From Grandparents to Grandchildren: A Game Every Generation Can Share
Finding something the whole family wants to do can take longer than the activity itself.
Everyone has an opinion. Nobody fancies the same thing. Someone suggests a walk just as it starts raining.
Then someone spots the table football table.
Within minutes, three generations are gathered around it, an unlikely doubles partnership has formed and Grandad is insisting that his winning goal was entirely deliberate.
Table football has a lovely way of bringing different ages together. At the British Foosball Association, we think that’s one of the best reasons to give it a go.
A shared game, whatever your age
There’s something immediately understandable about table football. Move your players, try to score and keep the ball out of your own goal.
You don’t need to follow a football league or know the latest gaming controls. With a quick introduction, people of different ages can start enjoying the same game.
Everyone brings their own approach. One player might be patient and watch for an opening. Another might be enthusiastic about shooting at every available opportunity.
Age alone won’t tell you who’s going to win. And that can make things very interesting.
Swap the usual family roles
Around a table football table, the person who normally explains everything might suddenly be asking for advice.
A child can show a parent how to control the ball. A grandparent might reveal a shot they learnt years ago. Two relatives who rarely spend time together can find themselves discussing how to defend against the rest of the family.
It gives everyone a chance to contribute, surprise each other and be seen a little differently.
There’s a particular delight in discovering that the youngest member of the family has appointed themselves team captain. And that everyone else is following their instructions.
Team up across the generations
Doubles is a great way to mix things up.
Pair a grandparent with a grandchild. Put siblings on opposite teams. Swap partners between games so the strongest players aren’t always together.
You’ve suddenly got a shared mission with someone you might not usually team up with. You’ll celebrate their goals, appreciate their saves and gently question what happened when the ball rolled straight past both of you.
The result matters for a few minutes. The story about your unexpected comeback may last considerably longer.
Time together without a screen in the middle
Family time can easily become a room full of people looking at separate devices.
Table football gives everyone a common focus. You’re watching the same action, responding to one another and sharing the little moments that make a game memorable.
Conversation doesn’t have to be the main event. It happens naturally between points and matches. Sometimes it’s easier to chat when you’re doing something together.
And sometimes there’s no conversation at all because everyone is concentrating far too hard on a game they claimed they weren’t bothered about winning.
Make the game work for your family
The most enjoyable family games give everyone a chance to get involved.
Keep matches short, rotate the teams and agree a few simple rules before starting. If someone is much more experienced, try a head start for the newer players or pair them together in doubles.
Think about comfort too. Table height, reach and handles can affect how easy it is for someone to play, so choose a suitable table and make sure everyone can take part comfortably.
There’s no need to rush anyone or turn every game into a serious contest. Leave room for learning, laughter and the occasional accidental own goal.
Start a tradition worth keeping
A few games after Sunday lunch. A family doubles competition at Christmas. A regular challenge whenever the grandchildren visit.
Table football can become one of those small traditions people look forward to. The partnerships change, the younger players improve and the reigning champion eventually gets beaten.
You don’t need a trophy. Although someone may insist on making one.
If you’d like to give it a try, explore the British Foosball Association website for places to play, or get in touch for help getting started.
Bring the different generations together and see what happens. Just don’t assume the youngest player will need your help, or the oldest will take it easy on you.
