It happens in almost every group: the outfield spots fill up in minutes and the goal stays empty until the last moment. In the end whoever arrived late or lost at rock, paper, scissors plays in goal, and the match is decided by that. It doesn’t have to be this way.

1. Think about the goal when you create the match, not when you arrive

The goalkeeper isn’t just another spot: it’s the first one to secure. When you open the call-up:

  • Ask about the goal first. “Who’s in goal?” before “who’s in?”.
  • If you have a regular keeper, confirm them before everyone else. Filling outfield spots is easier than finding a keeper on the day.
  • For 9 or 11-a-side, think about two. In the bigger formats, a keeper on each side isn’t optional.

2. When nobody wants to play in goal: clear turns

If the group has no keeper, agree on a system before kick-off:

  • By time: the keeper changes every set number of minutes.
  • By goal: whoever is in goal comes out when they concede.
  • By list: different people take the goal each week, in order.

What matters is deciding before you arrive, not on the pitch while the paid slot ticks away.

3. Goalkeepers who charge: clear agreements

In Medellín it’s common for a goalkeeper to charge for playing in goal. It’s a service and it’s fine to agree on it that way:

  • Agree the amount beforehand, not at the end of the match.
  • Say how and when they get paid. If the amount is split among everyone, add it to each player’s share from the start; if you’re unsure how, see how to split the cost of the pitch (Spanish).
  • Confirm the format and the exact time. An hour of 5-a-side isn’t the same as an 11-a-side match.
  • If you cancel, give notice. A keeper who charges has often turned down another match to come to yours.

4. How to treat the goalkeeper so they come back

A good keeper has options. Whether they want to come back to your match depends on how they feel:

  • The defence protects them. Nothing is more discouraging than facing everyone alone.
  • They’re not the target of complaints. Goals are conceded as a team.
  • The match starts and ends at the agreed time.
  • They get paid what was agreed, in full and on time.

If you’re the one in goal, we have tips for amateur football goalkeepers.

How to find a goalkeeper with PARCHUP

In the open beta, goalkeepers can mark themselves available for now, today, tonight or a time window they choose, within a radius, and can offer their service at a rate they set. As an organizer:

  1. Open your match and go to Administrar partido (manage match).
  2. In the goalkeeper section, tap Buscar arquero (find a goalkeeper) to see who is available nearby and at your time.
  3. Send the request. The goalkeeper accepts or declines from their inbox.
  4. If you like, share the match on WhatsApp: the card says a goalkeeper is needed.

About money: the goalkeeper sets their own rate and it goes to them. During the beta in-app payments are not active yet, so payment is agreed between people, outside PARCHUP; the PARCHUP commission isn’t charged today. More details on pricing and the page for goalkeepers.

Missing a keeper this weekend? Enter the beta and look for one from your match.