The UK’s first indoor football skills park opens its doors in Southport this weekend!
Footy Nation will welcome its first football-loving fans from 10am this Saturday (20th March 2026) at Ocean Plaza Leisure near the seafront.
This is a brand new concept created by local husband and wife Michelle and Matthew Ball, creating nearly 40 jobs for local people. It will be open seven days a week.
Parents to two boys, Michelle and Matthew wanted to open somewhere that would be creative, fun and exciting.
Footy Nation opens in time for the school Easter holidays and has already enjoyed huge interest from people.
Footy Nation is opening at Ocean Plaza Leisure in Southport. Owner Michelle Ball. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Southport’s newest leisure attraction combines structured skill-based challenges with interactive football games in a purpose-built, weather-proof environment designed for players of all ages and abilities.
The owners have transformed two units at Ocean Plaza Leisure which were previously occupied by a Chinese buffet restaurant and a burger restaurant.
Footy Nation features a series of football-based challenge games, including Match Ball, Curve Ball, Score Ball, Kick Ball, Spin Ball and Pin Ball.
Each activity is designed to test different elements of the game, from accuracy and control to reactions and technique.
Footy Nation is opening at Ocean Plaza Leisure in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Alongside the main games area, the site also included a cafe bar, boot room, merchandise stalls and additional mini-games.
The new attraction adds to a vibrant area which already offers the Tenpin bowling alley, Vue Cinema, Playtown, a gym, and local restaurants.
Michelle Ball said:
“We are so excited to be opening Footy Nation!
“The site has been in build for the past nine months – this day has taken a long time coming!
“We have been planning this concept for the past three and a half years.
Footy Nation is opening at Ocean Plaza Leisure in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“My husband, Matthew, is a brilliant engineer and he has been designing a series of games that we know our visitors will love.
“We have been working together with three different programmers to combine football with technology so that you can keep track of your scores as you go around the venue.
“There is nothing else like this in the UK; or in the world.
“We already run a series of successful inflatables venues across the UK so we have a deep background in the leisure industry.
“As parents of two boys, we felt there was a real gap in the market and a real need for somewhere like this.
“After soft play what is there? For kids and adults who love football, apart from playing football on an outdoor pitch, there’s not much in the way of football-related attractions.
“Footy Nation isn’t just for kids, it’s for everyone. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a grassroots player or just want to have a kickabout with friends, anyone of any age or ability can come and have a go.
Footy Nation is opening at Ocean Plaza Leisure in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“It could be school friends; colleagues on a work outing; 20-somethings wanting to come and have a fun time together before heading for a night out.
“People can book us for parties or work team-building days out, subject to availability.
“We are really pleased to be opening Footy Nation and adding to the superb array of leisure attractions we already have here in Southport.
“We have had huge interest from people ever since we first announced our news that we would be opening! Everyone has been asking us when we’re going to be ready ever since!
“We are very excited; and relieved; to have reached our opening date and we can’t wait to welcome everyone.
“People can book spaces online or they can turn up and book in person.
“However, we would always encourage people to book online in advance to avoid disappointment if we’re full.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their support.”
Footy Nation also caters for group bookings, including birthday parties, team-building events and family outings.
It’s a perfect chance for you to dribble your way to the top of the leaderboard against your friends, family or colleagues.
Michelle said: “Footy Nation is about creating an environment where people can challenge themselves, compete with friends and enjoy the game in a different way. Southport is the perfect place for us to start this new venture.”
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