Football together
Five football games to play with your child
These are kickabout ideas, not a formal coaching session. Start easy, follow their energy and stop while it is still fun.
- Approx. ages 4–8
- One ball
- 10–20 minutes
- Garden, park or small safe space
Before you start
Choose a flat space away from roads, hard obstacles and other hazards. Use soft markers if you have them, or pick visible points that do not create a trip risk. Check that the activity suits your child, the surface and the weather.
The age range is only a starting point. Make each game simpler or more challenging for the child in front of you. Ask what they want to try; a game that changes halfway through because your child invented a rule is still a good game.
Five simple games
1. Pass through the gate
Put down two safe markers about a metre apart. Stand a short distance away and take turns passing the ball through the gate. Widen the gate or move closer if it feels frustrating; narrow it only when success comes easily.
2. Follow my dribble
One person dribbles slowly around the space and the other follows with their own ball—or walks alongside if there is only one. Swap leader every minute and invent a turn at each marker.
3. Football bowling
Use soft, stable household objects or cones as pins. Roll or pass the ball to knock them down, then rebuild together. Keep the striking distance short enough for regular success.
4. Treasure turns
Scatter four markers around the space. Dribble to one, turn, and return to the middle before choosing the next. Let your child name the turn or make up the route.
5. Beat your best
Choose one simple action—accurate passes, gentle touches or goals through a gate—and count how many you can complete together in 30 seconds. Rest, then see whether you can match it. The shared score keeps the focus on teamwork.
Make it easier or harder
- Move closer, slow down or make targets bigger to create more success.
- Use the other foot, add a gentle movement after passing or make targets smaller for a new challenge.
- For younger children, demonstrate once and let them copy instead of giving several instructions.
- For more than one child, take turns or work toward one shared score so nobody waits for long.
What to remember
There is no need to correct every touch. Notice effort, ideas and moments of improvement. If you want to keep the memory, write down the game they enjoyed or save a photo only when you have the appropriate permission.