Bubble Soccer for Kids

Ask any child who has tried bubble soccer what they thought and you will almost certainly hear one word: 'awesome.' The combination of bouncing, bumping and rolling is irresistible to kids who are naturally drawn to physical play. Unlike many organised sports, bubble soccer has no steep learning curve — children can enjoy it within seconds of stepping onto the pitch. It also levels the playing field: size and strength matter less when everyone is wrapped in an inflatable shell, so less sporty kids can compete on equal terms with their more athletic friends. For birthday parties, school sports days and youth-group activities, bubble soccer consistently rates as the highlight of the event.

Most bubble soccer manufacturers, including Bubble Allstars, produce junior-sized bubbles with a diameter of approximately 1.2 metres, designed for children aged 6–12 or up to about 150 cm tall. Children under six are generally too small to control the bubble safely and are better off watching from the sidelines. For players aged 12–14, standard adult bubbles (1.5 m) may be appropriate if the child is tall enough — a good rule of thumb is that the player's head should sit comfortably inside the top viewing window without excessive headroom. When ordering for a children's event, specify the age range to your supplier so you receive the correct size mix.

The standard rules of bubble soccer work well for adults, but a few adjustments make the game safer and more enjoyable for children. Shorten matches to three or four minutes per half — kids tire quickly inside bubbles. Reduce team sizes to three or four per side to avoid overcrowding. Ban charging from behind and limit bumping force by encouraging 'push' contacts rather than full-speed collisions. Consider removing goalkeepers entirely and using small goals to keep the focus on running and bumping rather than positional play. For very young players (6–8), replace competitive scoring with cooperative games such as relay races and obstacle courses. For a full breakdown of standard rules, see our Bubble Soccer Rules guide.

Adult supervision is non-negotiable for children's bubble soccer. Assign at least one adult referee or supervisor for every eight children on the pitch. The supervisor should have read the safety guidelines (covered in detail in our Safety Tips & Maintenance article) and be positioned to intervene quickly if a child falls and cannot get up. Ensure the playing surface is flat, soft (grass or gym mats are ideal) and free of debris. Insist on closed-toe shoes with good grip — no sandals, bare feet or cleats with metal studs. Brief children on the rules before play begins, emphasising that the aim is fun, not aggression.

Bubble soccer is one of the most popular party activities for children aged 8–12. A typical party runs 60–90 minutes and works well with 10–16 kids. Structure the session into three or four rounds of short matches interspersed with fun variations like Bubble Sumo and Bubble Relay. Have water and snacks available — playing inside a bubble is a workout. If hiring equipment from a rental company, confirm that junior-sized bubbles will be provided and ask whether a trained facilitator is included. If you are buying your own set for repeated use, Bubble Allstars' junior starter kits come with everything you need including a portable air pump.

Schools across Europe and North America are incorporating bubble soccer into physical education programmes and after-school clubs. The sport develops coordination, spatial awareness and cardiovascular fitness while disguising exercise as play — a significant advantage for engaging less active children. Youth groups such as Scouts, Guides and church groups use bubble soccer for social events and fundraisers. A bubble soccer tournament with a small entry fee can raise funds while providing a memorable experience. Bubble Allstars offers special pricing for educational institutions and non-profit youth organisations — contact us for details.

When selecting bubbles for regular children's use, TPU is strongly recommended over PVC. TPU is lighter (reducing fatigue for smaller bodies), odour-free (important in enclosed spaces like school gyms) and more durable against the rough-and-tumble treatment kids inevitably deliver. Make sure every bubble is inflated to the correct pressure before each session — under-inflated bubbles provide less protection and are harder to control. Inspect harness buckles and straps for wear, and replace any bubble with visible seam damage immediately. Store bubbles deflated in a cool, dry space out of direct sunlight. For full maintenance advice, refer to our Safety Tips & Maintenance guide.