Can a neighbour keep my kid’s football if it lands in their garden during summer hols?

Published on July 30, 2025 at 04:11 PM

SUMMER holidays often see Brits flocking to their gardens to soak up the sunshine.

It’s a perfect chance to enjoy outdoor games like football, but what should you do if your child’s ball lands in your garden?

Soccer ball in net.
The garden is a perfect place to play football
Father and son playing soccer in the backyard.
However, things can take a turn if you kick the ball into your neighbour’s garden

If your ball lands in your , you are not allowed to simply hop over the fence and retrieve it.

First, you need to ask your neighbour to return the ball to your child.

However, should they refuse, there is a process you can follow.

According to Barrett Homes and West Yorkshire , your neighbour is legally required to return the ball back to you - if it landed on their property.

If they fail to do so, this could be regarded as theft.

At this point, Brits are advised to contact the to consider their next steps.

Simply retrieving the ball yourself could be considered trespassing, which could land you in big trouble.

The sentence for trespassing can be a huge fine of £2,500 or even four months in prison.

Any damage to your neighbour’s property could make you liable to legal consequences.

If you have a problem with your repeatedly kicking balls into your garden, consider using a mesh netting to block them.

Though, talking to them about the problem is a much easier first step.

The news comes after launched their huge ranges of garden toys for the summer.

Lidl’s range includes a with a basketball hoop for just £49.99.

The product is on sale in the brand’s , which sells special products for a limited amount of time.

The supermarket is also selling a £6.99 decoration which can give your .

Also located in the , Lidl is selling the Livarno Home Solar Light Decoration which comes in a variety of styles.

The designs include butterflies, birds and dragon flies hanging from the ornament.

The lights, intended to brighten up gardens, are described by Lidl as “atmospheric decoration with soft colour-changing light”.

Yellow soccer goal in a garden.
You are legally entitled to ask for the ball back

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