Soccer Games for Kids

Soccer is a very popular sport among children, with over 3 million registered players in 2009, according to US Youth Soccer. When learning the sport, games can help to reinforce important skills ranging from ball handling to agility. Soccer games for kids provide an enjoyable way to master elements of the sport, and there is a large number from which to choose.

  1. Last Man Out

    • A game of "Last Man Out" works to develop solid ball handling skills, as well as offensive and defensive maneuvers; it's good for an entire team to play at practice. You'll need one less ball than there are players. Mark the starting point with a cone and instruct the players to stand behind it. Set a timer for a pre-determined amount of time. Place all the balls in an area at least 20 feet from the group. When the whistle blows, all the players race to retrieve a ball. The player who ends up without a ball must try to steal one from another player. When the time runs out, the player who is without a ball at that time is out. Keep removing one ball for each round played until only one person is left.

    Red Light, Green Light

    • The soccer version of the children's game "Red Light, Green Light" helps young players with dribbling skills and ball and speed control. Players start on one side of the field, each with their own balls. The coach giving the commands yells "green light," turns his back to the players, and waits for several seconds before yelling "red light." At this point, the coach turns and faces the players. Each player should be stopped with one foot on the ball, having moved forward from the starting line. Anyone who loses a ball or is still moving when "red light" is called is sent back to the starting line.

    Topple Ball

    • To build shooting accuracy and teach proper kicking technique, play a game of "Topple Ball." Set up a large circle made up of one cone for each player. Add one cone to the center of the circle and balance a soccer ball on top of it. When the whistle blows, everyone shoots their ball at the middle cone in an attempt to knock it off. Once the ball is knocked off, place it on top again for another round. The more advanced the players, the farther away from the center you can move them.