SOUTHPORT is set to make sporting history as the UK’s 1st dedicated football skills park prepares to open at Ocean Plaza Leisure this autumn.

Footy Nation, an exciting new indoor football experience, has officially begun construction, transforming the former Chinese Buffet and Gourmet Burger Kitchen units into a high-energy destination for families and football fans alike.

The venture is being brought to life by local husband-and-wife team Michelle and Matthew Ball, who are launching the concept in their hometown before expanding to other UK locations.

Designed for children, families and football fans of all ages, Footy Nation will feature a range of bespoke games, immersive zones, and party areas focused on skill, fun and friendly competition. While many of the details are still under wraps, the Balls promise a totally new kind of football-themed experience.

“Footy Nation will be an innovative new football skills park, with some new immersive features that we know children are going to love – but we’re keeping them under wraps for now!” said Michelle.

After 3 years of planning and behind-the-scenes development, the couple say they’re thrilled to finally break ground. Both lifelong Southport residents, Michelle and Matthew also see this launch as a chance to give something back to the town they grew up in.

Michelle said:- “Matthew and I are both born and bred in Southport. It is great to be able to create something like this in our home town. We will be right on the doorstep to ensure Footy Nation’s development every step of the way before we roll it out across the UK.”

Footy Nation joins a growing list of family-friendly attractions at Ocean Plaza, alongside Vue Cinema, Premier Bowl & Laser, and Playtown. Michelle believes it fills a real gap in the market—especially for families with football-loving kids.

“As a family with 2 children of our own – our boys are 11 and 6 years old – people are always talking about football-themed parties, but there is not a lot of choice about what you can do and where you can go.” she said.

Backed by more than a decade of experience in the leisure sector, the Balls say Southport has offered something they haven’t found elsewhere:- real support for new ideas.

“We have never been in a place as supportive of new businesses as Southport,” said Michelle. “The team at Ocean Plaza Leisure and the team at Southport BID have been so supportive towards us. We’re definitely not doing this alone.”

She also praised Southport BID for creating a more vibrant town centre through events like the Bear Hunt Trail and the Dinosaur Trail—initiatives that have inspired and encouraged new local ventures like theirs.

Michelle sees Footy Nation as part of a wider wave of investment that is reshaping the town, including the Marine Lake Events Centre, new Town Hall gardens, and the restoration of Southport Pier.

“Southport has a unique heritage that cannot be replicated; it is a very special place,” she said. “The 1 thing it is missing is a couple of top quality indoor leisure attractions for families, and that is where we have a real opportunity to do something to add to the reasons for people to come and visit.”

With the autumn launch now firmly in sight, Footy Nation is encouraging locals to follow their progress via social media—and to stay tuned for some exciting reveals.

“We don’t want to give away too much just yet! But Footy Nation will feature a series of interactive football games that children can play, between friends, or between family. They are going to love it.”, said Michelle.

To find out more, visit Footy Nation´s website, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.