Using Team Chat
Overview
Squadd includes a built-in team chat for real-time messaging alongside the newsfeed. Unlike the newsfeed (which is broadcast-style — coaches post, parents read), chat is conversational — everyone in the channel can send messages.
There are two channels per team:
| Channel | Who can see it | Who can post |
|---|---|---|
| Team | All members (coaches + parents) | All members |
| Coaches | Coaches and team admins only | Coaches and team admins only |
Opening Chat
Tap the Chat icon in the bottom navigation bar. You'll see a list of available channels with an unread message count badge where there are new messages since your last visit.
Tap a channel to open it.
📸 [Screenshot: Chat channel list showing Team and Coaches channels with unread badges]
Sending a Message
- Open the channel
- Type your message in the text field at the bottom
- Tap Send
Messages appear in real time for everyone in the channel — no need to refresh.
Chat is text only. Images and file attachments are not supported. For sharing match-day photos, use the Photo Gallery module on each fixture.
The Coaches Channel
The Coaches channel is private to staff — parents cannot see it exists or access it. Use it for:
- Pre-match tactics discussions
- Sharing training plans
- Staff logistics (who is covering training this week?)
- Anything you wouldn't want parents to see
Parents see only the Team channel.
Unread Counts
A badge on each channel shows the number of messages you haven't read yet. The count updates in real time as new messages arrive, and clears when you open the channel.
Deleting a Message
Long-press any message to open the options menu:
- Your own messages: tap Delete message to remove it from the channel immediately
- Other people's messages: you can Report the message if it's inappropriate
- Team admins: can delete any message in any channel
Frequently Asked Questions
Can parents post in the Team channel?
Yes — the Team channel is open to all members. Any coach or parent who has joined the team can send messages there.
Can I turn off the Coaches channel?
No — both channels are always present for the team. If you don't need the Coaches channel, simply don't use it.
Does Squadd send a push notification for every chat message?
Push notifications for chat depend on the user's device notification settings. In-app, unread counts update in real time whenever you have the app open.
Can I search old messages?
Not currently. The chat shows the recent message history in reverse chronological order.
Can I attach photos or files in chat?
No — chat is text only. Use the fixture Photo Gallery for match-day photos and the newsfeed for announcements.