What you need for a football tournament

A football tournament needs more than balls and goals. You will also need clear team identification, match administration, hydration, sideline seating and equipment to keep the day running when something breaks. This shopping list covers the practical items to buy, borrow or bring for the pitches, changing rooms and registration area. Check quantities against your number of teams, pitches and matches, and arrange rented equipment before the final participant list is closed.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 60
Beer tablesqty 6
Tableclothsqty 10
Changing room benchesqty 12

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 12
Reserve footballsqty 4
Conesqty 40
Marker conesqty 80
Field goalsqty 4
Goal netsqty 4
Goalpost anchorsqty 8
Field marking linesqty 8
Ball pumpsqty 3
Spare valvesqty 20
Whistlesqty 8
Referee watchesqty 6
Referee cardsqty 12
Team bibsqty 48
Captain's armbandsqty 12
Water jugsqty 24
Water bottle cratesqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Tactics boardsqty 4
Changing room hangersqty 80
Towelsqty 30
Ball basketsqty 4
Scoreboard setsqty 4
Team number signsqty 12
Competition bibsqty 24

Equipment

Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 3
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 6
Mobile phonesqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 6
Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Megaphone

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 12
Pitchersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Serving utensilsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Food containersqty 12
Aluminum foil dispensersqty 2
Corkscrewsqty 2

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Team flagsqty 12
Directional signsqty 12
Welcome sign
Sponsor bannersqty 8
Trophiesqty 4
Medal ribbonsqty 48
Medal bin

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
LED work lightsqty 4
Flashlightsqty 6

Cleaning

Broomqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Waste binsqty 10
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Paper towel holdersqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 120 bottles
- Sparkling water - 48 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Ice tea - 18 bottles
- Sports drink - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 cartons
- Orange juice - 12 cartons
- Coffee - 6 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 12 pieces
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Rolls - 120 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 60 pieces
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Cooked ham - 3 kilograms
- Sliced cheese - 3 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Peppers - 3 kilograms
- Red onion - 2 kilograms
- Butter - 1 kilogram
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Pesto sauce - 4 jars
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Bananas - 10 kilograms
- Apples - 10 kilograms
- Grapes - 6 kilograms
- Oranges - 8 kilogram
- Cherry tomatoes - 4 kilograms
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 6 boxes
- Vegan cookies - 4 packs
- Gluten-free crackers - 4 packs
- Nut mix - 6 bags
- Yogurt - 40 cups
- Vegan yogurt - 12 cups
- Herb Salt - 2 jars
- Black pepper - 2 jars
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Disposable gloves - 4 boxes
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Compostable bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 8 packs
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 packs
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Gauze pads - 4 boxes
- Sports tape - 12 rolls
- Cold compresses - 12 pieces
- Sunscreen - 12 bottles

Tips

Plan at least one match ball per pitch, plus reserve footballs, a working pump and spare valves. A flat ball during a match is one of the easiest delays to prevent.
Prepare enough team bibs or marker vests for every player who may need colour identification, with a few extras in case of size problems or a missing item.
Give each referee a whistle, watch and cards, and keep spare stationery and printed match forms at the administration table. These small items are often forgotten until the first fixture starts.
Set out water bottles, bottle crates and cool boxes before teams arrive. For a tournament lasting several hours, plan refills rather than relying on players to bring enough water themselves.
Do not leave furniture and shelter until the last week. Confirm the number of folding tables, chairs, beer tables and party tents needed for registration, refreshments, officials and spectators at least 7 days ahead.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a football tournament?: For each pitch, plan a match ball, reserve footballs, cones, marker discs, goals, nets and anchoring equipment. Add pumps, spare valves, bibs, water bottles, referee equipment and a way to record scores.
How many footballs do I need for a tournament?: Start with at least one match ball per pitch and add two to three reserve footballs for the whole tournament. Bring a pump and spare valves so a deflated ball does not stop a fixture.
How much water should I buy for a football tournament?: Provide enough water for every player, referee and volunteer throughout the full event, with extra for warm weather and delays. Organise water bottles, crates and cool boxes before the participant list closes, ideally at least 3 days in advance.
When should I order football tournament equipment?: Order or reserve goals, nets, tents, tables, chairs and other hired items at least 7 days before the tournament. Check balls, pumps, bibs and referee supplies again 2 to 3 days beforehand.

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