My own son chose to learn it by heart. Humor will help get them on your side. Nonsense poetry might appeal. And Ogden Nash. Or Edward Lear's Nonsense poems.
Tongue twisters that rhyme.
And the story of Jim who went to the zoo and was eaten by a lion. This one would be good to act. It could also tie in with the Light Brigade poem, because of its military theme. Or about other famous teams or players. Get hold of a football rattle for them to wave as they do their group chant.