Mount Pearl Soccer

Name and Purpose

Mount Pearl Soccer is a silly seated circle game where the penalty for “letting the ball through” is a short creative performance.
Players practise quick reactions and arm blocking while enjoying low-pressure creative fun.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 10-30 players | 15-25 minutes | Open gym or outdoor space; enough room for all players to sit in a large circle

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Players form a circle, take two big steps back, then sit down.
A counsellor goes to the centre and kicks the rolling ball around the circle.
Players use their arms (only) to block the ball from passing between them and their neighbour.
If the ball passes between two players, both go to the centre for a 1-minute group-chosen skit.
After the skit, players return to their spots; the counsellor continues; rotate the centre kicker each round.

Setup and Boundaries

Form a circle with enough space between players that the ball can realistically pass through
Players stay seated for the whole round; no standing to block
Signal: 1 whistle = pause; 2 whistles = end of round
Check the floor or ground for wet patches or sharp objects before sitting

How to Play

All players form a large circle. On “Big steps back!” everyone takes two giant steps away from the centre before sitting.
A counsellor (or volunteer) goes to the centre with the ball.
The centre kicker kicks the rolling ball in any direction around the inside of the circle.
Seated players may only use their arms to block the ball; feet and legs stay on the ground.
If the ball rolls through the gap between two players, both of those players go to the centre of the circle.
The group (or a staff member) suggests a fun 1-minute skit. Examples: chicken dance, fashion runway walk, pretend to be a cat, slow-motion superhero landing. Players in the centre may choose from the suggestions or do their own version.
After the skit, both players return to their spots and the round continues.
After 5-7 minutes (or a natural break), rotate the centre kicker so a new person tries.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Block energetically; volunteer for the centre kicker role
S (Support): Help suggest skits; cheer for players doing their performance
Q (Quiet): Block calmly; participate in a lower-energy version of the skit (e.g., a slow walk rather than a full dance)
O (Observer): Watch a round from just outside the circle; join a gap when a space opens

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who prefer not to perform a skit may do a simple action (wave both hands, take a bow) instead; same celebratory spirit, less spotlight
Players who cannot sit on the ground may use a low chair or stool placed at the circle edge

Stewardship Moment

After play, collect the ball and any cones in one sweep
Reflection: “What made the skits funny? How did it feel to perform for the group?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “When the ball gets through, the two players do a short silly skit. For those not comfortable performing in front of the group, a simple bow or wave is another option and counts just as much.”
Mid-game check: After the first skit, pause. “How did that feel? Any adjustments to how we choose skits?”
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player may step out of the circle at any time and rejoin an open spot when ready.

Risks and Mitigation

Ball kicked too hard toward a seated player’s face: staff models a gentle rolling kick during the demo; the ball should roll, not fly
Players standing up to block (increasing collision risk): remind players at the start that only arms may be used; feet stay on the ground
Skit suggestions that embarrass or target a player: staff monitors skit suggestions; anything unkind is redirected immediately

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Arm Wave”: seated in a circle, players pass a wave left and right to practise the circle format
“Skit Preview”: staff does a quick silly skit first to model the spirit of the game and lower the stakes

Debrief Questions

What? “What was the funniest skit you saw today?”
So What? “What made it feel OK to be silly in front of the group?”
Now What? “When do you have to perform or present for others outside of camp? What helps?”

Cleanup and Reset