Football brings people together. From the thrill of watching your favourite team play a live match to getting into a game of five-a-side with friends, there’s a community feel to the beautiful game.

This makes football the perfect theme for a get-together. Whether you’re celebrating a major league final, supporting your national team during the World Cup, or simply having a party based around the sport, it’s sure to be an exciting event.

If you’re thinking of hosting a football-themed party soon, here are some tips to help you get organised.

Set the time and place

If you’re trying to plan when to host your party, you might want to consider booking everyone in on a key matchday where you can all follow the action together. This is a great way to get everyone invested in the game.  

Where you host it will depend on whether you want to invite a few friends for a smaller gathering, in which case a home setting could be ideal. If you do only invite a select few, you’ll be right on trend as smaller, more personalised gatherings are set to be a major theme in 2024, across all types of events from weddings to parties.

Alternatively, you might want to rent a space if your guest list is large. If you do decide to rent somewhere, take the time to research what venues are available and try to book early.

Décor and dress code

Decorate your venue in the colours of the teams playing to immerse everyone in the match atmosphere. Balloon decorations, especially in team colours, can add a lively touch, and don’t shy away from implementing bold and bright colours to make the setting vibrant .

Encourage everyone to wear their team’s home kit to add to the fun and hang wall art related to the game. Maybe you have matchday programmes that might look good framed on the wall or posters of your favourite players and legendary managers.

Pre-game warmup activities

Kick off your party with football trivia or a mini-football match in the garden. These activities get everyone in the spirit and offer a great way to pass the time until the match starts.

Video game tournaments are another great way to get everyone ready for the main event. You might want to perfect your Football Manager prowess or dig out some retro FIFA games to take everyone back in time.

Food and drink

Serve up tasty snacks. Crisps and dips are a firm favourite but finger foods are also easy to eat while watching the match. Go for things like chips, sliders and chicken wings.

Have some drinks ready too. You might want to add alcoholic drinks, so it’s worth getting in your friends’ favourites.  

Create the perfect viewing experience

A comfortable viewing area is crucial. Consider a projector for large groups or make sure your TV is appropriately sized and positioned so everyone can see the screen. Sound quality can’t be overlooked; a soundbar or external speakers can enhance the experience.

Once everything’s ready, get your best chants lined up and you’ll be good to go!

Football brings people together. From the thrill of watching your favourite team play a live match to getting into a game of five-a-side with friends, there’s a community feel to the beautiful game.

This makes football the perfect theme for a get-together. Whether you’re celebrating a major league final, supporting your national team during the World Cup, or simply having a party based around the sport, it’s sure to be an exciting event.

If you’re thinking of hosting a football-themed party soon, here are some tips to help you get organised.

Set the time and place

If you’re trying to plan when to host your party, you might want to consider booking everyone in on a key matchday where you can all follow the action together. This is a great way to get everyone invested in the game.  

Where you host it will depend on whether you want to invite a few friends for a smaller gathering, in which case a home setting could be ideal. If you do only invite a select few, you’ll be right on trend as smaller, more personalised gatherings are set to be a major theme in 2024, across all types of events from weddings to parties.

Alternatively, you might want to rent a space if your guest list is large. If you do decide to rent somewhere, take the time to research what venues are available and try to book early.

Décor and dress code

Decorate your venue in the colours of the teams playing to immerse everyone in the match atmosphere. Balloon decorations, especially in team colours, can add a lively touch, and don’t shy away from implementing bold and bright colours to make the setting vibrant .

Encourage everyone to wear their team’s home kit to add to the fun and hang wall art related to the game. Maybe you have matchday programmes that might look good framed on the wall or posters of your favourite players and legendary managers.

Pre-game warmup activities

Kick off your party with football trivia or a mini-football match in the garden. These activities get everyone in the spirit and offer a great way to pass the time until the match starts.

Video game tournaments are another great way to get everyone ready for the main event. You might want to perfect your Football Manager prowess or dig out some retro FIFA games to take everyone back in time.

Food and drink

Serve up tasty snacks. Crisps and dips are a firm favourite but finger foods are also easy to eat while watching the match. Go for things like chips, sliders and chicken wings.

Have some drinks ready too. You might want to add alcoholic drinks, so it’s worth getting in your friends’ favourites.  

Create the perfect viewing experience

A comfortable viewing area is crucial. Consider a projector for large groups or make sure your TV is appropriately sized and positioned so everyone can see the screen. Sound quality can’t be overlooked; a soundbar or external speakers can enhance the experience.

Once everything’s ready, get your best chants lined up and you’ll be good to go!