Football

Football is a simple game which involves two even teams (up to 11v11) kicking a ball into a rectangular goal with a net. Players will generally score with their feet but can use any part of their body, apart from their hands and arms. Matches are played over two even time periods of ‘halves’ but games can be played straight through in mini-soccer and festival formats.

The Pokémon Futsal resources have been developed with the purpose of helping schools introduce new players to futsal through a positive first experience of the game or prepare for a School Games Futsal competition. 

They are for everyone regardless of ability and can be used by schools for targeted intervention encouraging players that may not already engage, whilst also applying and developing the School Games values. 

Find out more about how to play the Pokémon futsal football formats.

Equipment needed

• Footballs
• Goals
• Bibs
• Flat markers / cones
• A suitable outdoor space (e.g. playing / sports field)

A brief history of football

Football has been a part of the School Games since their inception and is the most popular sport in the UK. Through the School Games, the Football Association (FA), English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA), and Independent Schools’ Football Association (ISFA) provide opportunities for young people who would not ordinarily have the chance to represent their school in football / futsal fixtures.