Known in other parts of the world as football, soccer in the United States has become an increasingly popular sporting event. While fans don’t get quite as crazy about their favorite teams as they do in parts of Europe and South America, there are plenty of devoted fans of the teams and of the sport in general. That means throwing a soccer party is not only a possibility nowadays, it’s a great idea.

Planning a Soccer Party

Having a soccer-themed party can be fun, but first you need a good excuse for throwing that party. Now you could have celebrated David Beckham’s arrival in the United States but since that’s history, you’ll need a better reason: maybe the World Cup, the end of your own or your child’s soccer league, even the birthday or anniversary of a soccer-loving acquaintance. If none of those events are coming up soon, then simply throw a soccer party to celebrate the start of the season.

After you’ve selected a good reason for hosting your party, it’s time to put together a list of people to invite. Smaller guest lists are usually better because you can have a more intimate gathering and because no one has to fight over seating. However, the ultimate size of your party is up to you. Once you have a good idea of who is going to be invited, you should start searching for soccer-themed invitations. The Soccer or Soccer Ball invitations are good choices as is the Go Team cards which work for any type of sporting event-themed party.

Throwing a Soccer Party

The two key elements of a successful party are the refreshments and the entertainment. For a soccer-themed party, the entertainment can be fairly simple. You could watch soccer games on television or watch a game in person. If that’s not a possibility, then why not work on putting together dream soccer teams or playing soccer trivia games or practicing your own soccer techniques?

Refreshments can be a little trickier. If you’re inviting children, then consider making chocolate cupcakes and decorating the tops like soccer balls or freezing balls of vanilla ice cream then drizzling them with chocolate syrup so they look like soccer balls. You could also decorate the top of a sheet cake like a soccer field, including mini players and nets made from hardened sugar.

Other good food choices don’t have to be soccer-related and are good for guests of all ages. Remember that finger foods are always a good idea at parties. Those include most of the appetizers, such as cheese sticks or jalapeno poppers. Buffalo wings are a good idea, too, but they are a little messy. Ordering pizza from an affordable restaurant is a favorite choice or grilling hamburgers, hot dogs, or chicken breasts outside can be a nice solution to the refreshment problem.

You’ll probably want to have beer or wine available for your guests, as well as other types of non-alcoholic beverages, including iced tea, soda, or ice water. Smoothies, milkshakes, or iced coffee would also be nice choices, especially on hot days.

Regardless of what you serve at your soccer party, make sure you’ve done everything you can to ensure that your guests are having a wonderful time.