How to get into soccer

Start here

Teams are almost always short a player, which is why individuals looking for a game are genuinely in demand.

The right first step in soccer is smaller than most beginners assume. Do these things in order.

• Start with five-a-side rather than 11-a-side
• Buy boots matched to the surface — turf boots for 3G
• Ask leagues about 'free agent' lists for individual players
• Play in your natural position and be honest about your level
• Turn up consistently — reliability gets you a permanent spot

What to buy — and what to skip

Buy the minimum, use it for a month, then upgrade what actually limits you.

• Boots for the surface
• Shin pads
• Kit
• Goalkeeper gloves if relevant

Where to train

These are the venue types to search for locally. Clubs and gyms in the SportConnect directory list their sports, levels and session times, so you can filter for beginner-friendly options.

• Grass pitches
• 3G and 4G turf
• Indoor futsal courts
• Cages and park pitches

Pick the right format

Beginners who choose the wrong format usually decide the sport isn't for them. Start with 11-a-side, or an easier variant.

• 11-a-side
• 7-a-side
• Five-a-side
• Futsal
• Sunday league
• Co-ed league

Why it's worth it

What people get out of soccer once they're past the first month.

• Highest number of local teams of any sport
• Five-a-side fits into a weeknight hour
• Teams constantly need extra players
• Indoor futsal keeps it year-round
• Immediate social group attached

Find people to train with

Nothing keeps a new sport going like other people expecting you. Create a free profile with soccer as your sport and your level, then browse players, coaches and clubs in your city and message the ones running beginner sessions.

Your first month

1. 01

   Week 1 — find a five-a-side league

   Look for leagues with free-agent lists so you don't need to bring a team.

2. 02

   Week 2 — play as a guest

   Teams routinely need a ringer. One game as a sub often turns into a regular spot.

3. 03

   Week 3 — add a training session

   A weekly kickabout or futsal session sharpens touch far faster than match play alone.

4. 04

   Week 4 — commit to a team

   Join a squad for the next season. That fixed weekly fixture is the whole point.

Frequently asked questions

Find a soccer coach

A few sessions with a coach shortcuts months of guesswork. Every coach on SportConnect lists their sport, location, session formats, rates and availability, so you can compare before you message.

Keep reading

Keep exploring SportConnect