Footy Nation, the UK’s first indoor football skills park, is looking to capitalise on the growth of football and the demand for ‘competitive socialising’ by franchising its new concept in the UK and abroad, following a successful launch in Southport, Merseyside.
Describing the concept as “crazy golf but football”, Footy Nation’s unique leisure offering has been a smash hit as consumers seek out experiences and destinations that combine entertainment, social interaction, technology and immersive activities.
The ‘competitive socialising’ sector has emerged as one of the fastest-growing leisure categories, with UK venues increasing by 40 per cent since 2018.
Footy Nation said football is the world’s most popular sport, with an estimated five billion fans and four per cent of the population actively participating. But despite this, there are surprisingly few leisure concepts built around the sport, and even fewer that provide a year-round indoor experience suitable for all ages, abilities and weather conditions.
Interactive challenge games
The debut venue, a purpose-built, weather-proof facility, features six interactive challenge games – Spin Ball, Match Ball, Skill Ball, Score Ball, Curve Ball and Pin Ball – each designed to test a different technical aspect of football, including accuracy, control, technique and reaction speed.
• To read the full news story, view Franchise World Autumn 2026 issue, page 6.