Footy Nation, UK’s First Football Skills Park, Launches Near Manchester
Footy Nation has opened at Ocean Plaza Leisure Complex in Southport. The indoor football attraction is about an hour from Manchester.
High-tech games and format
The centre is built around a series of interactive football games. Visitors take part in structured skills challenges and head-to-head contests.
- Match Ball gives players three attempts to place a ball close to a target on a sloped surface.
- Skill Ball tests dribbling through a high-intensity obstacle course.
- Score Ball is a fast shooting challenge that rewards accuracy with higher points.
- Pin Ball serves as a frantic finale on a supersized football pinball machine.
Sessions last around 90 minutes. Guests receive a welcome in The Boot Room and a final score reveal in The Player’s Lounge.
Who it’s for and bookings
Organisers say the site is suitable for all ages. The team recommends a minimum age of five years.
Footy Nation will host birthday parties, team-building events, and family outings. Group bookings are available and advance booking is advised.
Standard tickets are priced at £14.95. Tickets can be purchased online through the operator’s booking portal.
Facilities and local context
The venue includes a cafe bar, a boot room, merchandise stalls, and extra mini-games. The indoor space is weather-proof and purpose-built.
Ocean Plaza already houses a cinema, TenPin, PlayTown, and several food outlets. Neighbours include Vue Cinema, TenPin, Nando’s and Kaspa’s Desserts.
Operator perspective
Steve Allen, operations manager, said the park aims to bring football training indoors. He described the space as competitive, skill-focused, and fun.
Filmogaz.com notes organisers position the site as the UK’s first football skills park. The project has launched near Manchester and targets families, grassroots players, and casual fans alike.
