Over the past few years, a number of football related ‘niche’ sports have been introduced into Australia and attracted considerable success. Foot Golf and Bubble Soccer are two such examples with both developing a cult status across the country.
Now there is another player to hit the market determined to catch onto this emerging trend after enjoying strong popularity across Europe. Footpool attempts to combine the round ball game and traditional clubhouse favourite billiards, with the concept being avidly endorsed by former Kingston City forward Gino Defeo, who is playing an instrumental role in its implementation in Melbourne.
The 34-year-old Englishman spoke to TCF about the onset of the concept and its foundations as he attempts to make it a fan favourite across the city.
“Firstly, it’s a fresh and exciting new game in which you play on a giant pool table, but use your feet to kick the balls instead of using a cue. You can play with multiple players on each side,” he says.
Footpool originated in the United Kingdom but in recent years has gained popularity throughout many European countries, in addition to growing support in China, and Defeo believes it can enjoy similar success down under.
“I knew it was very popular in Europe, especially countries like Spain, Italy and the UK and after much research have realised that it also has a massive following in China,” Defeo says.
“Footpool UK has been travelling to all of the top EPL teams for the pros to play which in turn has created a large buzz. I am in contact with the guys from the UK who have shared some great insight into their business and I am convinced that we can have the same success in Australia.”
Defeo, who was a fan favourite during his time at the Grange Reserve, wants to generate strong inclusive interest around Footpool from the football community as well as reaching out to those who don’t have a specific interest in the round ball game.
“I want to create a competition for all to play. Unlike other “niche” soccer games, this has a genuine chance to become something that is played regularly even if you have no interest in soccer.”
Leagues and national tournaments would be the ultimate objective for Defeo, who has already received plenty of expressions of interest from elite athletes from other codes.
“Our goal is to create a league and hopefully a national tournament. I’ve had loads of interest from professional AFL, rugby and cricket players who are very interested in a cross code competition,” he says.
While the official footpool launch has not been pencilled in yet, a permanent table has been secured at X Golf, located at 1339 High Street, Malvern.
“We will be rolling out many more permanent tables at different sites over the next few months, plus running some really exciting events in 2016,” Defeo says.
Defeo recently signed for State League 2 side Doncaster Rovers. A school boy with then League One side Colchester United, Defeo played non-league football until moving to Australia in 2008, where he enjoyed spells with Port Melbourne, Brunswick City, Bulleen Lions, Clifton Hill, Diamond Valley United and most recently Kingston City, where he scored 22 league goals over the last three seasons under Nick Tolios.
He explained his reasoning behind the move to drop down two divisions while also providing an insight into his future endeavours, which include Footpool as well as a foray into coaching.
“Being 34 and considering how the NPL is structured, I felt it was the right time to move on and despite fielding offers from a couple of other NPL2 clubs, I felt it was a good time to step back a few leagues,” he says.
“Kingston have been excellent to me and Nick [Tolios] wanted me to be part of his coaching team, however I still feel healthy so I felt there was no need to stop playing just yet.”
“I have friends at Anderson Park and it’s a local club for me so it felt like it was the right club to continue on with my career and one where I can also concentrate on developing the business, in addition to gaining my coaching badges as I want to become a coach in the next couple of years.”
With the experienced campaigner entering the twilight of his career, there is no better time to start looking ahead to his post-playing career, with Footpool set to take centre stage for the naturalised Aussie.
If Defeo can exhibit much of the same enthusiasm, energy and drive he displayed on the pitch with Footpool, then there is no doubt the concept will take off in Australia, banking on the growing popularity and influence the world game has experienced in the last decade or so.
The tables will be available lease, with more information available by contacting 0417 668 379.