Let’s Play Like the World Is Our Playground!
In every country, on every street, in every village or city, kids are playing. Some kick a ball made of rags. Others throw pebbles into chalk-drawn circles. No matter the place or language, the spirit of play is the same: fun, connection, movement, and joy.
At the School Sport Foundation (SSF), we believe sport is a global language—and every game tells a story. So grab your sneakers, open your imagination, and let’s travel the world through the games kids play!
🇧🇷 Brazil – Peteca
In Brazil, kids love playing Peteca, a game where players hit a colorful shuttlecock (like a feathered beanbag) with their hand to keep it in the air. It’s part volleyball, part badminton, and all about rhythm and quick reactions.
What it teaches – hand-eye coordination, agility, and joyful competition. You don’t need a net—just a friend and a little space!
🇳🇬 Nigeria – Ten Ten
In Nigeria, girls often play a clapping and stepping game called Ten Ten. Facing each other, they copy and mirror rhythmic dance-like moves in a fast-paced beat.
What it teaches – focus, balance, rhythm, and quick decision-making. Plus, it’s full of laughter and creativity!
🇯🇵 Japan – Kemari
This traditional Japanese game is over a thousand years old! In Kemari, players wear traditional clothes and try to keep a ball in the air using only their feet—with no competition. The goal is cooperation and flow.
What it teaches – teamwork, patience, and harmony. It’s about playing together, not against each other.
🇲🇽 Mexico – La Víborita (The Little Snake)
In this playground favorite, kids hold hands and form a long line, weaving and twisting like a snake while singing a song. Two players form an arch at the front and try to catch the “tail” as the snake runs through.
What it teaches – Coordination, anticipation, and the joy of group play. It’s a game of rhythm and teamwork!
🇰🇪 Kenya – Shake
In many parts of Kenya, kids play Shake, a high-energy chase game mixed with dance moves and rhythm. There are claps, chants, and sudden switches—part dance, part tag, and always exciting.
What it teaches – stamina, rhythm, and the ability to think fast while moving fast.
The Power of Play Across Borders
Isn’t it amazing how one ball or even just a circle drawn in chalk can create endless fun around the world? Every game carries a piece of culture, a lesson in teamwork or creativity, and a chance to connect.
At SSF, we believe these stories of play remind us that sports and games are for everyone—and that no matter where we live, the joy of movement connects us all.
What game do YOU love to play? Could it become someone’s favorite across the globe?
Let’s keep sharing, learning, and playing together. Because with one ball, there really are a million stories.
