Are you ready to score some educational goals with your Key Stage 2 youngsters with the free learning resources and ideas included in this football unit study? We’ve got a cracking plan to turn football fever into a learning bonanza with these football-themed learning activities for home educators. Here’s what we’re kicking off with:
• Design a football pitch
• Create a football history timeline
• Plan a footballer’s meal
• Explore global football cultures
• Map football’s geography
These activities cover essential subjects like maths, history, science, literacy, and geography. They’re hands-on and engaging, perfect for nurturing curious minds while having a bit of fun. These activities offer practical ways to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios, helping our children understand the relevance of their studies.
Design a Football Pitch
Create a scale model of a football pitch using cardboard, paper, or other materials. Measure and mark out the different areas of the pitch, including the penalty area, centre circle, and goal posts. Use rulers and protractors to ensure accurate measurements and angles.
| Subject | Objectives | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Maths | Measure, compare, add and subtract lengths (m/cm/mm); measure the perimeter of simple 2-D shapes | Accurate measurements and scale calculations |
| Art and Design | Improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials | Creation of a visually appealing model |
- Learn about scale factors here.
- For further football-themed maths activities, check out this pack on Twinkl.
How has football changed over time?
Research the history of football, focusing on how the game has evolved. Create a timeline highlighting key events, rule changes, and technological advancements. Interview older family members about their football memories and compare them to today’s game.
| Subject | Objectives | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| History | Develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history | Understanding of football’s historical development |
| English | Retrieve and record information from non-fiction | Improved research and information synthesis skills |
- Start your football history research here.
Can you plan a healthy meal for a footballer?
Learn about nutrition and design a balanced meal plan for a footballer. Research the nutritional needs of athletes and create a menu that includes appropriate portions of carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables. Make a shopping list and help prepare the meal.
| Subject | Objectives | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Identify that animals, including humans, need the right types and amount of nutrition | Understanding of nutrition and its impact on athletic performance |
| Maths | Solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division | Calculation of nutritional values and portion sizes |
How do different cultures celebrate football?
Explore how football is celebrated in different countries. Research football traditions, chants, and rituals from various cultures. Create a presentation or poster showcasing these diverse celebrations and discuss how football brings people together globally.
| Subject | Objectives | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Geography | Understand geographical similarities and differences through the study of human and physical geography of a region | Appreciation of cultural diversity in football |
| English | Participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisations and debates | Improved presentation and communication skills |
- You can download a document covering traditions in 7 countries here, as a launch point for research.
Brilliant Books
Check out these books for providing a stimulus and reference material for our football-themed learning activities.
Places to Visit
National Football Museum. Explore the history and culture of football in England. Manchester, Greater Manchester. https://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/
St James’ Park. Home of Newcastle United, offering stadium tours. Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. https://www.nufc.co.uk/club/stadium-tours/
Villa Park. Historic home of Aston Villa with guided tours available. Birmingham, West Midlands. https://www.avfc.co.uk/villa-park/
Wembley Stadium. England’s national stadium with tours and exhibits. London. https://www.wembleystadium.com/
Ashton Gate Stadium. Home of Bristol City FC, offering educational tours. Bristol, Somerset. https://www.ashtongatestadium.co.uk/
Hampden Park. Scotland’s national stadium with museum and tours. Glasgow, Scotland. https://www.scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk/
Cardiff City Stadium. Home of Cardiff City FC and Wales national team, with tours available. Cardiff, Wales. https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/club/stadium-tours
If your local stadium is not listed here, drop them a line and explain that you’re home educating and doing a project on football. You may get lucky and be offered a special visit!
Family dinners offer a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations that can spark curiosity and foster critical thinking. Dinner Time Discussions transform these everyday moments into enriching experiences for the whole family. These discussions are inspired by Socratic questioning, a method that encourages deeper thinking through thoughtful inquiry.
You can download the FREE, football themed, discussion cards here.
Further Resources
- Premier League Primary Stars – Cross-Curricular Activity Pack
- Football Activity Sheet | Words for Life by The Literacy Trust
As parents and educators, we know the importance of tailoring learning to our children’s interests. By incorporating these football-themed learning activities into your home education routine, you’re not just teaching; you’re inspiring a love for learning that can last a lifetime. These activities offer practical ways to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios, helping our children understand the relevance of their studies.
Why not give these activities a go? After you’ve had a try, pop back and leave a comment. Share your experiences and any extra resources you’ve found helpful, along with how you’ve adapted the resources to meet your child’s needs. Your insights could be invaluable to other families on their home education journey.