Power League wants you! Come on down to the Power League centre in Watford to experience the time of your life. If you fancy a kick about, then there is no better place to be.

What is Power League?

Power League is a set of five-a-side and seven-a-side football pitches which are available to the public. Power Leagues are situated all over England and Scotland. However the closest branch is the one at Queens School in Watford.

What has Power League to offer?

The Watford branch offers a men’s league and a junior’s league which ranges up to the age of 19. Before 5pm on the weekends, all the pitches are accessible for the public to hire out or just to simply turn up and play. Power League hosts children’s parties which include meals for the kids afterwards. The playing surface on the pitches is made of the latest astro-turf which all the professional clubs use. The club house contains a bar and a set of televisions which usually have football matches on. Dressing rooms and toilets are also accessible inside the main building.

What are the league matches like?

League games take place after 5pm each day, with kick off’s up to 8pm. The junior games are 40 minutes long, where as the adult matches are 50 minutes long. The age limitation to play in the junior matches is 18. There isn’t an age barrier in the adult’s league and so youngsters can play but at their own risk. It costs ten pounds to register a team and then Power League charges each team £25 per match. In both junior and adult matches, a referee and coloured bibs are provided.

How much is it to book a pitch?

It costs £40 to hire out a five-a-side pitch per hour where as it is a massive £60 per hour to hire out a seven-a-side pitch. But if you want to run the risk of turning up without booking a pitch and hoping that there are a few pitches free, then Power League only charges £2.50 per person. Once that amount has been paid then you are free to play football there with your mates until the league matches start at 5pm.

What do I have to wear?

Only astro turf trainers or boots with plastic studs are permitted. Power League states that the metal studs rip up the artificial fibres in the pitches. When playing a league match, shin pads are required to prevent injury. To save your team wearing coloured bibs, I would advise for all of the team to wear the same coloured shirts.

What are the rules when playing a league match?

• The ball cannot go over head height (approximately six foot).

• No player can go in either box.

• The goal keeper has so stay inside the box.

• The goal keeper has to roll the ball out.

• Pass backs are allowed, but they can’t happen twice in a row without the other team touching the football.

• Slide tackles are not allowed.

What is the verdict on Power League?

I would strongly suggest visiting Power League if you enjoy your football. I think that it can be a bit pricey in places, especially for league games. Everything is usually well organised and the referee’s are quite strict to ensure that the players are safe. The league matches can become fairly rough at times so be prepared. I have realised that a reasonable level of fitness is needed to keep up with the pace of the match throughout the whole game time. The children’s parties are well run and the food is of a good standard. If you want a simple kick around then it is easy to turn up with some mates and pay the £2.50 as there are usually a few pitches free.