Sounds like a job for a pyracantha hedge to me, so long as you don't mind cutting it - its thorny, so not pleasant to handle. Might have the added advantage of puncturing their balls if they kick them hard enough, which might discourage them from kicking it in that direction...

Thanks sounds like just what I need.

I was going to suggest nails driven through from your side Kai but Bamboo's idea is better :)))

Pyracantha is also my first choice then Hawthorn and Prickly Rose.

Good for the birds too

If the area of fence they are breaking is not too great you could (with the fence owners permission ) nail/scew half inch thick planks across between the fence posts... a football wouldn't break those.

Thank you sounds like a good idear

Love Bamboo's answer. Will bear that in mind myself! lol

;-)Lijemc... has the added advantage of flowers, berries, evergreen leaves and lots of nectar for those pollinators too...

:-) Bamboo - a win-win situation then! What could be better? lol

Don't like the thorns though, horrible to cut back...

Yes Firethorn,some berberis and quickthorn are the shrubs I dislike the most when it comes to pruning/trimming

I think Berberis are worse - those tiny little prickles lodge in your skin easily.

Yes, I agree

When at college had to take cuttings....the bits took ages to get out of my fingers.....so painful!