DIY Soccer Tabletop Game for Kids
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Looking for a fun indoor soccer activity? This DIY Soccer Tabletop Game is easy to make with simple supplies and provides hours of competitive fun! Kids will love launching the soccer balls with elastic kickers as they try to score goals against their opponent.
Inspired by tabletop soccer games and the excitement of the World Cup, this homemade version doubles as a creative STEM activity. Experiment with different types of soccer balls, redesign your field, and challenge family members to a tournament to crown the ultimate soccer champion!
Who needs a fancy foosball table? Just save a cardboard box and your kids will be quickly entertained. This will be an instant classic in your home!
Supplies Needed
- Large shallow cardboard box or box lid (pizza boxes work great!)
- Green paper
- White crayon or paint pen
- 2 straws
- Scissors or box cutter
- Glue
- Soccer balls (choose one or test several!):
- Bottle caps
- Pom-poms
- Small foam balls
- Wooden beads
How to Make a Soccer Tabletop Game
Step 1: Trim the Box
Trim the box down to make a box that can be easily played with. I cut mine in half.
Step 2: Cut the goals
Cut an opening in the center of each short side of the box to create goals.
Make sure your goals are slightly wider and taller than the type of soccer ball you plan to use.
Step 3: Draw the goal lines
Use a ruler and white crayon or marker to draw soccer field markings, including the center line, the center circle and the goal boxes.
Step 3: Add the Soccer Balls
Use pom-poms, ping-pong balls, or bottle caps as balls.
Place one ball in the center of the field and get ready to play!
How to Play
Players sit on opposite ends of the soccer field.
Using a straw to blow the ball towards the goal. Take turns shooting until one player scores. Return the ball to the center circle after each goal. The first player to score 5 goals wins!
We tried a few different ways before settling on the straw version as our favorite.
Initially, I stretched rubber bands across the field to catapult them. This didn’t work how we expected! The did not stay in the box, but it was fun!
We also tried just kicking with our fingers. This was fun, but got a little rough at times!
Alternate Ways to Play
Tournament Style
Create a bracket and compete to determine the Soccer Tabletop Champion.
Speed Round
Set a timer for 2 minutes. Whoever scores the most goals wins.
Multi-Ball Mayhem
Place 3 soccer balls in play at once. The player with the highest score when all balls have been scored wins.
STEM Extensions
Turn this game into a science experiment by testing different types of soccer balls.
Which one works best? Record your observations:
Ask questions like:
- Which ball traveled the farthest?
- Which was easiest to aim?
- Did heavier balls score more often?
- How did changing the size of the goal affect gameplay?
Who will become the Soccer Tabletop Champion?
This homemade soccer game is the perfect rainy-day activity, World Cup celebration, or family game night challenge. With just a few simple supplies, you can bring the excitement of soccer right into your home!
See also:Â
Printable Soccer Bingo Game Cards (Football Bingo Game)
