Client Entertainment Ideas: Challenge a Team GB Table Football Player
You’ve invited your clients to an event, arranged the refreshments and made the introductions. Now you want to give them something they’ll remember.
How about the chance to take on a Team GB table football player?
It’s an invitation that gets people curious. Some guests will immediately fancy their chances. Others will want to watch first. And someone will confidently announce that they were unbeatable on the office table.
There’s only one way to find out.
At the British Foosball Association, we can help you create a client entertainment experience built around expert players, quality tables and friendly challenges that everyone can enjoy.
Give your clients a story to take away
A good client event gives people something to talk about afterwards.
Playing against someone who has represented Great Britain offers a memorable experience, particularly when guests can get involved themselves.
They can watch a demonstration, ask how a shot works and then step up to try their luck. There’s a personal connection to the experience: they were there, they took part and perhaps they even scored.
That last detail may become increasingly impressive each time the story is told.
Through the BFA, you can discuss appearances from Team GB players and World Champions, subject to availability, to bring that experience to your event.
You don’t have to be good to have a great time
“Challenge a Team GB player” might sound intimidating if your last game involved a lot of hopeful hitting and very little control.
That’s where the approach of the host matters.
An expert can welcome beginners, explain a few basics and shape the challenge around the people taking part. The aim is to give guests an enjoyable experience, with enough encouragement to make them want a go.
For one person, the challenge might be scoring a single goal. For another, it might be trying to save a particular shot after being shown how it works.
More experienced guests can test themselves in a competitive game. Complete beginners can enjoy discovering what’s possible.
There’s no requirement to arrive with a signature move.
Turn a demonstration into a conversation
Watching an expert control the ball is fascinating. Getting to ask questions makes it even better.
How do they move it so quickly? Where are they looking before they shoot? How much practice does it take to become that good?
A demonstration gives guests a natural reason to gather around, while those questions open up conversation. They might hear about competition, preparation and the experience of representing their country.
Then they can pick up the handles and try a technique themselves.
That combination of watching, talking and playing gives people several ways to enjoy the activity. Even guests who prefer to stay on the sidelines have something to follow and discuss.
Spend time with clients in a different setting
Client relationships often develop through meetings, emails and conversations with a clear business purpose.
A shared game gives you a chance to get to know each other more informally.
Team up with a client for doubles, take turns facing an expert or cheer each other on during a challenge. There’s something happening that everyone can respond to, so conversation doesn’t have to do all the work.
You might discover a shared interest, a very dry sense of humour or an unexpected competitive streak.
Keep the atmosphere relaxed and let those conversations happen naturally. Guests should feel able to enjoy themselves without every pause becoming an opportunity for a sales pitch.
Build the entertainment around your guests
Table football can fit into different kinds of client events.
At an evening reception, guests might drop in for short challenges between conversations. A smaller hospitality event could give everyone time with the expert, including a demonstration and a few practice games.
For a product launch or company celebration, a scheduled “challenge the champion” session can provide a focal point in the programme.
Think about the number of guests, how long they’ll be there and whether you want a structured activity or something more informal. With the right format, people can get involved without spending the evening waiting for their turn.
An experienced host can explain the challenges, introduce players and keep things moving.
Make the challenge about more than winning
Beating an expert is a tall order. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be the only measure of success.
You could invite guests to try to score once, make a save or complete a technique they’ve just been taught. A friendly leaderboard or small prize can add interest, provided the challenge gives beginners a reason to participate too.
Celebrate the close attempts as well as the successful ones. Sometimes the biggest reaction comes when a first-time player sends the ball past a
