---
title: "Avoiding own goals: What football can teach us about teams"
url: "https://www.teamchallenge-company.co.uk/avoiding-own-goals-what-football-can-teach-us-about-teams/"
description: "Jonathan Hazley explores what football teaches us about teamwork - from clear roles and communication to strategy and collaboration."
updated: 2026-10-27
section: "Posts"
---

# Avoiding own goals: What football can teach us about teams

> Jonathan Hazley explores what football teaches us about teamwork - from clear roles and communication to strategy and collaboration.

I’m back on Industry Insight duty this week, and thanks to the return of the football season, I’ve got my inspiration ready to go.

The 2025/26 football season is underway across the UK's top leagues. But as we all know, those teams didn’t just show up and hope for the best. Pre-season has been all about strategy, communication and making sure the kit still fits after the summer break.

It’s never only about fitness. Success comes from having a plan, knowing your role and feeling part of the squad.

That’s something we can all learn from at work. At the start of the season, a football manager sets out their vision. In the same way a project team should agree on what success looks like from the start.

On the pitch every player has a position. The same applies at work. Clear responsibilities allow people to give their best without tripping over one another or worse, tackling their own teammates.

Teams also need to decide how they’ll work together. Pre-season is when squads learn each other’s styles and how to collaborate. At work it helps to talk about how you’ll make decisions, share updates and keep momentum. Early discussions can save a lot of awkward own goals later on.

And then there’s communication. On match day, players are always calling instructions or offering encouragement. In the workplace, open conversations make sure everyone feels supported. When people understand each other’s style of communication projects flow with far less stress.

A strong start in football can shape the entire season. It’s no different at work. Begin with clear goals, defined roles, agreed ways of working and open communication and you’ll set your team up for success long before the final whistle.

I’ll hang up my boots now that I’ve run out of football puns, but if you’d like some help getting your team ready for kick-off (ok, one more!) [get in touch](https://www.teamchallenge-company.co.uk/contact-us.md) and see how we might be able to help.

## Next steps

- [Contact us](https://www.teamchallenge-company.co.uk/contact-us/)
- Phone: [03300 040903](tel:03300040903)
- Email: [info@teamchallenge-company.co.uk](mailto:info@teamchallenge-company.co.uk)

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- [How Shared Challenges Restore Trust in Growing Teams](https://www.teamchallenge-company.co.uk/shared-challenges-restore-trust-in-growing-teams.md): Discover how facilitated team morale activities can rebuild trust after rapid growth, strengthen communication and help growing teams work together effectively.
- [When Do Team Building Consultants UK Add Real Value?](https://www.teamchallenge-company.co.uk/team-building-consultants-uk-add-real-value.md): Discover when team building consultants in the UK can help large groups improve collaboration, leadership, morale and readiness for change at work
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