Skip to content

The game

What is 5-a-side?

A faster, smaller, more frequent game, five players a side on an enclosed turf.

The basics

Small pitch, big game

Five-a-side is a fast, high-touch version of football. Each team fields five players, four outfielders and a goalkeeper, on a smaller pitch with smaller goals and a shorter game.

Matches are played on enclosed artificial-grass pitches that keep the ball in play and the game constantly flowing. Fewer players and a tighter space mean more touches, more goals and more fun for everyone on the turf.

Rules of the game

Five-a-side basics

Each team fields five players, four outfielders and a goalkeeper, on a smaller pitch with smaller goals and a shorter game. Matches are played on enclosed artificial-grass pitches that keep the ball in play and the game flowing.

The penalty area

The area is semi-circular. Only the goalkeeper may touch the ball inside it, and they release it by hand; the keeper may only kick the ball while making a save.

No offside, headers allowed

There are no offside rules and headers are permitted. Handball is judged by the referee based on the distance the ball travelled.

Cards & the sin bin

A yellow card can send a player to the 'sin bin' for a set time; red cards work as in the 11-a-side game. Charging and sliding tackles earn a yellow card.

Footwear & kit

Metal studs aren't allowed, as they damage the surface. Shin guards are required, at the referee's discretion.

Ready to play?

Ready for kick-off?

Open daily · 6 AM – 12 AM · Margao, Salcete, Goa