5-a-side vs 7-a-side vs 11-a-side: Which Format Suits Your Squad?
5-a-side vs 7-a-side vs 11-a-side: Which Format Suits Your Squad?
Picking the right format is the difference between a match that runs itself and one that never quite comes together. Here's how the three most common grassroots formats actually compare.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 5-a-side | 7-a-side | 11-a-side |
|---|---|---|---|
| Players on pitch | 5 per side | 7 per side | 11 per side |
| Typical squad size | 8–10 | 10–14 | 16–23 |
| Pitch type | 3G / indoor | 3G / grass | Grass, full size |
| Match length | 40–60 min | 60–70 min | 90 min |
| Cost to hire | £40–£90 / hour | £50–£120 / hour | £100+ / match |
| Ease to organise | Easiest | Middle | Hardest |
| Fitness needed | Low–medium | Medium | High |
5-a-side: The Default for Most Casual Squads
If you're 8–10 mates who want to kick a ball around once a week, 5s is almost always the answer.
Why it works: - Pitch hire is cheap and easy to find - Matches are quick — in and out in an hour - You only need 8–10 committed players to run weekly - Substitutions are easy; nobody stands on the sideline for long
Where it falls down: - Tactically repetitive if you play the same squad every week - Not enough room for strong defenders who aren't comfortable on the ball - Can feel cramped if you have more than 12 regulars
7-a-side: The Goldilocks Format
7s gives you room to actually play football — width, a midfield, real defenders — without needing a full 22-person setup.
Why it works: - More positional football than 5s; everyone gets to play a natural role - Easier to absorb a weak player; the stronger ones pick up the slack - Pitches are widely available, especially in urban areas - A squad of 12 lets you run a genuine rotation
Where it falls down: - 3 missing players is the difference between a great game and a 5-a-side - Pitch cost per head is often higher than 5s - Needs more organisation: two subs, proper formation talk, etc.
11-a-side: A Different Sport
11s is grassroots football in its traditional form: Sunday league, full pitch, 90 minutes.
Why it works: - Proper football — tactics, pace, space - A 20-person squad means your weekly match almost always runs - It's what most people picture when they say "grassroots football"
Where it falls down: - Organisation is a significant undertaking - Pitch hire, refs, kit, league fees — it adds up - Fitness is a real commitment; a lot of recreational players don't want 90 minutes any more - One no-show in a key position can derail the match
How to Choose
Start with these four questions:
- How many committed players do you actually have? Be honest — not "on paper", but "will answer a match thread on a Wednesday".
- What pitch can you realistically book every week? The format has to match what's available.
- What's the vibe you want? A casual 40-minute kickabout or a proper 90-minute match?
- What's your budget? Per-head per week. Double it on the weeks you're missing players.
If you've got 8–10 players and want something low-friction, start with 5s. You can always upsize later.
A Note on Mixed Formats
Plenty of squads run both: a weekly 5-a-side with 10 regulars, plus a 7-a-side tournament every few months. SquadLock handles both formats from the same team — you don't need separate groups.
Next Steps
- •Download SquadLock to run any of the three formats with less admin
- •Best 5-a-side pitches in London if you're going with 5s
- •Organise your first tournament if you want to graduate to a proper event