High-five: 5-a-side football takes off in India

A 5-a-side football game

When Radiant Sport, an NGO promoting sports in the city of Chennai, decided to host a 5-a-side football tournament, the organisers were taken aback by the response. In a country where cricket still remains the most popular game, football is slowly but surely making inroads. “The response for the 5-a-side tournament was phenomenal,” says Mr V. Ranga Raja, who co-founded the NGO.

The concept

The shorter version of the game, which has been a hit amongst school and college students, is played with either 5 or 7 member teams with three substitutes, over a time period of 20-30 minutes. Adding a new dimension to the regular football game, the 5-a-side format requires not only good knowledge of the game but also good fitness levels.

The football on display may not be at the same level as professional leagues, but is definitely not ordinary. “It gives people a chance to play competitively as you do not have to be a professional to play at tournaments,” says Aditya Srikanth, a participant.

For some though, it is a good time to play with friends, as there are no restrictions to form a team. The concept of “club culture” that has developed in India has helped the fans of one club get together and form a 5-member team. The attractive prize money on offer in these tournaments is no doubt an added incentive. “It is the pure passion and interest for the game, that has made the shorter version of the game so popular,” adds Mr Ranga Raja.

A fun way to spend your weekends

Most tournaments charge an entry fees, but these do not blow a hole in your pocket. “Each tournament is a lot of fun, and we also earn some money through it,” adds Krishna, who plays for Loyola College. From Coimbatore to Delhi, most cities have welcomed this concept with open arms. Corporates too have taken to the sport, as young working professionals find it a good way to pass their time.

The growth of football as such has been happening at a faster pace over the last few years, and the initiatives taken by sponsors coupled with private funding are partly to thank for that.

“The Government has to improve scouting and training facilities across all districts, and make football a worthwhile game,” adds Avinaash. With the awarding of the U-17 football WC to India, there still remains much more to be done to promote the ‘beautiful game’ amongst the public. And according to Ranga Ranja, this can be done by conducting tournaments in the shorter version of the games, and from there move on to the regular 11-member tournaments.