book a spot online.
According to Sport England, around 15.7 million people in England play football. A significant and growing number of them play in exactly this format. Casual, local and open to everyone.
2. What to bring to your first social kickabout
You do not need much. The barrier to entry is genuinely low.
- Boots. No metal studs, you’re better off in moulded or astro boots, trainers are allowed on some pitches but not the safest option
- Comfortable kit. Any shorts and a t-shirt or base layer. You will usually be given bibs on the night to tell the teams apart. It’s always a good idea to pack both a light and a dark top in case there’s no bibs
- Water. You will need it to stay hydrated
- Positive attitude. Everyone’s there to play and have a good time
That is it. No shin pads required. No cash needed.
3. What happens when you arrive
This is the part that worries most newcomers. Walking into a group of people who already know each other can feel awkward. Here is what you can actually expect.
You will be greeted by a game host. At Football for All sessions, every game has a host who’ll welcome players, sort the teams and make sure the game runs smoothly. You do not need to know anyone. You do not need to announce that it is your first time, though most hosts appreciate a quick heads-up so they can look out for you.
Teams are sorted on the night, usually by a quick mix of whoever is there. Games start as soon as everyone has arrived. Within five minutes of kick-off, the social nerves tend to disappear entirely. Football has a way of doing that.
“I was genuinely nervous before my first session,” says Ebony, who plays regularly in Sheffield. “But the moment the game started I forgot about all of that. Everyone was just focused on playing.”
4. Do you need to be fit or skilled?
No. And this is worth saying clearly because it is the thing that puts most people off.
Casual football is not a fitness test. The small-sided format means the pitch is shorter, the distances are smaller and you naturally get more touches of the ball. If you need a breather, you take one. If you are not the fastest player on the pitch, that is fine. Nobody is keeping score of your performance.
Skill level varies enormously from session to session. Some players have played all their lives. Others have not laced up boots since school. What matters is that everyone is there for the same reason. To enjoy a game and have a good time.
Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that recreational football produces significant cardiovascular benefits even at low to moderate intensity. In simple terms, you get a proper workout without it feeling like one. The game does the work.
5. What are the unwritten rules?
Every casual game has a few understood norms that keep games enjoyable for everyone. None of them are complicated.
- Call your own fouls honestly. There is no referee so honesty keeps the game fair and the atmosphere good.
- Keep the competitiveness friendly. A bit of desire is welcome. Aggressive tackling or arguing over decisions is not.
- Rotate goalkeepers. Most groups take turns in goal so nobody gets stuck there all night.
- Encourage, do not criticise. If someone misses a chance or makes a mistake, move on. Everyone does it.
These are not rules that anyone enforces formally. They are just the culture of a well-run casual game. At Football for All sessions, our game hosts set that tone from the start.
6. How to find casual football near me
Football for All runs weekly sessions across the UK, including in Sheffield, Liverpool, Derby, London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Brighton, Birmingham, Nottingham, Coventry, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow and more. Sessions are open to adults aged 18 and over at all skill levels and you can book your spot through the Footy Addicts platform without any long-term commitment.
You can also explore our Find a Session page to see what is running near you. New sessions are added regularly as we expand into more communities across the UK.
If you are thinking about volunteering as a game host rather than just playing, we have opportunities across the UK and would love to hear from you.
7. One last thing
The hardest part of joining a casual football game is not the running, the skills or the fitness. It is making the decision to turn up for the first time. Every regular player you will meet at one of our sessions did exactly that at some point. Most of them will tell you they wished they had done it sooner.
You do not need to be good. You do not need to know anyone. You just need to show up.
We hope to see you on the pitch soon!
P.S. What stopped you from playing football sooner, and what finally changed your mind? We would love to hear from people who took that first step. Connect with us on social media or through contact page
