Creating your Football Cake can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder (if using), baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth and no lumps remain.
5. Divide the Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes: Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Frosting: While the cakes cool, beat the softened butter in a bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk until you reach your desired consistency. Add green food coloring to make it look like grass.
9. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer.
10. Frost the Cake: Cover the entire cake with the green frosting, smoothing it out to create a grass-like texture.
11. Decorate: Use white fondant or icing to create football field lines and goalposts. Add mini football cake toppers or other decorations as desired.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible cake effortlessly.