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Football players usually have to be on the ball to stay ahead of the game, but a new trend that has rolled into the kingdom sees players in the ball instead.
Bubble football, a new sport invented by two Norwegians, Henrik Elvestad and Johan Golden, features players running around the pitch wearing giant inflatable balls which allow them to bounce into action at any moment.
The fun-filled game caught the attention of Bahraini brothers Arif and Adel Khalifa who caught wind of the game while surfing online
Arif, 29, and Adel, 34, both banking and finance professionals, claim the sport is fun for everyone.
Arif said: “While reading Facebook feeds we came across a video that my friend shared. It showed people playing a crazy game they call Bubble Football. It looked so entertaining that we decided immediately we need something like this in Bahrain. We have been trying to find new activities to do here that can be enjoyed by the entire family.
“Everyone wants to have fun and be crazy at times, regardless of how old they are. This sport will definitely bring out the child in you.”
The bouncing inflatable suits cover the upper body leaving the lower body to move freely in order to run the pitch. However, the challenging part of the game is when players bump, push and bash their bubble bodies into one another for possession of the ball. Footballers - once criticised for being overly delicate and falling over at the slightest touch - will no longer have an excuse to feign injury as they will be protected by the bubble.
After researching the sport and ensuring its safety credentials, Bubble Bash was born. The exciting new venture was then launched at the end of June and since then, according to Arif, has grown in popularity within the community.
Arif said: “Hundreds have already tried it and we are constantly booked almost every day.
“It is played like any other football game, but most of the time, people just focus on bashing into each other rather than scoring.”
The game is suitable for anyone aged 14 and above and Arif says it can also be used as part of corporate team-building exercises or for birthday parties.
He said: “This activity has been proven to be extremely beneficial for corporate team-building exercises as it brings employees and managers closer. It’s also a great workout. This sport will give you an unlimited amount of pleasure.”
The brothers have partnered up with Soccer City in Saar to feature one hour of play when requested for individual bookings. For other events such as corporate bookings, the bubbles are order-based and delivery is available.
Arif said: “Our game is based on delivery, hence we can accommodate a huge demand of bubbles in any part of Bahrain.
“People can either book us to make all the necessary arrangements or they can contact us for just the bubbles and we will deliver to them.
“However, we are currently searching for our own space to create our own indoor pitch instead of hosting the game elsewhere which will also reduce the cost for our customers.”
Bubble Bash’s crazy antics have also been featured in private events. The team was recently invited by the Real Madrid Charity Football Academy to perform a demonstration game during the semi-finals of the Nasser 7 Football Championship staged at Khalifa Sports City’s indoor hall.
The brothers are now working on providing miniature bubbles for a younger demographic just in time for the Eid holidays. Arif said: “We are now working on getting bubbles for children under 14 years. That way they too can participate.
“So whoever is bored with their regular routine or lifestyle and is craving something new, then come to Bubble Bash and try to be the ball for a change.”
The sport can accommodate 10 to 14 players. Arrangements can be made by the team at Soccer City for BD6 per player.
For corporate events and parties, bubbles booked outside of Soccer City are BD5 per hour (with a minimum of two hours required).
For details, visit www.bubblebashbh.com
