How to organise a weekly football game
The Thursday game is the best game of the week and the hardest to organise: the same list to redo every week, the same messages, the same "I'll come if I can". Here is how to keep a regular game going without all the work falling on one person.
The basics of a regular game
- Same day, same time, same pitch. Players plan the week ahead and don't have to ask every time.
- A group a bit bigger than you need: for 5-a-side, 14-16 people, so that 10 turn up every week.
- A deadline to confirm: for example by noon the day before. After that, the place goes to the substitutes.
- A clear cost: how much each person pays and how (cash or electronically), said beforehand.
- Who brings what: ball, bibs, pump, goalkeeper gloves. If it isn't decided, nobody brings them.
The mistakes that kill a regular game
- Confirming everything at the last minute: whoever has to choose between football and something else picks the one already certain.
- Always the same people on the same teams: after a month, whoever always loses stops coming.
- A single organiser: if they miss a week, the game is off. Better to have someone who can stand in.
- No substitutes: two people drop out and the game is cancelled. A waiting list saves it.
- A closed group: people who stop playing need replacing, so now and then you need someone new.
The weekly game in Squadiko
- Set it to repeat. When you create the game, choose "Every week" or "Every 2 weeks": same day, time and place.
- You confirm the date, the others get invited. 5 days before each date Squadiko asks you to confirm it; then everyone in the game's group gets the invitation and picks their place.
- Waiting list and reminders. When the game is full, whoever comes later goes on the waiting list and is told when a place frees up. Before kick-off everyone gets a reminder.
- Who brings what. The game's page has the list of things to bring (ball, bibs, pump, gloves…): everyone takes what they're bringing.
- A co-organiser. You can make a player co-organiser: they manage players, teams and requests with you, so the game doesn't depend on you alone.
Keeping the group going
After every game players give medals to the best: Player of the match, the player cards and the badges give one more reason to come back the next week. Every month the town's best players make the Hall of fame, where organisers also find new players to invite.
Organise your game
Free, in 30 seconds: create the game, send the link to the group and everyone picks a team and a position on the pitch. Players don't need to sign up.
Organise your gameQuestions
How many people do you need for a weekly 5-a-side game?
To play with 10, a group of 14-16 people is best: someone is missing every week, and this way the game still goes ahead.
How do I avoid redoing the list every week?
In Squadiko the game repeats by itself every week or every two: you confirm the date and everyone in the group gets the invitation.
What if I can't organise it one week?
Make one of the players co-organiser: they manage players, teams, requests and the waiting list for you. Confirming dates and cancelling stay with you.
More guides
An app to organise football with friends: how to choose one and use it
How to organise football with friends for free: one link to the group, everyone picks a team and a position, balanced teams, a waiting list and the cost.
How to pick balanced teams for a football game
How to split players into even teams for a game with friends: captains, positions, level, rotation. The pros and cons of each way and how to do it in one tap.
How to find players for a football game (even at the last minute)
Short of players for your football game? Where to find them near you: friends of friends, local groups, the pitch, public games and a waiting list.
5, 7 and 8-a-side football: how many players you need and which formations to use
5, 7, 8 and 11-a-side football with friends: how many players you need, how many substitutes, the usual formations for each format and how to pick one.
The pitch cost: how to split it and get paid
How to split the cost of a football pitch between players and get paid without chasing anyone: how much to ask, when, cash or electronic payment.