Football in Barcelona

About the Session

What is Keep Calm Friday Football?

A weekly football (soccer) session organised through the Keep Calm community - a not-for-profit community for English speakers in Barcelona. We play every Friday evening at Satalia, in partnership with Vaya Sports, who book the pitch, provide an on-site organiser, and supply bibs and balls.

Who is this for?

Everyone. It's a mixed, all levels game - ladies and gents both welcome, a mix of regular players and people getting back into football. This is social football, not a league, so the result matters far less than turning up and having a good game.

Is it really beginner friendly?

Yes. The whole point is that it's inclusive and social - beginners are genuinely welcome. Nobody is expecting professionals, and the on-site organiser balances the teams so games stay fun and even. If you're rusty or brand new, just come along and you'll be looked after.

Can I come just to watch or for the social?

Absolutely. The pitch has lovely views over the city and we head to a nearby bar afterwards, so you're very welcome to come down just to watch or to join us for a drink, even if you're not playing.

How does Vaya fit in?

We've teamed up with Vaya Sports to run the Friday session. Vaya runs friendly games open to all skill levels, and for our session they supply the bibs and balls, provide an on-site organiser, and collect the payment through their app. You sign up and pay through Vaya, and their organiser runs things on the day.

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The Weekly Session

When and where do you play?

Every Friday at 18:00 at Satalia, Carrer de Margarit, 23, Sants-Montjuïc, 08004 Barcelona. See Venue for full details and how to get there.

What format do you play?

8v8, all levels. Teams are sorted on the day by the on-site organiser, and players may be switched between teams to keep the sides balanced.

Which pitch do we play on?

It varies through the season - half the F11 pitch for the opening session, the F8 pitch through June and July, and the F7 pitch in August. The exact pitch is always confirmed in the Vaya listing and the WhatsApp group. See Venue for the full schedule.

How much does it cost and how do I pay?

The cost is split among the players and collected by Vaya through their app when you sign up for the game. The exact amount is shown on the game listing. No Keep Calm membership fee - the community is volunteer-run and not-for-profit.

Is there anything after the game?

Yes - we head to a nearby bar for a drink afterwards, usually 30 minutes to an hour of relaxed socialising. It's a big part of the session and a great way to get to know people. Come along even if you only fancy the social side.

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Joining a Session

How do I join?

1. Watch for the game link posted in the Keep Calm Football WhatsApp group
2. Tap the link to open the game in the Vaya app
3. Sign up and pay your share through the app
4. Turn up at Satalia at least 10 minutes before the 18:00 kickoff

What if I can't make it after signing up?

Remove yourself from the game as soon as possible so someone else can take the spot. The pitch is booked for a fixed number of players, so dropping out late leaves the game short.

Is there a sign-up limit?

Yes - spots are limited to the pitch size (8v8). Sign up early through the Vaya app to be sure of a place.

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On the Day

What should I bring and wear?

• A black or dark shirt (Vaya provides bibs to split the teams, but a dark top helps)
• Footwear for the surface - check the pitch type in the listing if you're unsure (astros/trainers for hard courts and fútbol sala, boots for grass or 3G)
• Shin pads if you like to wear them (recommended)
• Water to stay hydrated

Do I need to bring a ball or bibs?

No - Vaya provides the bibs and balls. Just bring yourself, the right footwear, and a dark shirt.

What time should I arrive?

At least 10 minutes before kickoff, so teams can be sorted and the game starts on time.

Who runs the game?

A Vaya on-site organiser (currently Julian Ricardo Lozano) coordinates the match. If you have any questions or issues during the game, ask the organiser.

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Game Etiquette (Vaya Rules)

The Vaya platform asks all players to follow these. They sit alongside the Keep Calm Football rules.

Before the match

• Bring a black or dark shirt
• Arrive at least 10 minutes before kickoff
• If you can't make it, remove yourself from the game as soon as possible
• Games won't be cancelled for rain, except in extreme cases
• Vaya will inform you if a game is cancelled - match updates are sent via push notification (the bell icon on the app's main page)
• No selling or trading spots

During the match

• Keep everyone involved in the game
• All players take a goalkeeper turn (when there's no fixed goalie)
• For any questions or issues, ask the organiser to help
• Players may be switched to balance the teams
• No aggressive or inappropriate behaviour - review Vaya's code of conduct
• Be respectful to the organisers

After the match

• Optionally review the match to help improve the experience
• Sign up for more fun!

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Weather

What happens if it rains?

Games are not cancelled for rain, except in extreme conditions. If a game is cancelled, Vaya will let you know via a push notification (bell icon on the app's main page) and the organisers will post in the WhatsApp group. Don't assume cancellation from the forecast - wait for official word.