The Soccer Time Machine: Soccer History Daily for Kids

14 episodes

The History of Boxing Day - An English Soccer Tradition
14/02/2026 | 7 mins.
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In this festive episode of Soccer Time Machine, Zosia and Frania travel through the wild history of Boxing Day football in England—from old Christmas Day matches to modern Premier League Boxing Day fixtures packed with goals, drama, and legends.
Kids and families will learn:
How Christmas and Boxing Day football started in the late 1800s
Why English fans used to go to matches right after Christmas dinner
The unbelievable 66-goal Boxing Day of 1963, including Fulham 10–1 Ipswich Town
How stars like Thierry Henry (Boxing Day hat-trick for Arsenal) and Harry Kane (record Boxing Day goals for Tottenham) turned holiday matches into must-watch moments
Zosia and Frania explain football history for kids in a fun, easy way—perfect for young soccer players, families, and classrooms who want to understand why Premier League Boxing Day is such a big deal.
At the end of the episode, stick around for Quiz Time, where listeners can test what they’ve learned about Boxing Day scorelines, superstar performances from players like Thierry Henry and Harry Kane, and why holiday fixtures are such a magical part of the beautiful game.
Press play and discover why, in England, the holidays mean family, food… and football on Boxing Day.
Rise Again: Howard University’s 1974 Soccer Champions
06/02/2026 | 7 mins.
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In this powerful Black History Month episode of Soccer Time Machine, Zosia and Frania travel back to the early 1970s to explore the true story of Howard University’s legendary men’s soccer team—the HBCU program that changed college soccer history. Kids and families will learn how Howard’s 1971 national championship was taken away by the NCAA, and how the Bison came back with a perfect 19–0 season in 1974 to reclaim their place at the top.
Listeners will meet coach Lincoln “Tiger” Phillips, the international players who chose an HBCU when other schools ignored them, and a team that refused to let a decision erase their greatness. Guided by the line from a famous poem, "Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again," this episode shows how Howard’s 1974 NCAA title became a symbol of Black excellence, resilience, and justice in college sports.
Stay tuned for Quiz Time at the end of the episode, where Zosia and Frania help listeners review what they’ve learned about Howard University’s 1974 national champions—and then ask:
If your team had something unfair taken away, how would you rise again?
Soccer Time Machine: Pelé & Messi — Breaking Goal-Scoring Records
03/02/2026 | 5 mins.
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In this episode of Soccer Time Machine, we travel through soccer history to explore two of the game’s most famous goal-scoring milestones: Pelé’s legendary 1,000th goal and Lionel Messi’s record-breaking rise as one of the greatest scorers in football. From packed stadiums and grainy highlights to modern-era data and global audiences, we unpack how each record was made, why it mattered in its time, and what it reveals about greatness across generations.
You’ll hear the story behind the moments when the crowd could feel history coming, the pressure of chasing numbers the world is watching, and how Pelé and Messi turned goals into something bigger than stats—memories that fans carry forever. Perfect for families, young players, and soccer lovers who enjoy sports history, this episode is a calming, time-traveling listen for car rides, bedtime, or pre-game inspiration—and it ends with a fun, quick quiz so listeners can test what they remember.
Christmas Truce: The Day Soccer Stopped the War
23/01/2026 | 5 mins.
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In this episode of Soccer Time Machine, Zosia and Frania travel back to Christmas 1914 to explore the true story of the World War I Christmas Truce football match. On the frozen Western Front, British and German soldiers climb out of the trenches, share Christmas greetings, and play an informal game of soccer in No Man’s Land. This family-friendly episode is perfect for kids, parents, and teachers who want an easy way to understand World War 1 for kids, the Christmas Truce, and how soccer/football history connects to real-world events.
Listeners will learn what really happened during the Christmas Truce of 1914, how soldiers turned carols into connection, and why this brief moment of peace is still remembered more than 100 years later. Zosia and Frania break down myths vs facts, explain key vocabulary in kid-friendly language, and show how sport can bring people together even in wartime. Ideal for history-loving kids, young soccer players, and classrooms looking for a short history podcast for kids around the holidays.
Stay tuned for Quiz Time at the end of the episode, where kids can review what they learned about the Christmas Truce soccer match, and answer a big question:
If you could call a “truce match” anywhere in the world today, where would you play it, and who would you invite?
Pelé’s Amazing Story: World Cups, NY Cosmos, and Stopping a War
04/12/2024 | 6 mins.
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Join Soccer Time Machine as we dive into the incredible journey of Pelé, The King of Soccer. From his humble beginnings in Brazil, where he kicked a sock stuffed with paper, to winning three World Cups, and even helping to grow soccer in the United States with the New York Cosmos, Pelé’s story is one for the ages. We’ll explore how his talent and charisma transcended the field, including the amazing moment when he helped bring a ceasefire during a war in Nigeria.
This short and exciting episode is perfect to listen to on your way to school, soccer practice, or heading back home. Whether you’re a soccer fan or just love inspiring stories, Soccer Time Machine brings Pelé’s legacy to life in a fun, easy-to-follow way for kids, families, and soccer enthusiasts alike.

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About The Soccer Time Machine: Soccer History Daily for Kids

Welcome to "The Soccer Time Machine: A Soccer History Daily for Kids"! Lace up your cleats and grab your water bottles because these soccer loving kids are about to take you on an exciting journey through the captivating history of soccer.Step onto the soccer fields of the past and prepare to uncover the incredible stories that have shaped the beautiful game we know and love today. Each day, we'll delve into the fascinating tales of legendary players, iconic teams, and unforgettable moments that have left an indelible mark on our soccer world.Whether you're brushing your teeth, enjoying breakfast, or on your way to school, you'll be right there with us as we travel through time, reliving the most significant moments in soccer history. From the sport's birth to the most recent tournaments, our Soccer Time Machine will transport you to pivotal moments in the game's evolution.But it's not just about the past! We'll also celebrate the birthdays of beloved soccer stars, honoring their contributions to the sport and the joy they bring to fans worldwide.So, mark your calendars! Our daily adventures kick off on August 1st, and you won't want to miss a single episode. Make sure to subscribe and follow "The Soccer Time Machine" to join the kids as they unlock the captivating stories and magic of soccer history, one day at a time. Get ready to jump in our time machine and embark on an extraordinary soccer adventure!Find us on Instagram, @soccertimemachine, and check out Soccer Bedtime Stories wherever you listen to podcasts or at www.soccerbedtimestories.com

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