Make a game.
Get playing.
You do not need a full team or a perfect pitch. Find a suitable space, invite friends and agree simple rules. Make the teams, agree the rules and get playing. No referee needed. Just football.
1v1
Set up: Make two small goals about 10–15 steps apart with cones, bags or jumpers.
Rules: Score by dribbling through or passing into the small goal. After a goal, the other player starts with the ball.
Fun variation: First to 3 wins, then swap ends. Or play 'Wembley': winners stay on, a new player comes in.
2v2
Set up: Two small goals and a pitch about 20 steps long.
Rules: Normal rules, kick-ins instead of throw-ins. Swap one player from each team every few minutes so teams stay even.
Fun variation: Every goal must come from a pass, or you can only score with your weaker foot.
3v3
Set up: A pitch about 25–30 steps long with two goals. Agree the side lines.
Rules: Everyone attacks and everyone defends. Spread out, give options and keep moving after you pass.
Fun variation: Three passes before you can score, or one-touch finishes only.
Odd numbers
Set up: Any size of pitch. One player wears a different colour or bib as the neutral.
Rules: The neutral plays for whichever team has the ball, so the team in possession always has an extra player.
Fun variation: Swap the neutral after each goal so everyone gets a turn.
Your game, your rules
Pick fair teams
Mix up the teams so games stay close, and change them often.
Everyone plays
Rotate who goes in goal, who picks teams and who sits out. Include new players.
Agree the lines
Decide the boundaries, the goals and what happens when the ball goes out before you start.
Fair play
Call your own fouls, shake hands and keep it fun. No referee needed.
Play it safe
Informal football still needs a safe place to play. Choose a park, a field, a schoolyard or a court where you are allowed to play, away from roads, traffic, windows and parked cars. Ask permission where it is needed, and make sure an adult knows where younger players are. "Street football" means the spirit of playing for fun, not playing in the street.
Prefer an organised session with a volunteer leader? Find a TOUCHES session.