Five-a-side vs 7-a-side: which format works for office teams

The format you pick decides how many people can actually play, and how forgiving the game is for beginners.

Five-a-side

Smaller pitch, faster game, more touches of the ball per player. Best for groups of 10-14 where you want everyone constantly involved, including less confident players.

Seven-a-side

More like traditional football — more positional structure, more players on the pitch at once. Better for larger teams (16-20+) who want a more "real match" feel and don't mind some players seeing less of the ball.

Which to pick for a company game

Most office teams start with five-a-side — it's more forgiving for mixed skill levels and easier to fill from a smaller group. Seven-a-side suits bigger companies with enough regular numbers to field two full sides consistently.

Either way, the admin problem is the same — see how to organise weekly football for your company.

FAQ

Which format is easier for beginners?

‍Five-a-side — smaller pitch, more involvement per player, less exposed if you're new to the game.

How many people do we need for seven-a-side?

‍Comfortably 16+ to field a full side with rotation.

Can we switch formats later?

Yes — talk to FC Urban about adjusting your slot as your group size changes.

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Interested check the options on FC Urban for Companies.

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