5-a-side team generator
Ten names in, two fair 5-a-side teams out. Say roughly how good everyone is and tick the keepers; with 11 or 12 players it sorts the subs too. Free, no sign-up.
Why balance matters more at 5-a-side
With five a side, one player is a fifth of the team. Put the two best on the same side and it's over by half time, and with no one else to hide behind, the weaker side feels every minute of it. Splitting by rating rather than by picking captains is the quickest fix.
Keepers: fixed or rush goalie
If someone will stay in goal all game, tick GK and the generator puts one keeper on each side. If your group plays rush goalie (whoever's furthest back goes in) or takes turns, leave GK unticked and it balances everyone as outfield players.
11 or 12 players: rolling subs
With 12, each side gets one sub; swap every goal or every five minutes so nobody sits out long. With 11, one side has a rolling sub and the generator gives the other side the slightly stronger players, so the extra legs don't decide it.
Agree the house rules first
Many 5-a-side leagues play a head-height rule and keep everyone but the keeper out of the area. In a friends' game, any rule works as long as it's agreed before kick-off, not argued about after the first goal.
Fair every week
The generator is only as fair as the levels you pick. In Squadcard, everyone rates everyone else after each game, so the ratings come from the people who were there and the teams get fairer on their own. Plus player cards that move with your form, a player of the match and a Team of the Week.
Questions
How many players do you need for 5-a-side?
Ten: five on each side, usually one of them in goal. Eleven or twelve gives you subs. With eight or nine, play 4-a-side; the generator splits whatever you have.
What if only 9 turn up?
Play 4-a-side with a rolling sub, or five against four. The generator gives the smaller side the stronger players, so it stays as level as the numbers allow.
Can I get different teams next week with the same 10?
Tap Reshuffle for another fair split of the same players. Your list stays in your browser, so next week it's already there.
How do I stop guessing how good everyone is?
Squadcard does it for you: after each game everyone rates everyone else out of 10, and the app picks the teams from those ratings. Only totals are ever shown.