Last Updated on: 7th January 2026, 02:52 pm
What to do if your football match is cancelled?
How to make the most of postponed games.
Tadcaster Ings, Dec 2009 By Richard Croft at geograph.org.uk via Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA 2.0]
Why Are Football Matches Cancelled in the UK?
Every team will likely have had at least one of their games called off. Most of the time, football matches are cancelled due to safety concerns. We know how unpredictable the British weather is and what it means for grassroots football. Pitches and facilities can be negatively affected by the weather, especially during the autumn and winter months. Common reasons your match may be called off include:
- Waterlogged or flooded pitches after heavy rain
- Frozen or icy surfaces that increase the risk of injury
- Strong winds or extreme weather conditions
- Unsafe facilities, such as damaged goals or poor visibility
The decision to cancel is always made to protect players, officials, and volunteers. As much as they might want to play, your team’s welfare should always take precedence. We know it can be frustrating, but there are things you can do to turn it into a positive. So, what should you do if your match has been cancelled?
What to Do If Your Football Match Is Cancelled
A cancelled match doesn’t have to mean a lost weekend. With the right approach, it can become a chance to develop skills, strengthen team bonds, and prepare for the games ahead. Here are some simple ways to make the most of the extra time:
- Have a team meeting
- Run a light training session if it’s safe
- Arrange a small or indoor game
- Review previous matches
- Planning for the future
- Team bonding and confidence building
With a bit of planning, a cancelled match can still be productive and positive for players and coaches. Keep reading for more ideas on how to use the time.
Have a Team Meeting
This is a great time to get the team together and have a discussion about how everyone is feeling. Ask your players if they had any thoughts or concerns leading up to the cancelled match. It gives the team a chance to share their ideas about what the team could focus on. You can set goals for your next practice and discuss tactics for any upcoming matches.
Focus on Skills
Don’t need to let this time go to waste. Instead, use it to focus on any skills that the team might be lacking. Provided it’s safe, set out some drills to work on anything that the team has identified or that you think they need to work on. If you take this option, remember to always put safety first. Make sure you:
- Don’t train on unsafe surfaces
- Follow league and council guidance
- Find indoor alternatives where possible
If you have any doubts, don’t risk your players’ safety. If the weather allows it, our guide to training in the rain offers tips for rainy days.
5-a-side
You might not be able to play your match, but your players can still play football. Try and arrange a 5-a-side and let your players have some time on the pitch. You can also use this time to address any areas that might need to be focused on in future training sessions.
Don’t worry if you need more balls, we have a great range of offers on all our footballs.
Match Analysis
Use the time to go through your previous matches. Talk about the team’s successes and failures. Ask the players for their opinion on where there might be room for improvement. If you have any video footage, you can watch it back and use it to influence your training.
Team Building
It’s always good to get a bit of team bonding before you’re next on the pitch. You can either do some team-building activities or do something fun together. Play some non-football games that will help the team feel more united before your next match.
Take Inspiration from the Professionals
Watch a professional match or clips of well-known players to see what you can learn. You can discuss ways the team can introduce new strategies into their training. Get everyone thinking about how they can elevate their game for future matches.
King’s Meadow, Reading By Andrew Smith via Wikimedia Commons
Plan Ahead
Use this time to think about your future matches. Develop the strategies you need to win and plan for your next practice sessions. See what you can learn about your future opponents and come up with new formations and tactics before you face them.
Take a look at our range of football training equipment to help set up your drills. We have everything you need to develop your skills.
Have Fun
With their game cancelled, it’s likely your team need a bit of cheering up. You could use the free time to just have some fun. Keeping your players busy will help lift their spirits and help them blow off some steam.
If you’ve got younger players, try some indoor football games or follow our blog post to create your own table football.
Be Prepared
We can’t do anything to stop your match from being cancelled. What we can do is make sure you have everything you need for bad weather. Check out our range of winter training wear to get everything you need to survive the cold and wet. At least that way, your players are always prepared for a bonus training session or 5-a-side match.
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Tags: Football advice, football coaching, football matches