The Short Guide to Starting a Football Team

According to the FA, nearly one in five English adults — a massive 8.2 million — are now participating in our national sport in some way. Whether you're putting together a 5-a-side squad or launching a full Sunday League team, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to get started.

What You'll Learn

  • What you need to start a football team
  • How to find the right players
  • How to register with your local league
  • What it costs to run a team
  • How to secure kits, gear and sponsorship

Starting a Football Team: The Basics

Begin with your club name, crest, and colours — these form your identity. Then appoint essential roles like a manager, treasurer, and secretary. You'll also need to affiliate with your local County FA and draft a constitution.

Recruiting Players

Define what kind of team you want (e.g. men’s 11-a-side, women’s 5-a-side, youth team, etc.), then advertise your trials through social media, flyers, local schools, gyms, and platforms like playerwanted.co.uk.

Holding Trials

Structure the trial day professionally using basic drills and mini-games to assess talent. Aim for 8 players in a 5-a-side squad or 20 for an 11-a-side team. Choose fairly, and keep communication respectful with those not selected.

Registering with a League

5-a-side leagues require minimal paperwork and typically cost ~£5 per player per match.
11-a-side Sunday leagues are more complex and require registration with your County FA (~£50) and local league (~£100), along with team and player registrations.

Pitch and Equipment Costs

Pitch hire ranges from £300–£1000 per season. You’ll also need to budget for balls, cones, bibs, and a first aid kit. Goalposts, nets, and flags may also be needed for some grounds.

Custom Kits and Branding

You’ll need both a home and away kit, including numbered shirts and your club badge. Good kits cost £30–£60 each — browse our football kit collection here.

Want pro-level gear? Explore Custom Pro — our range of bespoke, made-in-Britain football kits. We also offer custom webshops for clubs to simplify reorders and merch sales.

Other Essentials

  • Insurance: Personal accident and public liability insurance (~£200/yr)
  • Referee fees: £30–£50 per match
  • Refreshments & laundry: ~£30 per week
  • Fines: For misconduct or admin failures

Offsetting Costs

  • Player sign-on fees: £20–£100 per player
  • Match subs: £2–£10 per game
  • Sponsorship: Ask local businesses or pubs to sponsor kits

Additional Gear for Teams

Final Thoughts

Starting a football team takes passion, organisation, and a bit of startup funding — but the rewards are huge. Whether you're building a legacy club or just want to play every Sunday with mates, we’re here to help you look the part. Get in touch with our team for a quote, or check out our full range of football kits and training gear.

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