Football rules for kids
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12, played in the web browser. These 15 lessons teach the restarts of the game: goal kicks and the build-out line, throw-ins and kick-ins, corners and free kicks, in 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal.
Free. No ads, no accounts, no open chat. Read the parents’ guide.
Play it on the islandThe build-out line and offside in 7v7 (2)
Where the other team waits on a goal kick, and where offside starts to count.
- Goal Kick & Build-Out Line (7v7)On our goal kick, the other team waits behind the build-out line. Once the ball is kicked and moves, they can come and press.
- Which Line Matters? (7v7)In many 7v7 leagues (like AYSO), you can't be called offside until you pass the far build-out line. Past it, offside counts, so time your run.
Goal kicks and goal clearances (4)
Restarting from the goalkeeper with more than one option.
- Two Options for a Restart (9v9)On our goal kick, two defenders split wide so the keeper always has an open short pass.
- 2-3-3: Keep the Midfield Three Ahead (9v9)After a short goal kick, the keeper supports two backs without sacrificing the central link in a midfield three.
- A Goal Kick Needs Two Options (11v11)Give your goalkeeper choices. Read the opponent before deciding where the pass should go.
- Goal-Clearance Options (Futsal)Offer a release lane, then give the receiver an outfield continuation.
Throw-ins, kick-ins and dribble-ins (4)
Restarts from the sideline, with the hands, the feet or a dribble.
- Start with Your Feet (7v7)Some leagues (like England's FA for younger players) restart from the sideline with your feet. Dribble it in or pass it in: pick the open route.
- After the Restart: Rebuild the Back Three (9v9)After our right back takes a throw-in, they hurry back so we have three defenders again before joining the attack.
- Kick-In: Have a Backup (Futsal)Prepare two options before the restart, then use the one the defender leaves.
- Kick-In: The Third Player Runs (Futsal)Use the first receiver to release a different runner instead of repeating the same touchline pass.
Corners (3)
Taking a corner and defending one.
- Short Corner: Borrow One of Two Outlets (9v9)When Blue plays a corner short, a spare player helps our defender, so every runner in the middle stays marked.
- Corner: Read the Cutback (Futsal)Choose a corner delivery from the defender’s position, then read the next pressing movement.
- Defend a Corner: Share the Jobs (Futsal)Respond to a short corner without abandoning the central and far-side threats.
Free kicks (2)
The wall, the short free kick and keeping a safety player.
- Wide Free Kick: Release the Wall at the Right Time (11v11)At a free kick the wall waits ten yards away (Law 13). Once a short kick moves, one wall player presses while everyone else keeps their job.
- Free-Kick: Keep a Safety Player (Futsal)Coordinate the restart with a player who can collect the return and protect a counterattack.
Questions and answers
What is the build-out line in 7v7?
In 7v7, on a goal kick: On our goal kick, the other team waits behind the build-out line. Once the ball is kicked and moves, they can come and press.
Can you be offside in 7v7?
In many 7v7 leagues (like AYSO), you can't be called offside until you pass the far build-out line. Past it, offside counts, so time your run.
Which restarts do the lessons cover?
The build-out line and offside in 7v7 (2); Goal kicks and goal clearances (4); Throw-ins, kick-ins and dribble-ins (4); Corners (3); Free kicks (2). Each lesson ends with a short quiz.
Is Futbol Island free?
Yes. Futbol Island is free to play in the web browser on phones, tablets and computers, with nothing to download and nothing to buy.
Is it safe for kids?
Yes, it is made for kids aged 7 to 12: no ads, no accounts and no open chat. Friends can only use preset emotes.