Football Simulator Options Explained

Choosing the right football game or simulator depends on your event, available space, audience, and the type of experience you want to create. Below is a clear breakdown of every football-themed option available, from full simulators to target challenges and compact skill games. This guide helps you understand differences so you can pick the most suitable setup.

1. True Football Simulators

Football Simulator

A digital system where players take shots at an inflatable or framed goal, with sensors measuring accuracy, speed, or strike placement. It suits indoor exhibitions and events wanting a structured, scoring-based football experience.

ICON Fast Feet / Football Simulator

Light pods illuminate in random sequences, and players react by striking the correct pod with their feet. It focuses on reaction time, agility, and control. Ideal for corporate events, sports activations, and youth activities.

Fast Feet

A compact version of the above, typically using a smaller pod layout for quick reaction challenges. Good for tight exhibition stands or high-traffic areas where gameplay needs to be short.

Ball Launcher

Automatically fires footballs towards the player, who controls and returns the ball. Useful for coaching-style events, skill demonstrations, and outdoor setups where physical play is expected.

2. Target-Based Challenges

Football Target Cage

A netted enclosure with target zones that players aim for. Safer for indoor venues due to contained shots. Works well for competitions and consistent queue turnover.

Speed Cage

Measures the speed of a football shot with a radar gun. Simple to run and easy for spectators to understand. Good for creating leaderboards and friendly competition.

Footdarts

A large Velcro dartboard that players kick footballs at. Highly visible, accessible for all ages, and popular at public events or family days.

Inflatable Football Darts

Similar to Footdarts but often larger and more suited to outdoor use. Its footprint and height make it a good visual centrepiece.

Golf Darts (football variant)

Works like Footdarts but typically requires more controlled placement. Good for events where accuracy is the main focus.

Inflatable Penalty Shootout

A framed or inflatable goal with printed or cut-out targets. Straightforward gameplay: step up, take a shot, and score. Useful for both indoor and outdoor events.

3. Football Skill Games (Compact and Social)

Panna Cage

A small enclosed playing area used for 1v1 or small-sided skill battles. Encourages tricks, close control, and quick movement. Ideal for youth tournaments, community events, and show-floor demonstrations.

Subsoccer 3

A seated table-football hybrid where players use their feet to control the ball under a transparent table. Interaction is close-range and easy to follow. Good for exhibitions with limited space.

Subsoccer 7

A larger version with more playing room. Works well for competitions, sports-themed events, and places where spectators can gather around.

Inflatable Footpool

A giant version of pool played with footballs. Suitable for outdoor or indoor halls. Offers slower-paced gameplay and is approachable for mixed-age groups.

4. Which Option Should You Choose?

Choose a Football Simulator if you want:

  • Data-driven performance (speed, accuracy, reaction)

  • A structured, repeatable challenge

  • Gameplay suitable for exhibitions and sports activations

Choose a Target Challenge if you want:

  • A simple objective that anyone can understand

  • Strong visibility for public or outdoor events

  • Leaderboards and continuous audience flow

Choose a Skill Game if you want:

  • Social interaction and small-group challenges

  • A compact setup for restricted spaces

  • Activities suitable for mixed ages

5. Practical Considerations

Indoor vs Outdoor

  • Speed Cage, Footdarts, and Inflatable Penalty Shootouts are best with plenty of space or outdoor conditions.

  • Fast Feet, ICON, Subsoccer, and Football Simulator setups work well indoors.

Audience Type

  • Youth events benefit from Panna Cage and Ball Launcher.

  • Corporate exhibitions benefit from Fast Feet, ICON, and Subsoccer.

  • Family events suit Footdarts, Footpool, and target cages.

Event Duration

All options are suitable for full-day events. Short cycle games like Fast Feet or Speed Cage work best for high-footfall shows.