With many outstanding advantages, 5 a side football is gradually becoming a popular sport that anyone can participate in. A classic football match requires at least 22 people to participate in the competition. Thus was created 5-a-side football, commonly known as mini football.
What is 5 a side football tournament?
As the name suggests, the tournament is a sport where each team only needs 5 members, including 1 goalkeeper and 4 players. You can play against opponents on a small field almost anywhere. Matches are shorter, more intense, and easier to conduct.
The rules are pretty similar to traditional football. It is easier to organize because it does not require many members and a large football field. However, both the attractiveness and the health benefits you receive are preserved.
Any age group can form a team of 5 to compete against each other. Students can form teams and face off against other classes. Or middle-aged people often choose this game to compete. That is also the most significant reason this football is becoming increasingly popular.
The typical of format of 5-a-side tournaments
In the UK, the biggest 5-a-side tournaments follow the World Cup format. With a group stage where each team plays each other once, and then the knockouts stage. This makes sure that every team that plays gets at least 4 games.
Most group stages are played in the morning so that there is time for lunch. Most often, this is for an hour. After lunch, the afternoon is made up of knockout rounds and finals.
On Saturday, July 2, the football tournament will take place. For a round-robin tournament, teams will be put into groups. In the final round, the best teams from each group will play against the best teams from other groups. Each game will be 30 minutes long (15 minutes per half with a 5-minute break).
Read more: What are the major football tournaments?
The Team
Each team has at least 5 players and no more than 8 players. During the game, one player comes on, and the next one leaves.
Teams don’t always get football kits at all events. Please talk to the tournament organizers before the game.
What are the 5 a side football rules?
The rules of a 5-a-side football tournament can vary depending on the organizer and the specific tournament. However, here are some common rules that are often used in 5-a-side football tournaments:
- Number of Players: Each team must have five players, including a goalkeeper. A team may have up to three substitutes.
- Field of Play: The field of play is smaller than a standard football pitch and can vary in size, but is usually between 30-40 meters long and 20-30 meters wide. The field is often marked with lines, and there are no penalty areas or corner kicks.
- Duration of Play: The game usually consists of two halves of 10-15 minutes each, with a short break between halves. In some tournaments, games may be shorter or longer.
- Kick-Off: The game starts with a kick-off from the center of the field. The ball must be stationary before it is kicked, and all players must be in their own half of the field. The opposing team must be at least 2 meters away from the ball until it is kicked.
- Substitutions: Substitutions can be made at any time during the game, but the player being substituted must first leave the field before the substitute enters.
- Out of Bounds: When the ball goes out of bounds, play is restarted with a kick-in from the sideline. The player taking the kick-in must have at least one foot on the sideline.
- Goalkeepers: The goalkeeper is the only player who can use their hands, but only within the penalty area. If the goalkeeper handles the ball outside the penalty area, a free kick is awarded to the opposing team. If the goalkeeper commits a foul inside the penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded to the other team.
- Fouls: Fouls are similar to those in standard football. Common fouls include pushing, tripping, holding, and dangerous tackles. Free kicks are awarded for fouls, and yellow and red cards can be given for serious or repeated infractions. If a team commits more than six fouls in a half, the opposing team is awarded a penalty kick.
- Offsides: Offsides are generally not enforced in 5-a-side football, due to the smaller field and reduced number of players.
- Scoring: Goals are scored when the ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar. If the ball hits the roof or netting above the goal, play is stopped and restarted with a goal clearance from the goalkeeper.
- Tiebreakers: In the case of a tie, some tournaments may use penalty kicks to determine the winner. In other tournaments, the game may end in a tie or go into extra time.
It’s important to note that specific rules may vary depending on the tournament, and it’s always a good idea to check the tournament rules and regulations before playing.
Related: Oldest football tournament in India
5 a side football is a great way to get some exercise, make new friends, and play a casual game of soccer without too many rules. If you want to play more seriously, you can join a team or a more professional league. But if you just want to play with your friends, 5 on one side is a great way to improve your football skills and enjoy a new way to play.
