Sunday League football - Definition and Overview

Sunday league football is a term used in England to describe those association football leagues which play on Sunday, as opposed to the more usual Saturday. These leagues tend to be lower standard amateur competitions, whose players may have relatively little ability, but play purely for the love of the game.

Sunday leagues are sanctioned by the local County Football Association, or (especially in London) the Amateur Football Alliance. There is no organised promotion or relegation between leagues, unlike in the National League System, which covers the top few levels of amateur football. However, ambitious Sunday teams may apply to join a Saturday league for a higher standard of football, and from there graduate to the FA-sanctioned leagues.

The term "pub league" can also be used, due to the number of public houses that enter teams. Sunday leagues are also where most Old Boys teams play. The most prominent single location for Sunday league football is Hackney Marshes in east London.