If you're a coach, club official, or parent trying to find a grassroots football tournament for your team, you've probably noticed the same problem: listings are scattered across club websites, Facebook groups, league newsletters and word of mouth. There's no single place that pulls it all together — which is exactly why we built Grassroots Tournaments.
This guide walks through how to actually find the right tournament for your team, what to check before you enter, and how to book your place.
Start with age group and format
Grassroots tournaments are almost always organised by age group and playing format, so this is the fastest way to narrow things down:
- U6–U8: usually 5-a-side, festival-style, often free or low-cost, focused on participation rather than competition
- U9–U12: typically 7-a-side, with more structured group stages and knockout rounds
- U13 and above: mostly 9-a-side or full 11-a-side, closer to adult tournament formats
Knowing your age group and preferred format before you search will save you from wading through listings that aren't relevant to your team.
Search by location and travel distance
Most families and clubs want a tournament within a reasonable drive — an hour or less is typical for a one-day event, though teams will often travel further for a two-day festival with overnight stays. When searching, it helps to:
- Search by county or region rather than just "nearest to me," since tournament directories are often organised this way
- Check the venue address before entering, not just the town name — some tournaments list a club's postal address but play at a different pitch
- Factor in parking and facilities, especially for tournaments with multiple age groups running across a full day
Check the practical details before you enter
Once you've found a few options, it's worth checking the following before committing a team:
- Entry fee and what's included — entry fees for grassroots tournaments typically range from around £30 up to £80+ per team, with smaller U6–U8 festivals sometimes free. Some fees include a full day of matches and a medal for every player; others charge extra for parking or food.
- Number of guaranteed games — a well-run tournament will guarantee a minimum number of matches regardless of how your team performs in the group stage. If this isn't stated, ask.
- FA affiliation — FA-affiliated tournaments follow standard safeguarding, insurance and safety requirements. This matters most for anything beyond a small, informal club event.
- Age group verification — reputable tournaments ask for proof of age or squad registration to prevent "ringers" (overage players). It's a good sign if an organiser asks for this.
Booking your place
Once you've settled on a tournament, most organisers will ask for:
- Team name, club name and age group
- A named contact (usually the team manager or coach) with phone and email
- Player list, sometimes with dates of birth
- Payment of the entry fee, often via bank transfer or an online booking form
Book early where you can — popular tournaments, especially end-of-season finals and half-term festivals, fill up weeks or even months in advance.
Find a tournament today
You can search grassroots football tournaments across the UK by age group, format and location on Grassroots Tournaments. If you're organising your own event, you can also list your tournament for free and reach clubs and parents searching for tournaments in your area.