8-a-side team generator
Sixteen players, two fair 8-a-side teams. Paste the list, say roughly how good each one is and tick the keepers; the sides are balanced on total level, not picked by captains. Free, no sign-up.
Seven outfield players need a shape
With a keeper and seven outfield players, most groups play three at the back, three in midfield and one up top, or 3-2-2. Balancing by rating keeps the strongest defenders and the quickest forwards spread across both sides.
Bigger pitch, more running
8-a-side is usually played on a bigger pitch than 5s, so fitness counts for more. If someone's quick but not much else, nudge their level up a step; pace is hard to defend in space.
17 or 18 players: rolling subs
With 18, each side gets a sub; rotate every ten minutes so nobody stands still too long. With 17, one side has the extra player and the generator gives that side slightly weaker players to keep it level.
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 is 8-a-side?
Sixteen for a full game: eight per side, a keeper and seven outfield players. Bring one or two extra and rotate them in.
What if 15 turn up?
Play 8 against 7. The generator gives the smaller side the stronger players, so it stays as level as the numbers allow.
How do I keep the keepers apart?
Tick GK for each keeper and they always go on opposite sides. With only one, the other side rotates someone in goal.
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.