England star Theo Walcott hosted a community event in Surrey on Monday [23 September] at the innovative football venue, KickX Arena.
The former Arsenal, Southampton and Everton forward Walcott has also become an investor and official ambassador of KickX – the world’s first indoor hybrid football arena.
He was joined by ex-Lioness Katie Chapman, who is also KickX ambassador, at the event in Addlestone, Surrey.
Local players from community groups and teams were in attendance and took part in games and challenges with the England stars, and the players in a Q&A with questions from the audience.
Surrey FA also announced their official recognition of the KickX arena and hybrid football games at the event.
KickX opened in July 2023 and offers seven micro-sided football formats including the popular Padbol, a mix of football, squash and tennis and Teqball, a blend of football and table tennis. Chapman is now a part of the Great Britain Padbol squad.
Walcott said: “I first visited the KickX arena when my son came here for his birthday party and I was really impressed with the mix of football formats and the facilities. The place has a real energy and a welcoming environment for everyone.
“I came back, spoke with Vik and the team and decided I wanted to invest in the business. There is so much potential here and I can see how big the football formats could become.
“The formats are fun but really anchored in honing football skills and technique. As a footballer you’re always looking at how you can improve your game and be better and I think any level of player would learn something taking part in these micro-sided games.”
Vik Sharma, founder and CEO of KickX, said: “Theo is a fantastic addition to the KickX team and brings enthusiasm and football industry experience and know-how. He knows what players want, what makes the game fun and he’s seen the potential here at KickX.
“We have ambitious plans to open locations across the country as we know there is the appetite for innovative micro-sided formats of the game. We’ve seen here in Surrey that a facility like this attracts people of all ages and backgrounds and ultimately gets more people active and playing football.
“Surrey FA have shown real innovation in formally recognising our arena and the formats we have here. They’ve been very supportive since we opened and we look forward to working closely with them. It’s an important part of our business ethos to be involved in the local community.
“We’re also increasingly seeing professional football clubs appreciate the training benefits of the formats, technically and in developing players skills. We have sold Padbol courts to Newcastle United and have another top Premier League club is coming on board. It shows the footballing merit micro-sided games have, along with the physical and mental benefits that being active brings.”
Kirk Ritchie, head of marketing and partnerships at Surrey FA, said: “It is brilliant to be working in partnership with KickX to offer our members the opportunity to enjoy a new format of football.
“I tried TeqBall, and it’s both addictive and incredibly enjoyable. KickX’s commitment to expanding participation in all forms of football aligns perfectly with our mission to grow the game and ensure that everyone can take part in the game we all love."
The seven formats at the KickX arena are:
- Padbol – a fusion of football, squash, tennis and volleyball
- Jorkyball – a blend of football and squash
- Teqball – a mix of football and table tennis
- Panna – football meets street
- Virtual Reality Football – an immersive football experience using the same VR technology used by top European football clubs
- KickX Goal – hybrid of football and ball shooter technology
- Multiball – a hybrid of football and gaming
For more information please visit www.kickxfootball.com.
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