The Futsal Promos expansion represents one of the most unique collaborations in the history of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. These cards were created through a partnership between the Football Association (The FA) and the Pokémon Company International to encourage youth participation in futsal across England. Because these cards were distributed through specific channels such as local clubs and a major UK retailer, they have become highly sought-after collectibles for fans of the Sword & Shield era.
The hallmark of the Futsal Promos set is the On the Ball branding. Unlike standard expansions, this collection is small but iconic, consisting of five distinct Pokémon Singles. Each card features a popular creature dressed in a football kit, interacting with a Poké Ball-themed soccer ball. The set includes legendary favorites and the beloved Galar region starters. Collectors often search for these cards to complete their black star promo binders or specifically to own the rare Pikachu variant that saw a more restricted release than its counterparts.
When looking to add these rare cards to your collection, there are several factors to consider to ensure you are making a wise investment. First, pay close attention to the card condition. Since many of these cards were originally distributed in clear cellophane wrappers or handed out at sporting events, finding copies in Near Mint or Mint condition is essential for long-term value.
Collectors should also decide whether they want to purchase cards individually or look for the full set. The Galar starters—Grookey on the Ball, Scorbunny on the Ball, and Sobble on the Ball—along with Eevee on the Ball, were part of a more general distribution. However, Pikachu on the Ball was notably harder to obtain, making it the centerpiece of the collection. Using the Shop Optimizer on our platform can help you find all five cards from different sellers while minimizing your overhead.
CardTrader offers a global marketplace where you can find listings for these UK-exclusive cards from sellers around the world. One of the primary advantages of our platform is the CardTrader Zero service. This allows you to purchase cards from multiple international vendors and have them shipped to our central warehouse. We verify the condition and authenticity of every card before sending them to you in a single, consolidated package, which is particularly beneficial for rare promotional items like the Futsal Promos.
These cards were released in the United Kingdom as part of a collaboration with the England FA to promote youth futsal.
There are five main promotional cards in the set, featuring Pikachu, Eevee, Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble.
No, these specific On the Ball promo cards were produced exclusively in English for the UK market.