Whether you’re in a league or it’s just a casual kickabout, there are plenty of places to play five-a-side in Manchester.
Five-a-side is more than just football – for many people, it’s a way of life. Whether it’s raining sideways or you catch a rare patch of sun, the game goes on. From cagey games under the floodlights to fast-paced match-ups on your lunch break, there’s always a pitch and a squad ready to go.
You don’t need a stadium – just five mates, a ball and maybe a pint after. Here are five of the best places to play five-a-side football in Manchester.
Powerleague
Powerleague has two top-class sites in Manchester, offering plenty of ways to join in with the beautiful game. There are leagues every week night, with competitive fixtures for men, women, students and businesses. Looking to join a team? Put yourself on the Transfer Market via the Powerleague app and you’ll have a game in no time.
With slick 4G surfaces, floodlights and nets over the top so you don’t lose your ball, you can focus on bringing your A-game. Fancy something different? Try your hand at walking football or chaotic bubble football. There are even padel courts at the Nicholls site.
Find it: Powerleague Manchester Central, 20 Union Street, Manchester, M12 4JD & Powerleague Manchester Nicholls, Nicholls Community Sports Ground, Dalberg Street, Manchester, M12 6BN.
When it’s open: Manchester Central is open from 9am to 11pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 10:30pm on Saturdays and 9am to 10pm on Sundays, and Manchester Nicholls is open from 7am to 11pm Saturday to Thursday and 7am to 10pm on Fridays.
Book it: powerleague.com
Goals
With six five-a-side pitches and two seven-a-side pitches, Goals is one of Manchester’s most popular five-a-side centres. Men’s leagues take place on Mondays and Wednesdays, with a dedicated women’s league on Tuesdays. All you need to do is enter your team and turn up for weekly fixtures – Goals will take care of all the admin.
If you prefer a casual game, you can hire a pitch for a run-out with your mates. There’s no need to rush off after your session either – grab a pint or a bite to eat from the on-site cafe bar. Kids are welcome too, with football parties, coaching and holiday camps serving up options for all ages and abilities.
Find it: Goals, 3 Irish Town Way, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, M8 0AE.
When it’s open: 10am to 11pm Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm on Saturdays and 8:30am to 11pm on Sundays.
Book it: goalsfootball.co.uk
Fives
Credit: Fives
Fives’ state-of-the-art football centre is home to eight FA-approved outdoor pitches. A little larger than the standard 5-a-side size, their outdoor pitches harness innovative tech, with digital scoreboards so you’ll never lose count. There’s even player tracking and video playback, so you can watch your 20-yard screamer on repeat.
Booking takes place via the Fives app, where you can check pitch availability, find an extra player and split the cost of your game, all at the touch of a button. Looking to join a league? FA-qualified referees and promotion and relegation battles keep things ultra-competitive.
Find it: Trafford Way, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M41 7JA.
When it’s open: 9am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 9pm on Fridays and Sundays, and 9am to 6pm on Saturdays.
Book it: football5s.com
Sugden Sports Centre
Credit: mcractive/better.org.uk
Popular with students, Sugden Sports Centre is a great place to play 5-a-side football in Manchester. You can hire one of their four indoor courts for a game of futsal, or kick off on their 3G outdoor football pitch, which enjoys a unique setting under Mancunian Way – protecting your game from the elements.
Pitch hire costs £52 for an hour, and you can pay for a one-off session or make a block booking to secure your regular spot. League games take place on Mondays and Tuesdays, with FA-qualified refs and prizes for division winners.
Find it: Sugden Sports Centre, 114 Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HL.
When it’s open: 7am to 10:30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 7:30pm on weekends.
Book it: better.org.uk
Whalley Range Sports Centre
Situated just 15-minutes outside of Manchester city centre, Whalley Range Sports Centre is home to eight floodlit 5-a-side pitches and one 7-a-side pitch. There are leagues on Mondays and Thursdays, alongside community sessions, including a women’s, trans and non-binary sessions provided by the inclusive football club Manchester Laces.
There’s free parking, a gym on-site if you want to boost your fitness, and a clubhouse where you can kick back with a drink as you run through your post-game analysis. Pitches cost £64.28 per hour, with discounts for Better members.
Find it: Whalley Range Sports Centre, Whalley Range 11-18 Wilbraham Road, Manchester, M16 8GW.
When it’s open: 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on weekends.
Book it: better.org.uk
