Seven-a-side is the heartbeat of football in Kenya. It is fast, it is physical, and every single player on the pitch touches the ball. No hiding on the wing waiting for something to happen. No watching the game pass you by. In 7-a-side, you are the game.
Whether you have been playing for years or your squad just dragged you out for “one friendly match” (that will definitely become a weekly thing), here is everything you need to know about the format we play at PAKTB Grace Sports Centre.
The Setup: 7 Players, 1 Pitch, Pure Football
Each team fields seven players, including a goalkeeper. Our pitch at Thindigua measures roughly 60m x 40m, which is the sweet spot for 7-a-side. Big enough for proper build-up play, small enough that every pass matters and every mistake gets punished.
Substitutions are rolling. That means players swap in and out without stopping the game. One player steps off the sideline, another steps on. No waiting for the referee to wave you in. It keeps the energy high and means everyone gets playing time, even if you have brought 10 people.
How Long Do You Get?
A standard booking at PAKTB is one hour. Most groups split it into two halves of 25 minutes with a 5-minute breather in between. Some prefer three shorter periods of 18 minutes if they want more natural reset points. There is no stoppage time. When your hour is up, the next crew is lacing up.
The Rules That Matter
If you have played 11-a-side, most of this will feel familiar. But there are a few differences that change the game completely:
- No offside. This is the big one. You can park yourself next to the goalkeeper and wait for a long ball if you want to. (Your teammates might judge you, but the rules allow it.) It opens up the game massively and rewards clever movement.
- No slide tackles. On artificial turf, sliding gives you burns that last a week. Stay on your feet, time your challenges, and win the ball cleanly. It is better football anyway.
- Goal kicks from the ground. The keeper distributes with a kick, not a throw. This changes build-up play because a good goalkeeper becomes your first playmaker.
- Back-pass rule still applies. If a teammate deliberately passes it back to the keeper, they cannot pick it up. Feet only. This keeps the game moving forward.
- Corners and free kicks. Standard rules. Opponents must be at least 5 metres from the ball. Walls are smaller but still effective at this pitch size.
Formations: Where Should Everyone Stand?
With only six outfield players, every position matters. Here are the three formations that work best:
2-3-1 (The Balanced One) – Two defenders, three midfielders, one striker. This is the most common setup and works for most groups. The midfield trio controls the game while the lone striker stays high.
3-2-1 (The Solid One) – Three at the back, two in midfield, one up front. Use this when the other team has a rapid forward who keeps getting behind your defence. The extra defender gives you cover.
1-3-2 (The Bold One) – One defender, three midfielders, two strikers. High-risk, high-reward. You will score a lot, but you will also concede a lot. Perfect for when you are trailing and need to throw everything forward.
The secret to all of them: talk. Constantly. Seven-a-side punishes silence. Call for the ball, shout when someone is behind your teammate, organise your shape after every goal kick. The teams that communicate always look better than the teams with the most skill.
The Unwritten Rules (Pitch Etiquette)
- Show up on time. Your hour starts whether you are there or not. Arrive 10 minutes early to warm up and save yourself from pulling a muscle in the first sprint.
- Wear the right boots. Turf shoes or moulded studs. Metal studs tear up the surface and will get you asked to leave.
- Bring water. Thindigua evenings are warm. Dehydration cramps are real and they ruin your game faster than anything.
- Play fair. No referee? No problem. Call your own fouls. Admit when the ball went off you. The best pickup games are the ones where everyone is honest.
- Shake hands after. Win or lose, you just shared a pitch with people who love the same game you do. That deserves respect.
Ready to Play?
Now you know the rules, the formations, and the etiquette. All that is left is getting on the pitch. Book your session at PAKTB Grace Sports Centre and put it all into practice. Bring your squad, bring your game, and bring your water.
See you out there.