Finding a Community Football Clubs
Whether you’re searching for yourself or someone in your household, finding the right football club can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. There are estimated to be 18,000 grassroots or amateur football clubs in England alone, spread across more than 1,100 leagues. With so many options, from friendly kickabouts to structured league teams, it helps to pause and think about what you’re really looking for before you lace up your boots.
Football clubs vary hugely in atmosphere, commitment, and purpose. Taking time to understand those differences can make the experience far more rewarding.
Finding the Right Football Club Starts with Knowing What You Want
Are you looking for something for yourself, or for a child, teenager, or other family member? Some clubs are focused on competition and league success, while others exist primarily for enjoyment, fitness, and social connection. For some, the appeal lies in improving skills and pushing performance. For others, it’s about being part of a team, making friends, and having a reason to get out of the house each week. Before diving in, consider your motivations for joining a football club.
Choosing a Playing Style That Suits You
Football isn’t one-size-fits-all. Alongside the traditional 11-a-side game, there are many other formats that might suit different preferences and lifestyles.
You might enjoy smaller-sided matches such as five-, six-, or seven-a-side football, which tend to be more social and less time-intensive. Indoor futsal offers a fast-paced, technical alternative, while walking football has grown rapidly in popularity among those who want to stay active without the physical demands of the full game. Thinking about how you like to play, and how often, can quickly narrow down the kind of club that’s right for you.
If you or someone in your household has specific needs, it’s also worth checking whether clubs offer inclusive sessions or adapted formats. Many grassroots clubs now run excellent programmes designed to welcome players of all abilities.
Balancing Commitment, Cost, and Safety
Practical considerations make a big difference when choosing a club. How often does the team train? What level of commitment is expected? Are there membership fees, match fees, or kit costs to consider? And how far will you need to travel for training or matches?
Safety is particularly important for younger players. Look for clear safeguarding policies, qualified coaches, and a willingness to answer questions openly. Many clubs are happy to invite prospective players along for a taster session, which can be a helpful way to get a feel for the environment before committing.
If you’re ready to explore what’s available locally, you can use Gather to find football gatherings and clubs that match your preferences.
Why Accreditation and Coaching Standards Matter
When researching clubs, it’s worth checking whether they are accredited through the FA’s England Football Accreditation programme, formerly the Charter Standard Award. Accreditation is a useful signal that a club meets recognised standards around coaching, safeguarding, and community involvement.
While accreditation isn’t the only measure of quality, it can offer reassurance, particularly if you’re new to grassroots football or searching on behalf of someone else.
The Role of Grassroots Football in Local Communities
The value of grassroots football goes well beyond the pitch. Research from the FA suggests that grassroots football in England generates around £2.05 billion in direct economic value, alongside significant social and health benefits.
At the same time, many clubs are under pressure. Rising costs and shrinking volunteer pools mean that almost three-quarters of grassroots clubs report difficulties sustaining their activities. Like many community initiatives, it can quickly become a case of “use it or lose it”.
This is one reason Gather’s mission focuses on making local participation easier, helping clubs remain visible, accessible, and active within their communities.
How Community Football Is Evolving
There have also been positive shifts in recent years. The so-called “Lionesses effect” has helped drive rapid growth in women’s and girls’ football, with many clubs expanding their offerings to become more inclusive and representative of their local communities.
Over half of grassroots clubs now run women’s or girls’ teams, and many are adapting formats, schedules, and environments to better suit a wider range of players. These changes reflect a broader understanding that community football works best when it’s flexible and welcoming.
Can’t Find the Right Club? Start Something New!
If you’ve explored your options and still can’t find a football club that feels like the right fit, starting something small yourself can be a viable alternative. Many successful clubs began as informal kickabouts that grew over time. Gather makes it possible to create your own football gathering and invite others nearby to join, without needing to commit to a full club structure from day one.
For practical, step-by-step advice, Local Trust’s community football guide is also a useful resource, covering everything from forming a team to securing facilities and funding. Sometimes, the best way to find the right football club is to help create it.