How to find players for a football game (even at the last minute)

1. Friends of friends. Ask the people who already play to bring someone. It's the quickest way, and the new player already knows someone on the pitch.
2. A waiting list. Keep a waiting list for every game: when someone pulls out, the first on the list takes the place. In Squadiko the waiting list tells the people waiting by itself.
3. The pitch where you play. At the sports centre or the five-a-side pitch, the staff know other groups and players on their own. Ask them, or leave a note on the board.
4. Local groups and social media. Facebook and Messenger groups in your town (for example "football Kraków"), groups at work, the university. Write the day, the time, the pitch and the level: whoever reads it knows straight away if it suits them.
5. Public games nearby. Make your Squadiko game public: it shows up for people looking for a game nearby, on the map too. Whoever wants to play asks to join, and you accept whom you want.

A good post answers the reader's questions straight away. For example:

• When: Thursday 8:30 pm, 90 minutes.
• Where: the pitch's address with a map link.
• What: 6-a-side on an outdoor pitch, 2 players short, casual level.
• How much: the cost per person and how it's paid (cash or electronically).
• How to join: the game's link, where you pick a place with one tap.

• A regular slot every week at the same time: players plan ahead.
• Grow the group gradually: one new player a week makes a big difference after a month.
• Always two or three people on the waiting list.
• Reply to everyone and thank those who came for the first time: that's what makes them come back.

It works the other way too: if you play on your own and are looking for a game, in Squadiko you'll find public games with free places nearby, in a list or on the map, and can ask to join. And your town's Hall of fame shows the best players of the month, whom an organiser can invite.