Casual Football Sessions in South London: Your Complete Guide
Nobody ever decides to stop playing football. It just sort of happens.
The five-a-side group chat goes quiet. The Sunday league season ends and nobody organises the next one. Life fills in the gaps where sport used to be, and one day you look up and the last time you kicked a ball was at a work team-building day two years ago which was more traumatic than it was fun.
If you are in South London and trying to find a casual football session, a real one, not a £15-a-head venue hire split between eight people who are all waiting on one bloke to confirm, this guide is for you. We cover the best option we have found in the area, exactly how it works, how much it costs, how to get there, and how to book.
Kickerbout: The Best Pay-and-Play Football in South London
Kickerbout is a grassroots football session provider based in South London. They run pay-as-you-play sessions in Mitcham on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings. You do not need to be part of a team. You do not need to know anyone there. You just need to show up.
It costs £8.50 a session. Your first game is half price (£4.25).
What a Kickerbout Session Actually Looks Like
A licensed coach (Charlie) runs every session. Arrive 15 minutes before kick-off because there is a warm-up drill before play starts that is genuinely useful rather than performative.
The format is small-sided: 5v5 or 6v6 depending on numbers. There are two halves. It is organised without being rigid, competitive without being the kind of competitive that makes you dread going. If you have not played in a while, this is the right environment to ease back in.
One reviewer described the sessions by saying: "There's no other way I want to spend my Saturday mornings. Great group of people, all setup ready to go upon arrival. Always a different, fun, drill/ warm-up to break the ice and bond before kick off. Glad to be a part of Kickerbout”
Session Details at a Glance
Location: Canons Leisure Centre - Madeira Road
Wednesday sessions: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday sessions: 9:30am - 10:30am
Cost per session: £8.50
First session: £4.25 (half price)
Format: 5v5, 6v6, or 7v7 small-sided
Coach: Charlie (licensed)
Arrive: 15 minutes before kick-off
Who Is This For?
The honest answer is: most people. Kickerbout runs mixed-ability sessions and the format is designed so that players returning after a long break can keep up without feeling out of place.
You will get the most out of it if you:
Used to play regularly and want to get back into it without committing to a full team or league
Play occasionally but want something more structured than a kickabout with friends
Have recently moved to South London and are looking for a regular football fixture in your week
Want to play sport and meet people without the admin of organising it yourself
You do not need to know anyone. You do not need to bring a team. You bring yourself, pay at the door, and play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance, or can I just turn up? Kickerbout sessions can be booked through The NBRH. Walk-ins may be possible depending on capacity, but sessions fill up particularly Saturday mornings. Booking ahead guarantees your spot and avoids disappointment.
What boots should I wear? Moulded studs or astro trainers are both fine. Metal studs are generally not permitted on 3G surfaces. If in doubt, astros are the safer call.
Do I need to be fit to play? No. Kickerbout sessions are mixed ability and the small-sided format means you are never far from the ball or the action. That said, a brief warm-up does happen before kick-off, so turning up 15 minutes early helps you ease in.
Is it suitable if I haven't played in years? Yes — this is actually the format Kickerbout is best known for. The coached structure and welcoming atmosphere make it a low-pressure re-entry point. The Google reviews consistently mention this.
How many people are usually there? Enough for at least a 5v5, typically more.
Written by Kennedy Adamu. Kennedy has 25+ years of experience in sport as a player, coach, official, and volunteer. He currently coaches a basketball team in East London and founded The NBRH to make grassroots sports in London easier to find and book.
