Guide to outdoor areas for small

sided football and mini-soccer

August 2010
 The Football Association
Contents

Introduction

Pitch layouts
Run-offs
Pitch markings - five, six and seven-a-side football

Surface options
Long pile synthetic turf surfaces
Sand filled artificial grass & needle-punch carpets
Polymeric Surfaces
Macadam

Goals

Rebound boards and fencing

Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA)

Lighting

References and sources of information

August 2010 FA Guide to indoor and outdoor areas for small sided football and mini-soccer -1
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained in this publication any party who makes use of any part of this guide in
the development of an area for small sided football, mini-soccer or futsal shall
indemnify the Football Association, its servants, consultants or agents against all
claims, proceedings, actions, damages, costs, expenses and any other liabilities
for loss or damage to any property, or injury or death to any person that may be
made against or incurred by the Football Association arising out of or in connection
with such use.

August 2010 FA Guide to indoor and outdoor areas for small sided football and mini-soccer -2
Introduction

Over 4 million people play small-sided football each year in England of which 1.2
million play on a regular league or cup basis. This level of participation makes
small sided football one of the largest sports in the country. Small sided football
is generally used to describe any game played by less than eleven players.
However, there are a number of formats that have gained greater recognition and
formality than others and this guide concentrates on identifying the facility
requirements for the following games:

• Five and six-a-side football

• Seven-a-side football
• Mini-soccer

For further details on the FA's Small Sided Football Development Programme,
including the relevant 'Laws of the Game', please consult the FA’s web site at
www.thefa.com.

Mini-soccer is traditionally played on natural grass but the increasing number of

artificial grass pitches has led to a number of Leagues allowing the use of these
alternative forms of surface, particularly where inclement weather makes natural
grass pitches unusable.

This guide has been prepared to aid facility designers and operators providing
outdoor facilities for the various forms of small sided football. They detail the
sizes of pitches, the types of surfaces that are commonly used and the facility
infra-structure required to ensure the pitch provides a satisfactory playing
environment.

There are many ways of designing, constructing and surfacing small sided football
pitches. These guidelines do not constitute any form of preference or approval

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from the FA but are intended to provide information to potential consumers to allow
them to make informed choices when designing facilities.

In many cases a pitch has to cater for more than one sport. The design
considerations for multi-use games areas (MUGA) on which small sided football
is to be played are also discussed.

Pitch layouts

The layout of the pitch for five, six or seven-a-side football is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 - five, six and seven-a-side football pitch layout

(dotted line shows boundary of run-off where pitch is not enclosed)

The pitch should be rectangular and the length of the touchline must be greater
than the length of the goal line. Where possible the ratio of length to width
should be 2:1. The recommended pitch dimensions are shown in Table 1.

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Table 1 - Pitch dimensions

Five and six-a-side pitches

Length Width
Min. 25.0m 16.5m
Max. 50.0m 35.0m

Run-off when Minimum 2.0m Minimum 2.0m

applicable Recommended 3.0m Recommended 3.0m

Seven-a-side pitches
Length Width
Min. 50.0m 30.0m
Max. 60.0m 40.0m

Run-off when Minimum 2.0m Minimum 2.0m

applicable Recommended 3.0m Recommended 3.0m

The layout of a Mini-soccer pitch is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 – mini-soccer pitch layout

(dotted line shows boundary of run-off where pitch is not enclosed)

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Table 2 - Mini-soccer pitch dimensions
Under 10s / 9s
Length Width
Min. 45.75m 27.45m
Max. 54.90m 36.60m
Run-off 3.0m 3.0m
Under 8s / 7s
Length Width
Min. 27.45m 18.30m
Max. 45.75m 27.45m
Run-off 3.0m 3.0m

Run-offs

Where pitches are located within enclosed areas run-offs should be provided to
ensure players do not injure themselves by running into surrounding fencing,
hoardings, spectators and other obstacles. The run-offs should be surfaced with
the same surface as the playing area.

Where the pitch is sited on an open area (e.g. a grass playing field) run-offs
should also be marked so that spectators, team officials, etc do not stray too
close to the pitch. This can be done by marking additional lines or using portable
cones to designate the outer boundaries of the run-offs.

Pitch markings - five, six and seven-a-side football

The pitch is marked with lines that should be 8cm wide. Lines should preferably
be coloured white or yellow.

The two long boundaries are called touchlines; the two shorter lines are called
goal lines. Where barriers or fences are used to enclose the pitch and form the

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boundaries of the playing area it is not necessary to mark the touchlines or goal
lines.

The pitch is divided into two halves by the halfway line. The centre mark is
positioned at the mid point of the halfway line. A circle with a radius of 3.0m
(diameter 6.0m) is marked around it (irrespective of the pitch size).

The penalty area for each goal is formed by a semi-circle of radius 6m

(irrespective of the pitch size) measured from the midpoint of the goal line. The
extremities of the semi-circles should reach the goal line, barrier or wall
regardless of whether or not the goal posts encroach into the playing area. The
penalty mark should be 6m from the mid point between the goal posts and
equidistant from them.

Pitches that are not enclosed by barriers or fences (and have run-offs) should
have corner arcs marked. These are quarter circles of radius 25cm from each
corner of the pitch drawn inside the pitch.

Pitch markings - mini-soccer

The pitch is marked with lines that should be 10cm wide and preferably white or
yellow in colour. The pitch is divided into two halves by the halfway line. The
centre mark is positioned at the mid-point of the halfway line. The penalty area
for each goal is formed by a rectangle measuring 9.15m by 16.47m wide.

Surface options

Smalls-sided football and mini-soccer is played on a range of surfaces that

include:

• Natural grass
• Long pile artificial football grass

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 • Sand filled synthetic grass and needle punch surfaces
• Polymeric surfaces
• Macadam

Whilst natural grass may still be considered to be the best playing surface for
football the need for pitches to sustain high levels of use has meant that the
various forms of football below the eleven-a-side game have, for many years, been
played on a range of artificial surfaces. This section describes the various types of
surface that are commonly used and details the performance and construction
tolerances that should be achieved by pitches surfaced with each.

Long pile synthetic turf surfaces

The increasing market demand for artificial surfaces that simulate the playing
qualities of natural grass and can accommodate the use of studded football boots
has led manufacturers to develop new forms of synthetic grass often described
as long pile (or third generation) artificial grass. These surfaces have a much
longer pile than the previously used sand filled surfaces and are normally partly
filled with rubber and sand mixes, although a small number have no fill. The
enhanced playing qualities of these surfaces has led to their rapid acceptance
within the football world and stimulated much interest from the game’s governing
bodies. It is therefore recommended they be installed in dedicated indoor football
facilities wherever possible.

There are many different types of synthetic turf construction with a range of
properties, advantages and disadvantages. Variables include the pile yarn, pile
height and pile density, infill type, use of shockpads, etc. Detailed guidance on
long pile synthetic turf is given in the FA’s Artificial Pitch Guidelines
(http://www.thefa.com/GetIntoFootball/Facilities/Artificial_Pitches).

Although primarily referring to full size pitches the FIFA Quality Concept for
Football Turf defines the parameters considered necessary for long pile football

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surfaces to provide a satisfactory playing environment, together with the
necessary levels of durability required to help ensure the surface is able to
withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. The FIFA Quality Concept has two
categories of surface; the FIFA One Star category has been designed for
community use pitches and is therefore the relevant one for small-sided and
mini-soccer pitches. The FA recommends that only surfaces that have been
tested and shown to satisfy the laboratory test requirements of this category be
used.

As even the best quality synthetic turf surfaces will not performance correctly if
poorly installed it is recommended the performance of the pitch is tested
following installation. As the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf is based on
full size pitches it is not applicable to small-sided football, but British Standard BS
EN 15330 contains similar field test requirements to the FIFA standard and
applies to all sizes of pitch.

Recommended test criteria for long pile synthetic turf surfaces

FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf – FIFA 1
Product test requirements
Star category
BS EN 15330 (as a surface designed for
Field test requirements
football)

The maintenance of long piled synthetic turf surfaces is vitally important if the
pitch is to retain acceptable performance and be long lasting. The contractor's
guarantee will also usually be conditional on the recommended maintenance
requirements being carried out with reasonable diligence. It is therefore essential
that this vital aspect of the pitch’s management is not over looked. A typical
maintenance programme will comprise:

• Drag matting / brushing to redistribute infill

• Brushing to lift the pile that will flatten through the actions of play.
Failure to do so will result in a faster surface and more fibrillation and

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 matting of the carpet’s pile with a deterioration in performance

• The localised topping up (penalty spot, centre spot, corner kick areas
etc) of fill materials to ensure consistent ball and foot responses from
the surface and to provide support to the carpet’s pile

• The removal of litter, leaves and other debris from the surface

• Removal of moss or weeds particularly around the edges of the pitch

where it is harder to get mechanical brushes into

• Periodic decompaction of the infill.

The frequency of such maintenance will vary but is likely to be at least weekly
and on regularly used pitches more frequently.

Sand filled artificial grass & needle-punch carpets

Sand filled synthetic turf and needle-punched surfaces are probably the most
common forms of surface used for small -sided football. British Standard BS EN
15330 defines the parameters considered necessary for sand filled and needle-
punched surfaces to provide a satisfactory playing environment, together with the
necessary levels of durability required to help ensure the surface is able to
withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.

To provide the correct levels of performance a sand filled artificial grass or needle-
punch carpet is normally laid over a shockpad typically around 15mm thick. The
most common types of shockpad are made from rubber crumb/shred mixed with a
resin binder, either manufactured as prefabricated rolls or mixed and laid in-situ.
To ensure adequate long-term durability the tensile strength of the shockpad
should be greater than 0.15 MPa when tested in accordance with BS EN 12330.

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Recommended test criteria for sand filled synthetic turf surfaces
Product test requirements BS EN 15330-1
BS EN 15330-1 (as a surface designed for
Field test requirements
multi-sport use)

Recommended test criteria for needle-punched surfaces

Product test requirements BS EN 15330-2
BS EN 15330-2 (as a surface designed for
Field test requirements
multi-sport use)

The maintenance of sand filled and needle-punched surfaces has similar

principles to long piled synthetic turf modified to suit the sand infill. Failure to
maintain these forms of surface will result in deterioration in performance and a
shortening in the surface’s service life.

Polymeric Surfaces

Polymeric surfaces are made from rubber granules (normally recycled tyres)
bonded together with a binder. The surface is laid in a continuous layer across
the area, and colour coated to provide a shock absorbing, porous and relatively

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durable surface Wear of the colour coating can result in the surface becoming
slippery, however when wet or damp and the coating needs to be periodically
reapplied. The frequency of this will depend on the intensity of use, cleanliness
of the pitch and the degree of contamination from surrounding features (trees
etc). For pitches subjected to high levels of use or contamination the frequency
of recoating may make the use of this surface inadvisable.

British Standard BS EN 14877 defines the parameters considered necessary for

polymeric surfaces to provide a satisfactory playing environment, together with
the necessary levels of durability required to help ensure the surface is able to
withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.

Recommended test criteria for polymeric (synthetic) surfaces

Product test requirements BS EN 14877
BS EN 14877 (as a surface designed for multi-
Field test requirements
sport use)

The maintenance of polymeric surfaces is similar to macadam surfaces, although

the need to recoat is likely to be more frequent.

Macadam

Historically one of the most common forms of surface used for small sided football
areas, macadam provides a durable relatively cheap playing surface. The surface
is hard, unyielding and abrasive and can result in injuries when players fall on it.
Despite these limitations the FA acknowledge that in areas of high potential
vandalism or abuse or where budgets are limited macadam may be the only viable
form of surfacing and, working on the basis that a macadam playing area is better
than no playing area, we support the use of the surface.

Macadam may be of a dense, medium or porous grade. Whilst dense macadam

provides the strongest and most durable surface and is typically laid on school
playgrounds etc; its inability to drain is a major constraint on its sporting use.

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Medium grade macadam will allow a limited degree of water percolation through its
structure, but does not always ensure puddles will not form on the playing surface.
For this reason porous macadam is considered the most suitable and is used on
many sports facilities.

Many macadam sports areas are painted with specially manufactured coatings
that are spray applied to improve the appearance of the pitch. The use of the
correct type of paint is critical if the pitch is to retain acceptable levels of slip
resistance in wet/damp conditions for a reasonable period of time and experience
has shown water based polyurethane paints are best suited to areas used for
football. Colour coatings should be applied in accordance with the Code of
Practice published by the Sport and Play Construction Association
(www.sapca.org.uk).

Construction & performance requirements for macadam football areas

Property Test method Requirement
Slip Resistance BS EN 13036-4 Greater than 60 dry or wet
Permeability
BS EN 12616 Greater than 100mm/h
(porous macadam)

Surface regularity EN 13036-7 <8mm

Single plane with fall no

Porous macadam greater than 1% (ideally
Gradients & profile <0.83%)
Medium & dense
Single plane with fall of 1%
macadam

The maintenance of macadam surfaces comprises:

• removal of leaves and other detritus from the playing surface

• power washing of porous surfaces to remove the dirt and debris

that collects within the macadam surface

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 • application of moss killer when required on porous surfaces

• re-colour coating, where appropriate, approximately every three -

five years

Goals

The recommend sizes of goals are for five, six and seven-a-side football and
mini-soccer are 3.66m wide by 1.83m high.

Incorrectly used goals can kill so goal post safety should always be of paramount
importance to designers, builders, operators and users of pitches. Goals should
be certified as complying with BS 8462: Specification for Goals for Youth
Football, Futsal, Mini-soccer and Small-Sided Football and they should be
purchased, installed and maintained in accordance with BS 8461: Football Goals
– Code of Practice for their Procurement, Installation, Maintenance, Storage and
Inspection.

When selecting goals and other sports equipment consideration should be given
to the precise uses of the pitch so that changes in activity can take place with the
minimum of effort and inconvenience. Goals can be freestanding, and therefore
easily moved, although it is important to make proper provision for their storage
when not in use. This must not be on the run-offs of the pitch.

Rebound boards and fencing

Five, six and seven-a-side football pitches are normally enclosed. Where
rebound boards (permanent or portable) are used these should be at least 1.2m
high. The use of mesh fencing behind and above the boards is also common to
protect the boards and ensure balls remain within the pitch area and do not
interfere with activities on adjacent areas.

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Fencing heights vary but 3.0m is often used with 4.5m or higher behind goals or
where the site requires as many balls as possible to be retained within the playing
area (typically adjacent to roads, etc).

There are many factors that need to be considered when designing a fencing
system and site developers should undertake an assessment of the site, its
proposed use and adjacent properties. The local planning authority will also often
have requirements and conditions which need to be met and early consultation is
advisable.

Typically football areas are enclosed by 50mm square weld mesh panels or rolls
that are suspended from box section posts. Weld-mesh is used, as it is better
suited to the repeated impacts of footballs than chainlink mesh. The use of more
closely spaced 358 gauge weld-mesh is worthy of consideration behind and
alongside goals etc (on pitches where rebound walls are not required) as it offers
even greater resistance to the repeated impacts of footballs. Steelwork should be
galvanised to minimise premature corrosion and can be plastic coated to improve
its appearance and provide a bright colourful appearance.

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Where appropriate, on small sided football pitches, rebound walls can be
installed. These are normally 1.2m high and constructed from a variety of
materials (normally exterior grade timber panels that are stained or painted,
homogenous resin based exterior grade boarding, timber planking or
block/brickwork). Whilst the use of exterior or marine grade timber panels and
pressure treated timber planks will extend the life of the boards, cracking and
delamination can occur in the longer term meaning periodic replacement will be
required and this needs to be budgeted for in the life cycle costs of the facility.

If timber planks or slats are used they should be smooth planed to a minimum
thickness of 20mm. Mounting bolts for planks and panels should be roundhead
on the inside face of the pitch. Suitable provision for expansion and contraction
of the boards or planks should be allowed for in the design.

The repeated noise of balls rebounding from the boards can also be a source of
great annoyance to neighbours of small sided football pitches and is often a
contentious issue when planning approval is being sought. The use of rebound
fencing manufactured from dense (358 gauge) weld mesh panels seems to
reduce the noise generated by balls striking the fence and also overcomes many
of the cracking and delamination problems associated with timber panels. The

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open nature of the mesh allows full viewing of the pitch which can be
advantageous on sites where bullying or vandalism may occur.

Access gates and doors should open outwards to ensure the safety of players.
Single gates should be at least 1.2m wide to allow sport wheelchair access and
gate thresholds should be level or slightly ramped (i.e. not stepped). Gates
should also be positioned so they do not to create congested gathering points.

Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA)

To maximise the benefits of a sports area it is common to use it for more than one
sport. In most cases small sided football is one of the primary sports and the
dimensions and surfacing information detailed in these guidance notes may be
used as the basis of establishing the design requirements for the MUGA. Many
other sports governing bodies provide similar information about the needs of their
sports. Sport England has also published a number of guides that describe good
practice in the design of MUGAs; these are available on www.sportengland.org.

Figures 3 and 4 shows examples of a MUGA layout based on small sided football.
Figure 3 shows two pitches for small sided football and one for futsal. On this
design provision has also been made for recreational basketball, although
markings for netball, mini-tennis, roller hockey and tag rugby could be
incorporated. Due to the need for the Futsal goals to be free-standing (to allow
their removal when cross pitch play or basketball takes place) the layout is only
suitable for sites where management of goals can be ensured.

On sites where goals may be subject to misuse or vandalism it is recommended

they be fixed permanently into recessed areas as shown in Figures 4. This layout
has pitches for small sided football and provision for recreational basketball
practice. The side recesses on both designs may be used to form the Small
Sided Football goals or free standing goals (suitably secured in use) can be stored
in the recesses when not in use.

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 Figure 3a - MUGA with facilities for Futsal, small sided football and recreational basketball
(note this design requires free standing Futsal goals)

Figure 3b - Dimensions of MUGA with facilities for Futsal, small sided football and recreational
basketball

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 Figure 4a - MUGA with facilities for small sided football and recreational basketball practice

Figure 4b - Dimensions of MUGA with facilities for small sided football and recreational basketball
practice

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Lighting

Based on British Standard BS EN 12193 The FA and Sport England recommend

that for areas on which small sided soccer will be played the lighting system be
designed to achieve the performance detailed in Table 3. Class 2 refers to
regional and or club competitions and Class 3 refers to general training and
recreational/school competitions.

Table 3 – performance requirements for lighting

Requirement
Property
Class 2 Class 3
Maintained average luminance 200 75
Uniformity (Min/Ave) 0.7 0.6

To minimise the running costs a Class 2 lighting system may be designed to also
provide a lower level of lighting for recreational play and training etc. This should
be no lower than a maintained average luminance of Class 3.

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References and sources of information

The FA’s Artificial Pitch Guidelines

(www.thefa.com/GetIntoFootball/Facilities/Artificial_Pitches)

FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf

(www. fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation)

BS 8461: Football Goals – Code of Practice for their Procurement, Installation,

Maintenance, Storage and Inspection.

BS 8462: Specification for Goals for Youth Football, Futsal, Mini-soccer and Small-
Sided Football

BS EN 12193: Light and lighting. Sports lighting

BS EN 14904: Surfaces for Sports Areas: Indoor Surfaces for Multi-sports Use –
Specification.

BS EN 14877: Surfaces for Sports Areas: Specification for synthetic surfaces

BS EN 15330: Surfaces for Sports Areas: Synthetic turf and needle-punched

surfaces primarily designed for outdoor use – Specification for synthetic turf

SAPCA Construction and Maintenance of Synthetic Turf Sports Pitches

(www.sapca.org.uk)

SAPCA Guide to Maintenance of Synthetic Sports Surfaces

(www.sapca.org.uk)

Construction and Maintenance of Fencing Systems for Sports Facilities

(www.sapca.org.uk)

SAPCA Cconstruction and Maintenance of Tennis Courts (guidance on the

construction of macadam areas) (www.sapca.org.uk)

August 2010 FA Guide to indoor and outdoor areas for small sided football and mini-soccer -21
 Prepared for the Football Association
by

www.labosport.com

August 2010 FA Guide to indoor and outdoor areas for small sided football and mini-soccer -22