There are nearly 30,000 small sided teams playing across the country. This significant figure is continuing to grow and expand at a rapid rate and it is anticipated that the number of small sided football teams will overtake the number of adult male 11 v 11 teams.

Small sided football is identified in the National Game Strategy as one of The FA’s key growth targets for adult football. The popularity of this format of football is a reaction to changing work and leisure patterns and a move towards ‘pay and play’ football.

The Laws of Small Sided Football have been revised for the benefit to players and referees. The FA encourages all Small Sided Football centres to adopt these uniform Laws.

With over four million footballers now playing Small Sided Football, there is always a need for more referees. The FA has introduced a referee’s course specifically for the sport and further details on this can be obtained from the West Riding FA.