Sunday league football
Sunday league is the heart of amateur football: local adult teams playing 11-a-side on Sunday mornings, in leagues run by volunteers. Here's how it works, how to find a team, and what it takes to start one.
By Squadcard. Last updated .
In short
- Sunday league is amateur adult football, usually 11-a-side, played on Sunday mornings.
- Leagues are run by volunteers and affiliated to their county football association.
- Teams are often formed from pubs, workplaces and groups of friends, with divisions by standard.
- To join, ask your county FA or local league for teams looking for players, or start one with your group.
What Sunday league is
Saturday is traditionally the day for the higher amateur and semi-professional leagues; Sunday morning belongs to everyone else. Sunday league teams are often a pub's side, a workplace side, or a group of mates who wanted proper matches. The standard ranges from very good to very social, and the divisions sort it out.
How it works
- Leagues: run by volunteers and affiliated to the county football association, with divisions, promotion and relegation.
- Teams: register players, pay league and pitch fees, and need a manager or secretary.
- Referees: appointed by the league, paid a match fee, usually split between the teams.
- Season: roughly September to April or May, with cup competitions alongside.
- Kit and nets: the home team usually sorts the goal nets and corner flags.
How to join a team
Your county FA's website lists the local leagues, and leagues often post teams looking for players. Ask at your local pitch, in local community groups, or at work. Turning up to a team's training, if they have any, is the usual trial.
Starting your own team
Most Sunday league teams start as a weekly kickabout that got serious. The steps, from naming the club to affiliating to your County FA, are in our guide to starting a Sunday league team. Before you sign up to a league, get the group playing every week: our guide to how to start a 5-a-side group covers the first steps, the team name generator handles the name, and the lineup builder draws your eleven.
Money is where Sunday teams fall apart: subs, fees and who's paid. Squadcard tracks who owes for each game (it never takes or moves money) and keeps who's in, fair teams and ratings in one place.
Start a squadQuestions
What is Sunday league football?
Amateur adult football, usually 11-a-side, played on Sunday mornings in local leagues run by volunteers.
How do I join a Sunday league team?
Check your county FA's website for local leagues, ask leagues for teams looking for players, or ask around your local pitches and workplace.
Do Sunday league players get paid?
No. Players usually pay subs or match fees to cover the league, pitch and referee costs.
What standard is Sunday league?
Anything from very good to very social. Divisions group teams of a similar level.