A match is a tool for starting a fire. Typically, modern matches are made of small wooden sticks or stiff paper. One end is coated with a material that can be ignited by frictional heat generated by striking the match against a suitable surface. Wooden matches are packaged in matchboxes, and paper matches are partially cut into rows and stapled into matchbooks. The coated end of a match, known as the match "head", consists of a bead of active ingredients and  binder; often coloured for easier inspection. There are two main types of matches: safety matches, which can be struck only against a specially prepared surface, and strike-anywhere matches, for which any suitably frictional surface can be used. Some match-like compositions, known as electric matches, are ignited electrically and do not make use of heat from friction.

Mothers Apart from Their Children (MATCH) has existed since 1979 as a non-judgemental support group, run by volunteers who are, or have been, mothers separated from their children after divorce, family breakdown, care orders, adoption or abduction. Separation can last several months, years or decades. Sometimes forever. In September 2006 MATCH was granted charitable status.