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Lesson 8 - Football Tournament Application

Individual Control to Team Play

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Year 5

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Football

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45 min

Big Question

How can we apply everything we've learned to succeed in our football tournament?

Learning Objectives

To apply the rules and tactics learnt to play in a football tournament
To demonstrate leadership skills by taking responsibility for team warm-ups and refereeing
To evaluate performance and suggest improvements for self and others

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply football skills under tournament pressure
Students will demonstrate sportsmanship and fair play throughout competition
Students will evaluate their own and others' performance constructively

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Use to mark three pitches with 4m wide goals

Alternative: Markers, witches hats, or chalk lines

Softballs

12 (2 per pitch plus spares)

Ensure all balls are properly inflated

Alternative: Size 3 or 4 balls depending on year group

Team bibs

30 (different colours for each team)

Distribute before teams are formed

Alternative: Coloured pinnies or t-shirts

Score Sheets

1 per team captain

Prepare tournament brackets in advance

Alternative: Whiteboard or clipboards with paper

Stopwatch

2 (one per pitch if possible)

Set for match duration and warm-up timing

Alternative: Phone timer or whistle for time signals

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing against each other

Tactics

Planned strategies used by a team to try to win

Referee

The person who makes sure the rules are followed during a game

Sportsmanship

Fair and generous behaviour towards opponents

Pressure

The stress felt when performing skills in competitive situations

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic football skills: dribbling, passing, receiving, shooting
Understanding of basic football rules and positions
Experience working in teams and following instructions

Current Skills

Applying all football skills under competitive pressure
Using tactical awareness in game situations
Demonstrating leadership and sportsmanship

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations and strategies
Coaching and mentoring younger students
Competitive inter-school tournaments

Milestone Indicators

Maintains composure under tournament pressure

Makes tactical decisions independently

Shows mature sportsmanship in victory and defeat

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that success in tournament comes from teamwork, not just individual skill
Model and expect excellent sportsmanship throughout - this is as important as winning
Use the tournament as an opportunity to develop leadership and responsibility
Help students understand that tactics and strategy are as important as technical ability
Encourage reflection and learning from each match, not just focusing on results
Ensure all students feel valued for their contribution, regardless of ability level
Use referee roles to develop confidence and decision-making skills

Common Misconceptions

That winning is the only measure of success in sport
That only the most skilled players can contribute to team success
That referees are opponents rather than essential for fair play
That tactics are too complex for Year 5 students to understand and apply
That competition automatically leads to poor behaviour
That reflection time is wasted when students want to keep playing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clearly defined roles during matches, regular position rotations, provide specific focus points for each match

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time with ball skills, modify rules to reduce pressure, provide additional encouragement and support

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament structure in advance, offer quiet breaks between matches, use visual schedule for tournament progression

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of tournament progress, assign sighted buddy for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for starts/stops, provide written tournament brackets, ensure referee uses clear hand signals

physical disability

Modified rules for wheelchair users, adapted goals and boundaries, ensure full participation in tactical discussions

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team discussions, vocabulary development through sports terminology

Maths

Tournament scoring, calculating points totals, understanding brackets and progressive elimination

Science

Understanding heart rate changes during exercise, the effects of adrenaline during competition

PSHE

Teamwork, leadership, resilience, handling competition pressure, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with ability to see all three pitches, rotating to provide support where needed

Observation Focus

Balance between skill development, tactical application, and character development throughout tournament

Intervention Points

["Step in if referee decisions are causing conflict", "Provide tactical guidance if teams are struggling", "Address any unsporting behaviour immediately"]

Demonstration Notes

Model positive behaviour throughout, showing how to encourage teams and handle both victory and defeat gracefully

Verbal Cues

•'Respect the referee!'
•'Great teamwork!'
•'Use your tactics!'
•'Show good sportsmanship!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum area of 30m x 40m to accommodate three small pitches safely

Surface Check

Ensure playing surface is even, dry, and free from debris or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all footballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones are clearly visible and positioned safely
•Verify bibs/bands are in good repair with no loose parts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive play
•Kicks to the head or body from balls
•Overexertion during tournament intensity
•Emotional distress from competition pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between pitches to prevent interference
•Clear boundaries and rules explained before starting
•Regular monitoring of player fatigue and emotional state
•Immediate intervention for any unsafe play or poor sportsmanship

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position teacher with clear sight lines to all three pitches
•Rotate attention between matches, spending more time where needed
•Monitor referee confidence and support when necessary

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, and notify school procedures if required