intersquad

An intersquad match is a scrimmage between two teams drawn from the same club or organization. It is typically held during training, pre-season, or internal evaluation periods and is not part of any official competition against external clubs. The two sides are usually formed from different tiers within the same organization, such as the first team versus the reserve team, or the under-23s versus the under-18s. In some contexts, intersquad matches are used to test tactical ideas, assess player form, or integrate new signings.

Intersquad games commonly feature relaxed officiating and may allow more substitutions, shorter match lengths, or modified formats to emphasize development and experimentation rather than result. They provide players with competitive intensity while allowing coaches to observe decision-making, teamwork, and individual performance in game-like conditions. The practice is common across many sports, including football (soccer), basketball, hockey, cricket, and esports teams.

Terminology can vary; some sources refer to “intra-squad” or “internal scrimmage” to describe similar exercises, while “intersquad” emphasizes competition between different squads within the same organization.