What to buy for a family tournament

A family tournament needs more than balls and medals. You need equipment for several sports, clear ways to display the schedule, drinks for players and helpers, and practical supplies for changing weather. Plan for shared use rather than one item per person: reusable glasses, bibs, cones and spare balls can cover the whole day. Check what is already available before shopping, then leave time to collect borrowed equipment and test anything that needs power.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 70
Buffet tablesqty 3
Notice board

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 10
Handballsqty 6
Volleyballqty 3
Basketballsqty 4
Conesqty 40
Marker discsqty 30
Training bibsqty 40
Mini goalsqty 4
Volleyball net
Basketball hoopqty 2
Whistlesqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 4
Skipping ropesqty 12
Sports ribbonsqty 12
Spare pumpsqty 2
Ball needlesqty 6
Ropesqty 4
Measuring tapesqty 2

Equipment

Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 4
Megaphone

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 80
Reusable platesqty 80
Reusable cutleryqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50
Mugsqty 30
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving bowlsqty 10
Serving plattersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Scissorsqty 3
Aluminum foilqty 2
Food storage containersqty 12
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 80
Balloon pumpqty 2
Tableclothsqty 8
Team name signsqty 8
Name stickersqty 80
Markersqty 12
Trophiesqty 4
Medalsqty 24

Lighting

Outdoor string lightsqty 4
LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 5 bottles
- Ice tea - 5 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Sports drink - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Baguettes - 12 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White rolls - 60 pieces
- Brown bread rolls - 40 pieces
- Pistolets - 40 pieces
- Herb butter - 6 tubs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast - 2 kilos
- Egg salad - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 12
- Red onion - 2 kilos
- Shredded carrots - 2 kilo
- Corn - 8 cans
- Baby potatoes - 8 kilo
- Chicken skewers - 6 kilos
- Vegetarian burgers - 30 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 70 pieces
- Cheddar slices - 2 packs
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Garlic sauce - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Yogurt dressing - 3 bottles
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Oranges - 30 pieces
- Watermelons - 3 pieces
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Chocolate bars - 40 pieces
- Ice creams - 70 pieces
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand gel - 4 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 2 boxes
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes
- Lemonade syrup - 3 bottles
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Fresh mint - 6 bunches

Tips

Prepare one equipment box for match essentials: whistles, stopwatches, cones, marker discs, training bibs and spare ball pumps with needles. Keep spare balls ready because a lost or damaged ball can delay several matches.
Match the shopping list to the sports actually being played. Footballs, handballs, a volleyball, basketballs, mini goals, a net and a hoop are not interchangeable, so check quantities and condition at least 3 days before the tournament.
Plan drinks around reusable drinking glasses and bring enough water for the full programme. Set up a drinks point near the fields so players do not have to walk back to the buffet between matches.
Do not leave weather equipment until the last day. Party tents, folding tables and chairs should be reserved when the fields are booked, with the rain alternative confirmed at least 48 hours before the event.
Pack the items that are easy to forget but hard to replace on site: extension cords, power strips, power banks, a microphone or megaphone, and measuring tapes. Test speakers and other powered equipment the day before.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a family tournament?: For a multi-sport tournament, plan the required balls, cones, marker discs, bibs, whistles, stopwatches and spare pumps first. Add the sport-specific items such as mini goals, a volleyball net or basketball hoop only for the matches on your schedule. Check the list at least 3 days before the event.
How many drinking glasses do I need for a family tournament?: Start with 1 reusable glass per participant and helper, plus 10 to 20% extra for glasses left on tables or misplaced during matches. For 40 people, that means 44 to 48 glasses. Set up a clearly marked drinks table and refill it throughout the day.
When should I arrange tents and tables for a family tournament?: Reserve party tents, folding tables, buffet tables and chairs when you reserve the sports fields, rather than waiting for the forecast. Confirm delivery or collection at least 48 hours beforehand and check the rain alternative at the same time.
What should I buy for tournament announcements and music?: Bring a Bluetooth speaker, microphone or megaphone, plus extension cords, power strips and at least 1 or 2 charged power banks. Test the setup the day before and keep the announcements equipment near the notice board or schedule table.

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