Arrival game · 0 to 15 min
Ball Thieves
Protect your ball, and win it back when you lose it.
Kids know this one. They played this last practice. Ask them who should be the first thieves.
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.
Main game · 15 to 35 min
Kids' Choice
The kids run the show: they pick, explain, and play.
Set up
- Show them the 4 games in the picture.
- Hands up to vote. The top 2 games win.
Play
- Ask a kid to explain the rules to everyone.
- Play each winning game for 10 minutes.
- Let them add a new rule if they want.
Say this
“Which game do you want to play? Why?”
“Who can explain how it works?”
“What new rule should we add?”
Watch for
- Kids teaching each other. That's the win.
- Quiet kids getting a vote too
- Praise kids who help others
Make it easierYou pick 2, they choose between them.
Make it harderKids invent a new game mixing 2 old ones.
Big game + huddle · 35 to 60 min
Mini World Cup
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.
- Each team picks a country name. 3 minute games, then rotate.
- Water break first. Big celebrations for every goal.
Say this
“Which country are you?”
“Where's the space?”
“Shoot! It's OK to miss!”
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: huddlePenalty for everyone! Coach dives the wrong way. Every kid scores. Then high fives and a team cheer.