Friendlies
In short
These are sporting events played for practice or entertainment rather than official points or rankings. They often serve as warm-up matches before a competitive season begins.
In plain words
Teams play these matches to get ready for real competition. There is no prize money or impact on league standings. They help coaches test new players and tactics.
A simple example
A football club plays a match against a local team in July to help players regain fitness before the Premier League season starts in August.
Why it matters
They allow teams to experiment with different strategies without the risk of losing important points. They also help fans see players in action during the off-season.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse them with competitive league matches, where the result affects a team's position in a tournament.