Practice Match Checklist

A practice match needs more than a confirmed opponent and a booked field. You also need changing rooms, a referee, player registrations, match information and a clear schedule. On match day, allow time to inspect and mark the field, set up the goals, prepare the competition table and organise refreshments. This checklist covers the practical details that are easy to miss, from spare shoelaces and pump needles to keys, access and dietary requirements.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Record match schedule
2 people
Confirm opponent
Reserve field
Reserve changing rooms
Arrange referee
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Share competition information
Assign volunteers
2 people
Print the match schedule
Check materials
2 people
Lay out shirts and vests
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Check the weather forecast
Arrange keys and access

Event

Inspect the field
2 people
Open changing rooms
Mark out the field
4 people
Set up goals
4 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up competition table
2 people
Set up catering
3 people
Set up the reception desk
2 people
Welcome the teams
2 people
Receive the referee
Register attendance
2 people
Let teams warm up
2 people
Supervise the competition
3 people
Set up resting care
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Record the results
Run the after-party
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Remove waste regularly
See off teams
2 people

Aftercare

Dismantle field
4 people
Clear away goals and sports equipment
4 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Clean changing rooms
2 people
Clean the cafeteria
3 people
Empty and clean coolers
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Count inventory
Return borrowed items
2 people
Dry competition equipment
2 people
Store leftovers
2 people
Inform participants of the results

What to bring

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

Sports equipment

Footballsqty 6
Match ballqty 2
Conesqty 30
Marker conesqty 30
Training bibsqty 20
Spare shoelacesqty 6
Ball netqty 2
Hand pumpqty 2
Ball pump needleqty 6
Measuring tape
Field marking cart
Field marking paintqty 2
Reserve netsqty 2

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Competition table
Clothes racksqty 2
Party tentqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Small bowlsqty 8
Serving plattersqty 6

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Megaphone

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2
Bottle openersqty 3
Ice packsqty 12

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the opponent, field, changing rooms and referee before sending invitations. Players need the basic match information early, while venue access and officials are harder to replace at short notice.
Set a clear registration deadline and collect dietary requirements at the same time. This gives you a reliable player count for snacks, drinks, seating and the printed match schedule.
Check every piece of match equipment before match day, including the match ball, pumps, cones, bibs, nets and field-marking supplies. A missing pump needle or damaged net can delay the start.
Prepare the field setup in a fixed order: inspect the surface, mark the lines, position the goals and check the nets. Keep the measuring tape and spare nets available until the inspection is complete.
Plan the refreshments separately from the match setup. Chill drinks in advance, prepare snacks, and check that kettles, coffee machines, thermos flasks, extension cords and power strips can reach the catering area safely.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a practice match?: Confirm the opponent, field, changing rooms and referee at least 2 to 3 weeks before the match. Send invitations and open registrations once those essentials are fixed.
What should I check on the morning of a practice match?: Check the weather, field condition, keys, changing-room access and equipment before setup begins. Allow at least 90 minutes for field marking, goals, tables, the competition table and catering.
How many footballs and bibs do I need for a practice match?: The required number depends on the training format and squad size, so confirm it from your team list rather than guessing. Prepare the match ball separately and keep a pump, needle and spare shoelaces accessible.
When should I collect dietary requirements for the match?: Ask for dietary requirements when players register and set the deadline at least 5 days before the match. That leaves time to adjust snacks and serving arrangements before shopping.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.