Play Games is a game-based extension of the UEFA Playmakers programme (1v1 to 4v4) designed to help girls build confidence, enjoyment and understanding of the game through play.
The games prioritise involvement, decision-making and fun rather than instruction or results, making them ideal for girls who are new to football.
Inspired by the Disney storytelling approach used in Playmakers, Play Games helps girls move into football by keeping the same fun, familiar feel while gradually introducing more traditional game formats.
Open resources
All Play Games resources are free and open to everyone. New tools are added regularly to keep coaches inspired. Coaches will have access a central hub of 20+ games, including:
- Game cards
- Explainer videos
- Practical guidance for consistent, girl centred delivery
Access our Play Games resources in all languages here.
Best practices
- Choose a format: 1v1–4v4
- Select a theme: attacking, defending, transitions
- Pick a Disney inspired story
- Start playing!
Use the game cards, videos and guides to adapt the game to the needs of your group.
Play Games is flexible, there is no single right way to use it. Choose what suits your players, your space and your time.
1. At the end of a Playmakers session
- One short game (10–15 minutes)
- Focus on play and enjoyment, not coaching drills
- A simple bridge from story based activities into football games
2. As part of a regular club or school session
Use one or two Play Games activities within a broader session
- Games can replace traditional drills
- Ideal for warm ups, main activities or end of session games
3. As a full Play Games session
Combine two or three games to create a complete session. Progress from:
- Simple → more complex
- 1v1 → 2v2 → 3v3 → 4v4
Keep players active, involved and rotating
Play Games fits around you — not the other way around.
Before the session
- Choose your game(s)
- Watch the short video
- Read the game card (set up and coaching tips)
- Where appropriate, let girls help choose or set up
During the game
- Start quickly — less talk, more play
- Let the game run
- Observe before stepping in
- Make small adjustments if needed (space, numbers, rules)
After the game
- Ask one or two simple questions:
- “What worked well?”
- “What did you enjoy?”
- Celebrate effort and bravery
- Change teams or start the next game
The games stay central. Coaching stays light.