A one-day tournament is the most fun way to go from “the Thursday match” to something with a bit more excitement: several teams, a single day, short matches and a winner by the end. It’s also the fastest way for everything to fall apart if it isn’t planned.

These are the steps to make it work.

1. Decide the number of teams first

Everything depends on how many teams there are. The most manageable formats for a single day are:

  • 4 teams: semi-finals and a final, or a short round robin. Ideal to start with.
  • 6 teams: two groups of three, then semi-finals or a straight final between group winners.
  • 8 teams: two groups of four, or a straight knockout from the quarter-finals.

Odd numbers complicate logistics: someone sits out every round. If you can, aim for an even number.

2. Be honest about pitch time

The most common mistake is scheduling more matches than fit. Do the maths before you book:

  • Add up the length of every match.
  • Add a few minutes between matches to swap teams.
  • Leave a buffer for delays, because there are always delays.

If the total doesn’t fit in the booked slot, shorten the matches or reduce the number of teams. Finishing on time beats leaving the final half-played because the hour ran out.

3. Short matches, clear rules

In a one-day tournament matches are usually short and played in a single period. Before kick-off, decide and announce:

  • Length of each match and whether there’s a half-time.
  • What happens with a draw in the group stage (a point each) and in the knockouts (straight to penalties is usually fastest).
  • Group tie-breaks: points, then goal difference, then goals scored, then the head-to-head result. Write it down before you start, not when two teams are already arguing.
  • Substitutions: unlimited or limited.
  • Cards or sendings-off: what happens if someone is sent off and whether they miss the next match.

4. Registration and full squads

Ask each captain to confirm their list in advance, with substitutes. A tournament collapses when a team turns up with six players for 7-a-side. Set an arrival deadline and announce it: if a team doesn’t show up on time, they forfeit the match.

If the tournament has a cost per team (for example, to pay for the pitch and the referee), say so from the call-up, along with what it covers and when it’s collected.

5. Better to have a referee

In a tournament there’s more at stake than in a normal match, and arguments multiply. A referee, even someone from the group who isn’t playing, saves a lot of trouble. If there’s no referee, agree that each captain is responsible for their team’s behaviour.

6. Publish fixtures and results in one place

Make sure everyone knows when they play and against whom. Publish the fixtures before the tournament and update the table after every match. A single point of reference avoids the classic “who are we playing now?”.

7. On the day

  • Bibs in several colours.
  • Two or three balls in good condition.
  • Enough water for everyone.
  • A basic first-aid kit.
  • Someone in charge of recording results.

8. The finish

A tournament is remembered for the atmosphere, not just the champion. Recognize the winner, but also the best goalkeeper or the fairest player. And ask at the end what you’d improve next time: that conversation is what turns a one-day tournament into a tradition.

Tournaments on PARCHUP

Tournaments aren’t in the app yet: we’re designing them with organizers in the city. The idea is that every tournament fixture is a normal PARCHUP match, with its lineups and results. If you run tournaments, tell us how you do it.