We believe that the best learning experiences happen when kids are having fun — and soccer is the perfect blend of play and skill development for energetic five-year-olds. Whether you’re a youth coach, a physical education teacher, or simply a parent looking to make the most of outdoor playtime, introducing age-appropriate soccer games can foster coordination, teamwork, and a love of the game early on.
In this guide, we’ll explore a range of engaging and easy-to-learn outdoor soccer games specifically designed for 5-year-olds. These games focus on fun rather than competition and are structured to help young children improve their motor skills, understand basic soccer concepts, and stay active.
At The Kids Point, we believe in nurturing young learners through playful, hands-on experiences that promote both physical activity and foundational skills. Soccer games designed with young children in mind can be a wonderful way to instill these values in a joyful and inclusive environment.
Why Outdoor Soccer Games Matter at Age 5
At five years old, children are developing key physical, social, and emotional skills. Outdoor soccer games serve as more than just a form of exercise; they also:
- Improve gross motor skills (e.g., running, kicking, stopping).
- Enhance coordination and balance.
- Teach listening and instruction-following.
- Encourage teamwork and communication.
- Build confidence in a positive environment.
At this age, kids have short attention spans and are still mastering control over their bodies. That’s why games should be short, active, and filled with simple instructions.
Essential Equipment for Outdoor Soccer Games
Before diving into the games, make sure you have some basic gear ready:
- Size 3 soccer balls (ideal for small feet and light kicking)
- Cones or markers
- Small pop-up goals or makeshift goalposts (sticks, shoes, etc.)
- Whistle (optional)
- Pinnie vests or colored shirts for team play
- Water and snacks for breaks
Once you’re equipped, you’re ready to go!
Red Light, Green Light (Soccer Edition)
Purpose: Improve dribbling and listening skills.
How to Play:
- Set up a starting line and finish line using cones.
- Each child starts with a ball at the starting line.
- When you say “Green Light,” kids dribble their ball toward the finish line.
- When you say “Red Light,” they must stop and freeze with their foot on the ball.
- If a child moves during “Red Light,” they must go back to the previous cone.
Tip: Add in “Yellow Light” for slow-motion dribbling or “Purple Light” for a silly command (like hopping in place). This keeps things unpredictable and fun!
Shark Attack!
Purpose: Encourage spatial awareness and ball control.
How to Play:
- Create a large playing space and define boundaries.
- All players (the “fish”) dribble soccer balls inside the space.
- Choose one child (or adult) to be the “shark” who doesn’t have a ball.
- The shark tries to kick other players’ balls out of the boundary.
- Once a player’s ball is kicked out, they become a helper shark or go to a waiting zone until a new round begins.
Variation: Give each “fish” 3 lives — every time they lose their ball, they lose a life.
Soccer Obstacle Course
Purpose: Develop agility, coordination, and confidence.
How to Set It Up:
Use cones, ladders, hoops, and goals to create a dribbling course. Include:
- Zigzag cone dribbles
- Hula hoop jumps
- Ball taps on a line
- Shoot into a small goal at the end
Let kids take turns going through the course while others cheer them on.
Tip: Time each child (lightheartedly) to motivate them without pressure.
Tunnel Ball
Purpose: Build passing accuracy and teamwork.
How to Play:
- Have kids stand in a line with their legs wide to form tunnels.
- One child stands at the end and tries to pass the ball through all the “tunnels.”
- Rotate turns so each child gets to kick and be part of the tunnel.
Variation: Set up pairs of kids to create tunnel goals and practice kicking between them from short distances.
Cone Knockdown
Purpose: Improve shooting and precision.
How to Play:
- Set up cones like bowling pins a few feet away from a shooting line.
- Each player gets a few tries to knock over as many cones as possible by kicking the ball from behind the line.
- Count how many cones each child knocks down, then reset.
Tip: This can be a solo or team competition. Use colorful cones or even plush toys to knock down!
Crab Soccer
Purpose: Build strength, coordination, and silliness.
How to Play:
- Have kids sit on the ground, hands and feet supporting them with bellies up (“crab walk” position).
- Use a larger ball like a playground ball.
- Let them play a short soccer match in crab position — kicking and blocking the ball while scuttling around.
Variation: Play 1-on-1 crab shootouts with a small goal.
Treasure Hunt
Purpose: Teach ball control and create imaginative play.
How to Play:
- Scatter small objects (toys, bean bags, coins) around the field.
- Each child has a soccer ball and must dribble to collect the “treasure” using their feet (they must stop the ball next to an object and carry it back).
- Continue until all treasure is found. Count who got the most!
Theme Tip: Dress up the kids as pirates or explorers to make it even more exciting.
Balloon Soccer
Purpose: Add a twist to improve reaction time and laughter.
How to Play:
- Inflate one or more balloons.
- In a safe grass area, have kids try to “kick” or “head” the balloon into a small goal.
- Since balloons move unpredictably, this helps kids adapt and react.
Note: Great for warm-ups or cool-downs!
The Shadow Game
Purpose: Improve following directions and mirroring.
How to Play:
- Pair up kids: one is the “leader,” the other is the “shadow.”
- The leader dribbles a ball around the field using slow, fast, zigzag, and stop moves.
- The shadow must follow closely, mimicking the leader’s actions.
After 1-2 minutes, switch roles.
Freeze Dribble
Purpose: Enhance dribbling control and responsiveness.
How to Play:
- All kids start dribbling their balls in the playing area.
- When the leader yells “Freeze!” they must stop and freeze the ball.
- Last player to stop does a fun task (like five toe taps or silly jumps).
Pin the Goal
Purpose: Practice aim and teamwork.
How to Play:
- Blindfold a child (safely!) and place them a few feet from the goal.
- A teammate gives simple instructions like “left,” “right,” “kick!” to help them aim and score.
- Celebrate every goal!
This game promotes trust and listening — ideal for pairs or teams.
Soccer Bowling
Purpose: Sharpen kicking accuracy.
How to Play:
- Line up 6–10 cones or plastic bottles in a triangle (like bowling pins).
- Players take turns kicking the ball to knock over as many as they can.
- Count their scores and reset.
Variation: Use two sets and make it a team relay.
Tips for Success When Coaching 5-Year-Olds
- Keep it lighthearted. Make everything into a story or game.
- Avoid lines. Kids should always be moving — avoid long waits or standing around.
- Celebrate effort, not perfection. Clap and cheer for trying.
- Use visuals. Show how to do something before explaining it verbally.
- Be flexible. If one game isn’t working, quickly pivot to something new.
- Offer frequent breaks. Short games with hydration breaks maintain energy and focus.
Making Soccer Fun Every Time
Soccer at this age is about planting the seeds of movement, skill, and joy. Don’t worry if kids forget the rules or kick the ball the wrong way. The goal is to associate soccer with fun, friendship, and freedom to play. These games will help kids develop basic motor skills and early ball-handling techniques while building the social-emotional skills that are essential at this stage.
By consistently offering fun and engaging soccer activities, you’ll be helping children fall in love with movement — and maybe even nurturing the next soccer star!
At The Kids Point, we’re passionate about creating active, imaginative, and joyful experiences for children. These fun soccer games are just one of many ways we aim to inspire families, coaches, and communities to embrace outdoor play. So grab a ball, head outside, and let the games begin!