What’s more exciting than coding with Dash? Coding with Dash and soccer!
This activity packet brings Dash and Soccer together so kids can get in on the World Cup action in a new and creative way. Kids will build legs out of building bricks, program Dash to kick balls into the goal, and even trade Dash soccer player cards with their friends.
Here’s everything you need to set up your own Dash Soccer experience.
Step 1: Create a Soccer Field
First things first: every good soccer match needs a field. We designed printable soccer stadium templates in three sizes that you can order directly from Walgreens Photo or an equivalent poster-printing service.
Download one of soccer field templates:
Download 16” x 20” Poster Image
Download 20” x 30” Poster Image
Download 24” X 36” Poster Image
Detailed instructions for ordering a poster from Walgreens are included in the downloadable PDF packet, but here’s an overview:
How to order from Walgreens Photo:
- Go to photo.walgreens.com and log in or create an account
- Click Posters, then choose your size
- Select your paper style and click Create Now
- Upload the template — it’s already sized perfectly, so no editing needed
- Click Review Order (ignore any “items outside the dotted lines” warning. It’s fine!)
- Before you check out, search “Walgreens Photo promo codes” in another tab.
These print as thick poster prints, so we recommend laminating them for durability across multiple classroom sessions.
⚽ Step 2: Add Balls and Goals
Once you have your field, you’ll need some gear!
Mini Soccer Balls: Grab these from Amazon. The set includes other sports balls too, perfect for future themed lessons and activities.
Or use the Launcher Accessory Kit: Have one Dash throw the ball in from out of bounds to pass to another Dash player on the field. Instant two-robot team play!
Build Your Own Goal (Engineering Challenge): Skip the store-bought goal and turn it into a design activity. Challenge your students to build a soccer goal using straws, tape, and bubble wrap. It’s a great engineering warm-up before the coding begins. Every team’s goal will look a little different!
Step 3: Build a Kicking “Leg”
Download the Soccer Kick activity sheet: Soccer Kick & Trading Card Pack
Students build a leg out of building bricks and attach it to Dash using the Building Brick Connectors. Then they write a program in Blockly that gives Dash the power to kick the soccer ball straight into the goal with control.
Success looks like:
- A leg built from Building Bricks and properly attached with a Building Brick Connector
- A working Blockly program that kicks the ball into the goal consistently
It sounds simple, but getting the angle, distance, and timing right takes real persistence, which is exactly the point!
🃏 Step 4: Color and Trade Soccer Player Trading Cards
Download the Trading Card activity sheet: Soccer Kick & Trading Card Pack
Dash can play any position on the field. All it takes is the right program. After completing the Soccer Kick mission, kids can decorate their very own Dash soccer player trading cards, laminate them, and trade them friends.
It’s a fun way to extend the activity and celebrate what they built. Plus, you’ll end up with a whole roster of Dash players!
📸 See It in Action
Want to see how other classes played soccer with Dash? Check out real examples from classrooms just like yours on our Instagram:
