The Ultimate Grassroots Matchday Checklist for Coaches | SquadTracker
Matchday can be a scramble. Between remembering the corner flags, sorting who is available, filling in the teamsheet, making sure everyone gets a fair go and keeping half a dozen parents in the loop, it is easy for something to slip. So here is a complete grassroots matchday checklist — before, during and after — to make sure nothing gets forgotten.
Before matchday (the night before)
Confirm the squad and check availability — who is in, who is out, who is doubtful
Build your teamsheet and starting line-up
Plan your substitutions so everyone gets a fair amount of game time
Message parents with the meet time, location and kit
Check kit is clean and you have the right colours (and a spare set in case of a clash)
Charge your phone and have the fixture details saved
The kit-bag list
Match ball (correct size for the age group) and a couple of spares
Bibs for the warm-up
Corner flags
First aid kit
Water and cups
Pump and spare valve
Whistle
Teamsheet, pen and any registration cards your league needs
On matchday (before kick-off)
Arrive early enough to set up the pitch and goals
Check the pitch for hazards
Greet the opposition coach and the referee
Hand over your completed teamsheet
Lead a proper warm-up
Confirm your line-up and remind subs they will get their turn
During the game
Rotate your substitutions to your plan so game time stays fair
Coach less than you think you need to — let them play
Keep the touchline positive (share our touchline guide with your parents)
use Squadtracker Live Match Tracker to your player records — not just goals, but good defending, effort and improvement
After the game
Thank the referee and the opposition
Quick, positive team huddle — effort first, result second
Log the result and player stats while it is fresh
Update parents if needed
Pack up the pitch and count your kit back in
Do the whole matchday from your phone
Half of that checklist is admin you should not still be doing by hand. This is exactly what SquadTracker's matchday tools are built for.
The FA match teamsheet, done in seconds. SquadTracker builds your official FA matchday teamsheet straight from your squad — no more scribbling names on a scrap of paper or filling the same form in every week. Pick your available players and your teamsheet is ready to go.
Availability without the chasing. Players and parents mark themselves available, so you know your numbers before you plan a thing.
Fair game time, tracked for you. SquadTracker keeps a running picture of who has played how much across the season, so sharing minutes fairly stops being guesswork.
Stats logged in a few taps. Results and player stats — including the defensive and effort stats most apps ignore — go straight into each player's record after the game.
Take the matchday scramble off your plate and let the app handle the teamsheet. [SquadTracker](https://squadtracker.co.uk/) is free to try.
The short version
Prep the night before, pack the bag properly, keep the touchline positive, rotate your subs fairly, and log it all quickly after. Better still, let SquadTracker build your FA teamsheet, track availability and manage fair game time — so matchday is about the football, not the paperwork.