Ring for matches? (6,5)

'matches?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'ring' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'ring' could be 'arena' (ring is a kind of arena or venue) and 'arena' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'sports' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?