Printable PDF file of Meeting Plans and Ideas for Soccer
OBJECTIVES
This month’s activities should:
- Give Scouts an understanding of the game of soccer.
- Teach Scouts the rules of soccer.
- Help Scouts identify key skills.
- Develop teamwork and team play.
- Inspire Scouts to pursue the Sports and Athletics merit badges.
- Encourage Scouts to share their knowledge with others.
LEADERSHIP PLANNING
As a leadership team, you may want to discuss the following items when choosing soccer as your program feature during your planning meetings.
- What is our unit’s current skill level?
- Who do we know who is a soccer expert? (Ideally a U.S. Soccer Federation–licensed coach with an E-level license or higher)
- What equipment will we need?
- What will we do for the main event?
- Where will we do the main event?
- Do we need permission to use that location?
- What additional subtopics would fit well with this feature?
- How can we involve parents?
- To meet our needs, what should we change in the sample meeting plans?
PREOPENING IDEAS
Preopening Ideas on Troop Program Resources
- Teach early arriving Scouts proper techniques for warming up and stretching before physical activity.
- Show an Internet video of a World Cup game.
OPENING IDEAS
Opening Ideas on Troop Program Resources
GROUP INSTRUCTION IDEAS
This Is Soccer
- Provide an overview of the game of soccer.
- Introduce soccer equipment and terminology.
Rules of the Game
- Review key points from week 1.
- Discuss how teamwork is shown while playing soccer.
- Explain the basic rules of soccer.
It’s a Goalkeeper’s Life
- Discuss the role of the goalkeeper and the rules that
apply to this position. Also discuss goalkeeper techniques; if possible, show an instructional video about the position.
Working as a Team
- Review key points from previous weeks.
- Discuss good sportsmanship and have Scouts give examples from sports they play or watch.
- Describe the proper venue for a full-sided soccer match.
SKILLS INSTRUCTION IDEAS
This Is Soccer
Review team behavior.- Introduce the rules of the game.
- Learn basic skills of the game (dribbling and movement with the ball).
Review the above information.- Learn basic skills of the game (passing and receiving).
- Learn about basic equipment for the game (cleats, shin guards, balls).
Review the above information.- Learn about the requirements for a soccer field.
- Learn basic skills of the game (throw-ins).
Rules of the Game
- Continue to develop individual and team soccer skills from week 1, including passing and receiving.
- Continue to develop individual and team soccer skills from week 1, including passing, receiving, and throw-ins.
- Review the above information. Learn proper technique for receiving a ball in flight (trapping with chest, thigh, and foot).
It’s a Goalkeeper’s Life
- Practice basic goalkeeper techniques, focusing on use of the hands.
- Review the above information.
- Learn how to kick the ball in.
- Review the above information.
- Learn how to dive safely and make saves.
Working as a Team
- Review and practice the basic skills covered in weeks 1 and 2.
- Review and practice the basic skills covered in weeks 1 and 2.
- Review and practice the basic skills covered in weeks 1 and 2.
- Learn about goal kicks and corner kicks.
BREAKOUT GROUP IDEAS
Work on basic skills associated with the group’s skill level.
Getting Ready for the Main Event
- Menu Planning (if applicable)
- Duty Roster Planning (if applicable)
- Patrols discuss what special items they will need for the main event.
Preparation for the meeting’s game or challenge
GAME AND CHALLENGE IDEAS
Library of Games and Challenges on Troop Program Resources
- Dribble the Ball Relay
– Materials: One soccer ball per team
– Method: Give each Scout two full sheets of newspaper and five minutes to construct a tower. The tallest tower that can stand longer than 30 seconds wins.
– Scoring: The first team to get all players through the course wins.
- Team Captain
– Materials: One soccer ball and one hat per team, a playing area of 20 yards by 30 yards per team
– Method: Divide into teams of four players, then pair two teams to play the game. Each team selects a captain, who wears a special hat. One team passes the ball around the playing area, trying to keep it away from the other team. The ball is given to the opposing team when it is intercepted or goes out of play, or when a point is scored.
– Scoring: A team scores 1 point when its captain receives the ball. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Note: Switch captains after three or so minutes and continue the game.
-
- Defending the Goal
– Materials: Soccer ball and soccer goal
– Method: Divide into two teams. One player from team 1 is designated as the goalkeeper. Players from team 2 take turns trying to score on the goalkeeper. After all players on team 2 have taken a turn, switch sides so that the members of team 1 try to score on a goalkeeper from team 2.
– Scoring: Each team scores 1 point for each goal it makes.
- Defending the Goal
Note: If you have a large group, divide into four teams and assign two teams to each of two goals. Have the winning teams come together for a playoff round.
- Throw-In for Accuracy
– Materials: One soccer ball per team, stopwatch or timer
– Method: Divide into two teams. Establish a sideline where one team member will throw in the ball using a two-handed overhead throw. Another player stands in the field to “head butt” the thrown ball.
— Scoring: Each team scores 1 point for every ball that is head-butted.
Note: If teams have varying skill levels, you can position the head-butting players closer to or farther from the sideline.