Pre‑Season Friendly: What It Is and Why Teams Love It

Every summer you’ll hear about clubs heading abroad for warm‑weather training or lining up friendly matches against other sides. Those games are called pre‑season friendlies, and they’re not just a chance to show off new kits. They give players a chance to get match‑fit, let coaches try new ideas, and help the whole squad gel before the real season starts.

How a Pre‑Season Friendly Works

A pre‑season friendly is usually a low‑stakes game arranged weeks or months ahead of the competitive calendar. Teams pick opponents that match their level – sometimes a big club will face a lower‑division side, other times two top clubs meet to test each other’s tactics. The rules can be tweaked: extra substitutions are allowed, and coaches often rotate heavily so everyone gets minutes.

The main goal is fitness. After the off‑season break, players need to rebuild stamina, speed and sharpness. A friendly match provides a controlled environment where they can push themselves without the pressure of points or league standings.

Real‑World Example: Al‑Arabi SC’s Pre‑Season Build‑Up

Take Al‑Arabi SC from Qatar. In July 2025 they booked a training camp in Valencia, Spain, and scheduled several friendly matches against local clubs. The aim was to improve tactical discipline and physical conditioning ahead of the Qatar Stars League season.

The club’s coach, Pablo Amo, used these games to experiment with different formations. Players got to face European opposition, which raised the intensity compared to regular training sessions. Fans also got a taste of the team’s style before the league kicked off, building excitement for the upcoming campaign.

Other sports use the same idea. Rugby teams like the Stormers host pre‑season friendlies in front of home crowds to test new signings and give younger players a chance to shine. Even basketball squads arrange exhibition games during summer leagues to fine‑tune chemistry.

What’s common across all these examples is the focus on preparation, not results. Coaches watch how players react under pressure, note any injuries early, and adjust their plans accordingly.

If you’re a fan looking to catch a pre‑season friendly, check club websites or local stadium schedules in July and August. Tickets are often cheaper than regular season games, and the atmosphere is relaxed – perfect for families or newcomers wanting a close look at the team.

For clubs, planning a successful pre‑season friendly involves choosing the right opponent, scheduling enough recovery time, and setting clear objectives like testing a new striker or improving set‑piece routines. When done well, those matches can be the difference between a shaky start and a strong opening week in the league.

So next time you see a headline about a “pre‑season friendly” remember it’s more than just a warm‑up game. It’s a vital part of building fitness, testing tactics, and creating buzz before the season really begins.