Beat the Grid Tournament

Tournament Format | Small Sided Games | Competitive Element | Fast Paced | Decision Making Skills

Beat the Grid Tournament (February 2025)

This week saw us deliver our very first Beat the Grid Tournament. Players enjoyment, engagement and overall experience was at the forefront of the design and delivery of this new activity. As a club we are committed to give all our players, regardless of age, playing level and experience the opportunity to have a rewarding and positive experiences on and off the pitch.

The format of Beat the Grid, which was developed specifically by the Park Sports Project coaching staff, was a series of games (max 7 a side) that saw teammates and opponents change after every match. This meant that every player was continuously required to prove themselves, in addition to adapting to ever changing conditions.

Points were rewarded for winning, drawing and of course the of scoring of goals. There were also some added bonus points that that could won for using special plays at the right time! Results were recorded and scored in live time to allow coaches to update leaderboards. Players were able to keep a track of how they were performing individually and as part of the wider group. This element brought out players competitive instincts to further motivate and push them on to perform individually and as a good teammate.

One of the big successes of the Tournament was the inclusion of the duel age bands. By opening up registrations across age groups meant that we were able to mix players from the club’s age groups that they may not have had the chance to play or interact or play with with before.

KENNY MCCOMMISH, FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER:

"Beat the Grid is a small-sided games tournament that emphasises both individual skills and team play. The tournament has been a great success, with players enjoying the games and the competitive leaderboard. In addition to the benefits of small-sided games, players develop physically, technically, psychologically, and tactically, knowing that every goal counts and their efforts are rewarded. The unique format ensures that success is not determined by ability alone, allowing everyone the opportunity to participate, enjoy, and potentially 'Beat the Grid.'"

DARREN COURTNEY, FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER:

“It was great to see the excitement in each player when their teams were read out every round. With the tournament having a fun yet competitive edge to it, meant every game and every goal mattered. Because your team changes every match, it sets up new challenges for every individual in each game and this brings out the best in each player.”