12 best pitches to play football in Manchester

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If you’re looking for the perfect pitch to play football in Manchester casually, then look no further. Here are our top 12 list venues that’ll get your blood pumping and your feet flying! 

1. Powerleague Manchester Central

πŸ—Ί 20 Union St, Manchester M12 4JD

Play football in Manchester at Powerleague Manchester Central

Powerleague Manchester Central is the locals’ footy HQ. The place is always packed with players buzzing for their games to kick off. It’s ideal for leagues with ten 5-a-side and two 7-a-side pitches. Each of them is named after a famous player. Johan Cruyff, Pele, Diego Maradona or Paolo Maldini arenas are a nice touch. There’s a friendly atmosphere whenever you walk in, and you can hear the players having banter. The venue is also equipped with changing rooms with showers, a function room, kids’ facilities, a bar and decent car park. If you’re not a fan of leagues and prefer a no commitment kickabout with your mates, you can always use Footy Addicts to join existing casual games.

Directions:

Walk: 6 mins from New Islington, 12 mins from Piccadilly (Manchester Metrolink)

Buses: 142, 192, 201, 230, 231, 250, 44

πŸ‘‰ Play football in Manchester at Powerleague Manchester Central ⚽️

2. Goals Manchester

πŸ—Ί 4 Irish Town Way, Manchester M8 0RB

Play football in Manchester at Goals Sports Centres

Goals Manchester is another 5’s & 7’s footy heaven. Their pitches are known for being a little wider and football stadium looking surfaces. Goals Manchester have six 5-a-side and two 7-a-side pitches. Each of them is named after iconic football stadiums, such as Maracana, San Siro, Estadio Asteca or La Bombonera. Goals Manchester invested heavily in their pitches and facilities so you can expect a decent standard. The venue has loads of parking spaces, free wifi, a bar, a cafe, live sports and super friendly staff. Perfect for a kickabout and socialising. This venue is also available via Footy Addicts.

Directions:

Walk: 6 mins from Queens Road, 21 mins from Monsal (Manchester Metrolink)

Buses: 135, 151, 41

πŸ‘‰ Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Goals Sports Centres ⚽️

3. Platt Lane Sports Complex (old ManCity Academy)

πŸ—Ί Yew Tree Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 7UU

Play football in Manchester at Platt Lane Sports Complex

Platt Lane is one of the most popular places to play football in Manchester. It has everything you need, two full size outdoor football pitches as well as  a smaller 7-a-side outdoor pitch and a 9-a-side pitch in the dome . It also has a gym on-site and more than enough parking spaces – no wonder it’s a local favourite! The venue housed Manchester City players for 35 years before they moved to the City Football Academy. It has always been an accessible and community orientated place. If you want to play a casual game there, make sure to book early. All Manchester Footy Addicts absolutely love it here.

Directions:

Walk: 18 mins from Burton Road (Manchester Metrolink)

Buses: 111, 150, 41, 42, 43, 44, 142, 143

πŸ‘‰ Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Platt Lane Sports Complex ⚽️

4. Sugden Sports Centre

πŸ—Ί 114 Grosvenor St, Manchester M1 7HL

Fancy playing on the same pitch as Wayne Rooney, Paul Pogba, Kun Aguero, or Rio Ferdinand? πŸ‘€ Then add Sugden Sports Centre to your list! The all-weather outdoor 6-a-side cage under the Mancunian Way guarantees a brilliant football experience. It boasts a FIFA street vibe that encourages trying out a few tricks while keeping the game fast-paced. Conveniently located next to Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints Library, and Institute of Sport, it’s a perfect spot for local players

Directions:

Walk: 10-15mins walk from Oxford Road and Manchester Piccadilly Train Stations

Buses: 142, 15, 192, 203, 250, 263, 43, 86, V1

πŸ‘‰ Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Sugden Sports Centre ⚽️

5. Trinity Sports Centre

πŸ—Ί Cambridge St, Manchester M15 6HP

Play football in Manchester at Trinity Sports Centre

There is no place to play football in Manchester like Trinity Sports Centre. With a large and modern outdoor pitch, this venue is a football paradise. You can play a proper 11-a-side or split into three 8-a-side games with nice, big goals. It’s got everything you need for a top-notch footy experience. There’s also plenty of indoor activities and you’ll see whole families enjoying the various sessions from Karate to Badminton. The venue has a good size changing rooms with showers and a well equipped gym so you can do your game prep. Bear in mind this is an extremely popular location. For example, Saturday game slots usually fill-up on Tuesday. 

Directions:

Walk: 5 mins from Piccadilly (Manchester Metrolink)

Buses: 101, 103, 250, 263, 85

πŸ‘‰ Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Trinity Sports Centre ⚽️

6. Denmark Road Sports Centre

πŸ—Ί 120 Denmark Rd, Manchester M15 6FG

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Play football in Manchester at Denmark Road

Denmark Road is an absolute classic if you love playing in a cage. The game experience is second to none. The venue has three all weather 4G small-sided pitches which have had a Β£200,000 refurbishment and a multi-sports hall. The venue is very easy to find (you can literally see all the pitches from the road) and has lots of parking spaces. Denmark Road attracts all the skilful Manc ballers because the games usually have lots of touches, one-two passes and tight space dribbling opportunities.

Directions: 

Walk: 17 mins from Deansgate-Castlefield (Manchester Metrolink)

Buses: 103, 111, 142, 143, 191, 197, 43, 44, 53

πŸ‘‰ Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Denmark Road Sports Centre ⚽️

7. Ten Acres Lane Sports Complex

πŸ—Ί Ten Acres Ln, Newton Heath, Manchester M40 2SP

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Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Ten Acres Lane Sports Complex. Photo credit: Manchopper

You’ll have this midweek football feeling the moment you step on the pitch at Ten Acres. With modern facilities and a huge 3G astro pitch it makes a great place to play football in Manchester. No wonder many local teams choose to train at this venue. This place is perfect if you like a little Karate, Kung-Fu or Taekwondo in your spare time, too. Ten Acres offers a range of martial arts classes at their combat hall. The venue has a good size on-site parking and you may find it easier to get there by car over public transport.

Directions:

Walk: 6 mins from Newton Heath & Moston (Manchester Metrolink)

Bus: 182, 83, 84

πŸ‘‰ Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Ten Acres Lane Sports Complex ⚽️

8. Manchester Academy

πŸ—Ί 30 Denmark Rd, Manchester M15 6FG, UK

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Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Manchester Academy

Located in walking distance from the Denmark Road Sports Centre and Trinity Sports Centre, Manchester Academy is the footy mecca of the north. The venue provides an 

11-a-side 3G astroturf football pitch that is usually divided into two 9-a-side games. If you prefer more space, a bit of a run and long passes, Manchester Academy would be perfect for you. One of the biggest benefits here are the powerful floodlights which make playing and recording your games a much better experience. There’s a good parking space if you want to drive to your games. Make sure to bring more footballs with you. Any dodgy shots will mean a long run to find the ball. 

Directions:

Walk: 11 min from Clayton Hall (Manchester Metrolink)

Bus: 230, 231, 53

πŸ‘‰ Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Manchester Academy ⚽️

9. MEA Central

πŸ—Ί 60a Lytham Rd, Manchester, M14 6PL

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Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at MEA Central. Photo credit: Christian Smith

MEA Central is an absolute hidden Gem for casual ballers in Manchester. The pitch is constructed to the latest 3G standards and well maintained. It makes you feel like an athlete the moment your feet touch the astro. Regular players appreciate proper, big goals, excellent surface and large car park. The place is usually quiet, so you can spend quality time doing what you love – kicking the ball around. 

Directions:

Walk: 16 mins from West Didsbury (Manchester Metrolink)

Bus: 150, 171, 172, 192, 197, 50

πŸ‘‰ Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at MEA Central ⚽️

10. Ordsall Leisure Centre

πŸ—Ί Craven Dr, Ordsall, Salford M5 3DJ

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Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at the Ordsall Leisure Centre. Photo credit: Manchopper

Ordsall Leisure Centre is a sound location for a quality game of footy. Surrounded by the park, it’s a place loved by the local community. You may get a small crowd of people watching your game and maybe even Salford City scouts – who knows! The 3G astro pitch is quite long and wide and makes for an ideal 8-a-side game. Situated next to the busy Trafford Rd and tall buildings, this venue gives you the city life vibe that many enjoy.

Directions:

Walk: 5 mins from Salford Quays (Manchester Metrolink)

Bus: 53, 79

πŸ‘‰ Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Ordsall Leisure Centre ⚽️ 

11. Levenshulme High School

πŸ—Ί Crossley Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 1FS

Footy-Addicts-Levenshulme-High-School
Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Levenshulme High School. Photo credit: Levenshulme High School

Located next to the green and pleasant Cringle Park, Levenshulme High School is an excellent place for a casual after-work or weekend kickabout. The venue is surrounded by trees which adds an even healthier element to your overall experience. There’s one fully floodlit 3G pitch suitable for 6 to 8-a-side games. There are big goals and good space to play your favourite game. Another benefit is the large on-site car park. If you like to explore different football venues, this one should definitely be on your list.

Directions:

Walk: 10 mins from East Didsbury (Manchester Metrolink)

Bus: 150, 172, 192, 50

πŸ‘‰ Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Levenshulme High School ⚽️

12. Parrs Wood High School

πŸ—Ί Wilmslow Rd, East Didsbury, Manchester M20 5PG

Parrs Wood High School
Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Parrs Wood High School

Parrs Wood High School, in South Manchester, is a great venue if you want some peace and quiet while playing casual footy. With a well maintained floodlit 5-a-side and 7-a-side all weather astroturf pitches, spacious changing rooms and on-site parking, this place is perfect if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Directions:

Walk: 3 mins from East Didsbury

Bus: 142, 171, 23, 50

πŸ‘‰ Play football in Manchester with Footy Addicts at Parrs Wood High School ⚽️

⚽️ Ready to play football in Manchester?

Manchester is a great city to play casual football in, and there are plenty of fantastic venues available for those looking to get out on the pitch. Each with their own unique atmosphere and facilities. From 5-a-side to 11-a-sides, and everything in between, Manchester has something for everyone. So grab your boots and get ready to have a kickabout at one of these brilliant places!

Fancy exploring other cities? Check out these guides πŸ‘‡

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