A step-by-step guide to organising a company or inter-company small-sided football tournament: teams and squads, pitches and slots, group-plus-knockout format, an 8-team fixture example, rules, referees, awards and team names.
Short answer: to organise a small-sided football tournament, first decide the number of teams and squads (10–12 players per team for 7-a-side), then book enough pitches and time slots, build a group stage plus knockout fixture that guarantees every team at least three matches, share the rules in writing beforehand, arrange a neutral referee and first aid, and close the day with an awards ceremony. One pitch fits around 15 matches in a day, which is enough for an 8-team tournament.
In Türkiye, “halı saha” football on artificial-turf pitches is usually played 7-a-side rather than five-a-side, but the planning principles are the same. This guide is for HR and events teams organising an internal or inter-company tournament. If you would like a turnkey event, see our corporate small-sided football tournament page; for a format that runs over several weeks, see our corporate small-sided football league.
How to organise a five-a-side or 7-a-side tournament: step by step
1. Define the purpose and scope
The first question: internal or inter-company? In an internal company tournament, teams are usually formed by department, and the aim is cross-department connection and internal communication. In an inter-company tournament, competition is fiercer and the event also creates external visibility. To decide which suits you, see our article internal tournament or inter-company league? The most common format for corporate tournaments is 7-a-side (six outfield players plus a goalkeeper). With substitutes, a squad of 10–12 players per team is ideal, so less fit colleagues still get time on the pitch and an injury does not leave a team short. Divide your number of participants by 10–12 to find the number of teams. Plan supporter, cheering and organising roles for colleagues who do not want to play. Keep teams balanced: if all the strong players end up in one department, the tournament is decided in the first hour. To encourage women to take part, consider a mixed-team rule (for example, at least one woman on the pitch at all times). Tournament matches are usually played as 2 × 15 minutes; with half-time and changeovers, allow a 35-minute slot per match. On that basis, one pitch fits around 15 matches between 09:00 and 18:00. The most common mistake in corporate tournaments is a straight knockout: half the teams are out after one match and go home before the day has started. That is why the standard format is group stage plus knockout; every team plays at least three matches and stays involved all day. A tournament fits into one day; a league runs over several weeks, with matches usually 2 × 25 minutes in a fixed evening slot. Starting with a one-day tournament and moving to a league once interest is proven is a sensible sequence for companies organising for the first time. For league planning, see our article on setting up an inter-company sports league. An example fixture for an 8-team tournament with two groups (one pitch, 35-minute slots): This format has 12 group matches and 3 knockout matches, and every team plays at least three times. Agree tie-breakers for the group tables in advance: points, goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head and, if needed, penalties. Share the fixtures at least a week before the tournament so people can plan around them. Rules vary by tournament; what matters is sharing them in writing beforehand and repeating them at the pre-tournament briefing. The list below summarises common practice in corporate small-sided tournaments. Note: these are practices commonly seen in corporate tournaments; each tournament sets its own rules. Even in an internal tournament, choosing a referee from one of the teams quickly leads to arguments. Plan a neutral referee for every match and someone at the table to keep score. Have a first aid kit, cold packs and a person competent in first aid at the pitch, and identify the nearest medical facility in advance. A short warm-up, plenty of water and shade throughout the day and a light lunch reduce the risk of injury and fatigue. Unlimited substitutions are important so colleagues who have not played for a while can take part without overdoing it. This section is general information, not legal advice. It is advisable to collect a health declaration from participants before the tournament, confirm in writing that participation is voluntary and consider insurance covering the event. Clarifying responsibilities in the agreement with the venue matters too. For details, see our contracts, insurance and liability checklist for corporate events, and consult your legal team where needed. The awards ceremony is the most photographed moment of the tournament and is used in internal communications for a long time. Alongside the trophy and medals, awards such as top scorer, best goalkeeper, fair play and “best supporters” bring colleagues who did not play into the ceremony. Photos and video shot during the day can be turned into a short highlights piece afterwards. Team names work best when they combine department identity with humour. A few ideas suitable for a corporate setting: Letting teams choose their own names and printing them on shirts or bibs creates a sense of belonging before a ball is kicked. For a broader, multi-sport internal tournament, see our guide on how to organise an internal company sports tournament. A good small-sided football tournament is built on balanced teams, a fixture list that guarantees every team at least three matches, rules shared in advance, a neutral referee and a memorable awards ceremony. If you would like pitches, referees, first aid, kit and awards handled in one place, request a quote within 24 hours from our corporate small-sided football tournament page, or explore our corporate small-sided football league for a season-long format.2. Set the number of teams and squads
3. Plan pitches and time slots
4. Choose the format: group plus knockout, or a league?
5. Build the fixture list
Time Stage Match 09:00 Group A – round 1 A1 v A2 09:35 Group B – round 1 B1 v B2 10:10 Group A – round 1 A3 v A4 10:45 Group B – round 1 B3 v B4 11:20 Group A – round 2 A1 v A3 11:55 Group B – round 2 B1 v B3 12:30 Group A – round 2 A2 v A4 13:05 Group B – round 2 B2 v B4 13:40 Lunch break 14:20 Group A – round 3 A1 v A4 14:55 Group B – round 3 B1 v B4 15:30 Group A – round 3 A2 v A3 16:05 Group B – round 3 B2 v B3 16:40 Semi-final A winner v B runner-up 17:15 Semi-final B winner v A runner-up 17:50 Final Semi-final winners 18:30 Awards ceremony 6. Put the rules in writing
Five-a-side and 7-a-side tournament rules: common practice
Referees and health precautions
A note on legal matters and insurance
The awards ceremony
Five-a-side team names: 20 ideas
Checklist
Conclusion
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