FOOTBALL has been played in Cirencester Arena for many years but now it is being played with a zany twist.

The sport of bubble football sees players wearing a plastic bubble while attempting to play the beautiful game Thanks to Arena manager, James French, the rather unconventional way of playing the game, which was invented in Norway two years ago, can now be enoyed by players in the Cirencester area.

Mr French, who decided to bring the game to the venue, said the first bubble football session at the Arena on Sunday went down a storm with those who took part.

He said: “Basically we used a couple of my mates as guinea pigs.

“It is something everyone can play - you don't have to be good at football.

“People are bumping into each other rather than scoring goals.

“It is just a good bit of fun. You do fall over a lot. Because you are in a bubble. It is hard to keep on balance.”

Mr French explained that he was inspired to start bubble football at the Arena after a footballer who plays in one of the Arena’s leagues asked about the possibility of it being played there.

He said: “He asked if we would consider doing bubble football in the Arena as he wanted to play it locally.

“I had seen it before but I had never explored bringing it here.

“I looked around the country everywhere for suitable equipment and eventually found a supplier in China who gave me a good deal.”

Mr French said people often have to travel to play the sport but the Arena is the only inclusive venue where it can be played in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

The cost to play at the Arena is an inclusive £20 per session - making it a lot cheaper than anywhere else.

“Because of the cost of travelling somewhere it normally costs between £35 and £40 per player,” said Mr French.

Sessions at the Arena are made up of short matches and games such as last man standing and penalty shoot outs.

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