One of the most common questions we get is: "Which session should I go to?" The answer depends on where you live, when you are free, and what kind of atmosphere you are after. We have sessions running across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, and each venue has its own character. Here is a guide to help you find the right fit.
Where We Play
All About Football currently operates across two main regions: the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. We are always exploring new locations, but right now these are the areas where you will find our regular sessions.
Every session follows the same core format. Teams are balanced, keepers rotate, and the atmosphere is friendly and inclusive. The differences between venues come down to things like pitch type, session times, and the local community that has built up around each one.
East Midlands
Our Midlands sessions are where All About Football started, and they have a well-established community feel. If you are based in or around Burton upon Trent, Derby, or the surrounding towns, these sessions are your closest options.
The Midlands venues typically run on weekday evenings, making them perfect for a post-work kick about. Pitches are modern 3G or 4G artificial surfaces with floodlights, so weather and dark evenings are never a problem. Most venues have free parking and are easy to reach by car.
If you are brand new and feeling nervous, the Midlands sessions are a particularly good starting point. The community here has been growing for a while, and the regulars are brilliant at making newcomers feel welcome.
South Yorkshire
Our Yorkshire sessions are newer but growing quickly. If you are based in or around Rotherham, Sheffield, or Doncaster, these are the ones to look at.
The energy at the Yorkshire sessions is fantastic. Because these are newer communities, there is a real buzz as the groups grow and settle. You will find the same welcoming atmosphere as the Midlands sessions, with the added excitement of being part of something that is still taking shape.
How to Pick the Right Session
With multiple venues and session times available, here are a few things to consider when choosing where to play.
Location and Travel Time
The most obvious factor. Pick the venue that is closest to your home or workplace. If your session is only a 10-minute drive away, you are far more likely to go regularly than if it is a 40-minute trek. Consistency is what makes the experience worthwhile, and convenience helps with that.
Check our Where We Play page for a full list of venues with addresses and directions.
Session Day and Time
Look at which days and times fit naturally into your existing routine. If you have a regular commitment on Tuesdays, a Tuesday session is obviously not ideal. We run sessions on different evenings across the week, so there is usually an option that works.
Some players attend the same session every week, which helps them build familiarity with the other regulars. Others mix it up between venues depending on their schedule. Both approaches work perfectly well.
Session Size and Format
Session sizes vary slightly depending on the venue and pitch. Smaller pitches might run 7v7 games, while larger ones can accommodate 8v8 or 9v9. Smaller games mean more touches of the ball and more involvement. Larger games can feel slightly more structured and tactical.
If you prefer a faster, more intense experience, smaller-sided sessions are worth trying. If you like a bit more space and a slightly slower tempo, look for the larger formats.
Trying More Than One
There is absolutely no rule that says you have to stick to one venue. Many of our players attend sessions at two or even three different locations each week. You will meet different people at each one, experience slightly different styles of play, and get more football into your week.
Because everything is pay-as-you-play, you are not locked into anything. Try a session at one venue this week and a different one next week. See which community you click with.
Women-Only Sessions
We are committed to making football accessible to everyone, and that includes providing dedicated sessions for women. These sessions follow exactly the same casual, friendly format as our mixed sessions but offer a space where women can play in an environment tailored specifically for them.
Whether you have played before or you are picking up a football for the first time, women-only sessions are a brilliant place to start. The emphasis is on fun, fitness, and community, with absolutely no expectation of prior experience.
Check our venues page for the latest schedule of women-only sessions.
What Every Session Has in Common
Regardless of which venue you choose, here is what you can always expect:
- Balanced teams – Organised by the hosts based on position and ability.
- All equipment provided – Balls, bibs, goals. Just bring yourself.
- Rotating goalkeepers – Everyone takes a turn, no one is stuck in goal all night.
- Friendly atmosphere – No sliding tackles, no heavy challenges, no egos.
- Fair pricing – £6 to £9 per session, pay as you play.
- Public liability insurance – We are a registered company and fully insured.
Find Your Nearest Session
Head over to our Where We Play page to see all current venues, session times, and directions. If you are unsure which session would suit you best, drop us a message and we will be happy to help.
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