When to use this template
Use this when you want to explore how the team sees itself, not to assign fixed roles.
How to use this template
Preparation
Create one full copy of the template per participant, consisting of:
the archetype descriptions, one football pitch, one set of jerseys (or sticky notes) with the names of all participants
Each template contains the same names — including the participant’s own name.
Step 1: Individual placement
Each participant works on their own copy of the template.
Place all names on the pitch based on how you currently perceive the team.
Names can be placed:
anywhere on the pitch
multiple people in similar areas
or outside the pitch (e.g. sidelines) if that feels appropriate
There are no right or wrong answers — this is about perspective.
Step 2: Sharing perspectives
One by one, participants walk the group through their pitch.
Explain the thinking behind the placement:
why names are where they are
why certain areas are crowded or empty
why some names might be off the pitch
Others listen; questions for understanding are welcome.
Step 3: Look for patterns
After all pitches have been presented, the group reflects together:
What patterns do we see across pitches?
Where do perspectives strongly align?
Where do they differ?
Which areas of the pitch seem over‑ or under‑represented?
What surprised us?
Step 4: Create the optimal line‑up
The moderator creates one new, shared copy of the pitch and name stickies.
As a group, discuss and agree on an optimal line‑up:
based on insights from the previous steps
not as a fixed assignment, but as a desired balance
The moderator places the names on the shared pitch to reflect this outcome.
Optional closing question
What would need to change for this optimal line‑up to work in practice?
