Arrival game · 0 to 15 min
Goal Grab
Look up, pick a goal, and shoot.
Kids know this one. The kids know this one. Let them set up the goals!
Set up
- Big square, 25 x 25 big steps. 4 pop-up goals facing different ways.
- Everyone has a ball.
Play
- Score in any goal and count your goals.
- No scoring in the same goal twice in a row.
- Round 2: add 2 thieves (no ball) who try to steal.
Say this
“Which goal is the easiest one to score in right now? Why?”
“What part of your foot makes the ball go where you want?”
“How many did you get?”
Watch for
- Head up to find an open goal
- Inside of foot to aim, laces for power
- Celebrate every goal like a World Cup final
Make it easierShoot from closer. No thieves.
Make it harderWeak foot goals count double. Add thieves.
Main game · 15 to 35 min
Ball Thieves
Protect your ball, and win it back when you lose it.
Set up
- Square, 20 x 20 big steps.
- Half the kids have a ball. Half are thieves in pinnies.
Play
- Thieves try to steal a ball. Steal it and it's yours!
- Lost your ball? Now you're a thief. Go win one back.
- Stop every 2 minutes: who has a ball?
Say this
“How do you keep your ball safe?”
“Thieves: when is the best time to steal it?”
“Lost it? Go get it back right away!”
Watch for
- Body between the thief and the ball
- Thieves going right away, not giving up
- Praise kids who win it back
Make it easierMore balls than thieves.
Make it harderSteal it, then score in a pop-up goal to keep it.
Big game + huddle · 35 to 60 min
Big Game
Real soccer. Everyone plays. Nobody sits.
Set up
- 7 or 8 kids: one field, 4v4. 9 to 12 kids: two fields, 3v3.
- Field = 25 x 15 big steps. pop-up goal each end. No goalies.
Play
- Ball goes out? Roll a new one in fast. No kick-ins, dribble it in.
- Bonus: beat a player, then score = 2 goals.
- Water break first. Swap teams halfway.
Say this
“You've got the ball and one defender. Go at them!”
“Lost it? Win it right back like a thief!”
“What move did you use?”
Watch for
- A beehive around the ball is normal at this age
- Kids trying moves, not just booting it
- Praise effort and bravery, loudly
Last 5 minutes: huddleWho stole the ball back today? Then high fives and a team cheer.