Guides

For whoever runs the weekly game: getting ten people every week, fair teams, the money and the rules.

• How to organise a weekly 5-a-sideA practical guide to running a weekly 5-a-side: fixing a slot, booking the pitch, getting ten people every week, fair teams, and collecting the money without the hassle.
• How to pick fair football teamsCaptains picking, random bibs, snake draft or balancing by rating: how each way of picking football teams works, where it goes wrong, and how to get close games every week.
• How to collect pitch money without chasing peopleHow 5-a-side organisers split the pitch fee, decide who pays for no-shows, and keep track of who owes, so the organiser isn't out of pocket every week.
• 6-a-side football rulesThe usual 6-a-side football rules for a friends' game: team size, subs, keepers, kick-ins, offside, slide tackles and the keeper's area, and what to agree before you start.
• 5-a-side football rulesThe usual 5-a-side football rules: team size, rolling subs, the keeper's area, head height, kick-ins, no slide tackles and no offside, and what to agree before a friends' game.
• 7-a-side football rulesThe usual 7-a-side football rules for a friends' game or league: team size, subs, keepers, offside, throw-ins or kick-ins, slide tackles, and what to agree before kick-off.
• How to start a 5-a-side group from scratchWant a regular game but don't have one? How to find ten players, find and book a pitch, set the price, and get your first 5-a-side game on.