How To Choose A Football Pitch – Your Questions Answered
Updated on: March 4, 2024
If you’re planning to install an outdoor football pitch in your school or park, you’ll have lots of questions.
Whilst the first debates may begin with the choice between artificial grass or non-slip football pitch surfaces, you’ll soon move on to pitch dimensions, sizes and more.
It’s a lot to consider and football is a rule-based game, so you’ll want to get it right.
To help you ensure you install the perfect pitch for your school or local community, here’s the answers to all your top questions about football pitch installation.
We’re a leading provider of football pitch surface coatings for schools and play spaces so we’ve got all the practical answers you need for your play space.
About football pitch surface coatings
We’ll cover:
- Football Pitch Surfaces
- Football Pitch Dimensions
- Football Pitch Sizes
- Football Pitch Markings
How To Choose A Football Pitch – All Your Questions Answered
Football Pitch Surfaces
Contemporary materials mean lots of schools and play spaces have moved away from traditional grass for outdoor football. Instead, the three most popular options for exterior football pitches for children are:
- artificial surfaces;
- artificial grass;
- hybrid surfaces.
Artificial Football Pitch Surfaces
Artificial surfaces, such as polymeric or macadam surfaces, can be made from a range of synthetic materials and are favoured for their endurance, easy maintenance, and weather-resistance.
For lots of school playgrounds, non-slip acrylic surface coatings are the preferred option because they can be easily applied over the existing playground.
Learn more about football surface coatings
Offering the full flexibility you need for play in any weather, artificial surfaces or non-slip surface coatings provide great value for money.
In addition to superb performance, you can also choose from a range of colours which will help to make the space look attractive.
The option to add multi-court markings is another big advantage for outdoor playgrounds and play areas.
Multi-court markings are layered markings which enable children to play more than one type of sport on the same court. See multi-court markings
Artificial Grass Pitches
Artificial grass, also known as turf, is made from synthetic blades to provide better performance than natural grass once offered.
Artificial grass delivers many of the same benefits as synthetic surfaces. The two major differences between synthetic grass and hard football surfaces are to do with safety and appearance.
For appearance, artificial surfaces can be applied in custom designs and vibrant colours whilst the options for synthetic turf are to install blades in a two-toned shade of green (which is designed to look more natural).
For safety, artificial surfaces may offer more cushioning for slips than turf, depending on the type of surface or artificial grass you choose.
To improve cushioning, 3G artificial grass includes a sand and rubber layer plus shock-absorbing technology. A lower grade option is 2G synthetic grass which is infilled with sand.
Overall, the composition of synthetic grass may mean it is outperformed by the lifespan of a hard artificial surface but again, this depends on the type of surface or artificial grass you choose.
If you do want a traditional grass football pitch, you may be interested in hybrid grass.
A hybrid grass pitch is made from a high-performing turf which is around 95% natural. The addition of engineering technology ensures hybrid grass delivers the enhanced performance you need for regular use.
Always check artificial grass is FIFA-approved before installing to guarantee it offers a high enough standard of protection from slippage.
Football Pitch Sizes, Dimensions & Line Markings:
Football pitch sizes are a common question. Here are some key measurements for football pitch sizes and markings:
5-a-Side Football
Dimensions
For a 5-a-side football pitch, the general recommendations for pitch dimensions are: length 20-25m x width 30-35m.
The FA’s specific guidelines for 5-a-side football sizes are length 36.5m x width 27.5m.
Line Markings
- Goal size: 3.66m width x 1.22m height.
- Line marking width: 5cm
- Penalty areas: the line marking should be a curved, semi-circle with a 7.5m radius positioned 6m from the goal line.
- Optional penalty spot: should have a radius of 1m.
- Halfway line: is optional for 5-a-side football.
Football Size
- Standard size for 5-a-side football: size 1 mini football.
- Under 6s: size 2 midi football
11-a-Side Football
For a 11-a-side football pitch, the FA’s recommended dimensions are: length 90-120m x width 45-90m.
The FA’s specific guidelines for 11-a-side football for children aged 11-18 are:
- Under 13s-14s: length 82.2m x width 50.2m.
- Under 15s-16s: length 91.4m x width 54.8m.
- Over 18s: length 100.4m x width 64m.
Line Markings
- Goal size: 7.32m width x 2.44m height.
- Line marking widths: 5cm
- Penalty areas: should be 16.45m from the goal line.
- Penalty spot: should be positioned 10.9m from the goal line.
Football Size
- Standard size for 11-a-side football: size 5 football.
If this all sounds rather complex don’t worry. Our experienced team are on hand to provide all the help you need. Our design team can work with you to create a bespoke football pitch that’s the perfect fit for your space and needs.
Whether your outdoor space is compact or used for multiple sports, we have all the solutions you need.
See our range of outdoor football pitches for schools, parks, and other outdoor spaces now. Browse football pitches

Jess Sparks
Jess is deeply committed to supporting our mission of positively impacting UK outdoor play environments to promote healthy lifestyles in children.
With a CIM Level 6 Diploma in Sustainable Marketing, Jess channels her passion for sustainability into her marketing role, using her skills to promote eco-conscious practices and raise awareness for our initiatives.
Jess’ experience within the industry is instrumental in driving engagement and supporting connections with those who require ultra-durable, high-grade playground markings both locally and internationally.