Players explore towns, schools, and other locations from a top-down perspective, speaking with characters, finding items, and recruiting footballers. The main objective is to advance through the story by winning matches and completing required events.

Matches use the Nintendo DS touch screen to direct players, make passes, tackle opponents, and attempt shots. Special techniques consume resources and can change the outcome of confrontations. Between games, players form a squad, assign positions, improve statistics, and develop techniques as the campaign introduces stronger opponents and new areas.

Build a balanced squad rather than relying on a single powerful striker. Keep dependable defenders and a goalkeeper with suitable techniques, because later matches punish weak positioning.

Use training and recruitment to cover elemental weaknesses, and reserve TP for important encounters. Before major matches, review player positions and make substitutions when fatigue or technique costs become limiting.