What to buy for a football tournament

A football tournament needs more than balls and goals. You’ll need enough playing equipment for several matches, clear team identification, referee supplies, refreshments and a reliable setup for announcements. This shopping list covers the practical items that are easy to overlook, including spare balls, pumps, ice packs, extension cords and reusable cups. Check quantities against the number of teams, pitches and expected spectators before you buy or collect anything.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Beer tablesqty 6
Changing room benchesqty 12

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 12
Spare ballsqty 4
Conesqty 80
Marker discsqty 40
Mini goalsqty 8
Goal netsqty 8
Whistlesqty 10
Referee cardsqty 10
Captain's armbandsqty 8
Team bibsqty 80
Pumpsqty 3
Bundle of pioneer scarvesqty 4
Ice packsqty 30

Equipment

Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Laptop
Printer
Mobile chargersqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving plattersqty 12
Coffee cupsqty 50
Tea glassesqty 50

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6
Cookie tinsqty 4
Bottle openersqty 4
Thermos cupsqty 8

Decorations

Buntingqty 12
Balloonsqty 100
Tableclothsqty 10
Team table signsqty 8
Trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 24
Medalsqty 24

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Dustpan and brushqty 3
Broomqty 3
Mop setqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 8
First aid kitqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 180 bottles
- Spa Rood - 60 bottles
- Cola - 24 liters
- Cola Zero - 18 liters
- Orange Soda - 12 liter
- Iced tea - 12 liters
- Apple juice - 8 liters
- Orange juice - 8 liters
- Coffee - 2 kilos
- Tea - 100 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemon slices - 4 nets
- Ice cubes - 15 kilos
- Ice lollies - 100 pieces
- Sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Kaiser rolls - 80 pieces
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Cheese - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Bell peppers - 3 kilos
- Carrots - 3 kilos
- Apples - 120 pieces
- Bananas - 80 pieces
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Snack tomatoes - 4 kilo
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Tortilla chips - 10 bags
- Salted pretzels - 8 bags
- Rice cakes - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Herb cheese - 2 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Satay sauce - 2 liters
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Garlic powder - 1 jar
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper snack trays - 250 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Bandages - 4 boxes
- Gauze Pads - 4 boxes
- Sports tape - 8 rolls
- Cold packs - 12 pieces
- Disposable gloves - 2 boxes
- Pen sets - 4 sets
- Highlighters - 2 sets
- Tape - 6 rolls
- Paper tape - 4 rolls
- A4 paper - 2 packs

Tips

Plan at least one match ball per pitch and keep one spare ball ready for every two pitches. Add pumps before tournament day; a flat ball can delay the schedule quickly.
Prepare one set of bibs for each team that may have similar colours. Captain’s armbands, referee cards and whistles should be packed together rather than left in separate bags.
Allow two to three drinks per player during the first hour, then adjust for the weather and match length. Chill drinks in coolers before teams arrive and keep extra water available at the sidelines.
Pack first-aid supplies, ice packs and spare drinking cups where staff can reach them within a minute. Ice packs are especially easy to forget when the shopping is split between several organisers.
Test the sound system, microphone, laptop, printer and extension cords at least one day ahead. Bring power strips and mobile chargers so schedule changes and announcements do not depend on one empty phone.

Frequently asked questions

How many footballs do I need for a tournament?: Use one match ball per pitch, plus at least one spare for every two pitches. For four pitches, that means four match balls and two spare balls, with pumps ready on site.
How many drinks should I buy for a football tournament?: Start with two to three drinks per player for the first hour, then add more for hot weather or a full-day schedule. Include water as well as other refreshments and keep a reserve for referees and staff.
What equipment do referees need for a football tournament?: Each referee needs a whistle and referee cards, with one additional set kept as backup. Prepare the sets at least one day before the tournament so missing items can still be replaced.
What should I bring for the tournament field setup?: Bring footballs, spare balls, cones, marker discs, goals, nets, bibs, captain’s armbands and pumps. Load and check these items the day before, then place them at each pitch before the first match.

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