Paul Merson Celebrates Father’s Day with Son Freddie in Football Arcade Showdown at Immersive Gamebox
Former England international, Arsenal legend, and football pundit Paul Merson marked Father’s Day with a footballing family showdown at Immersive Gamebox, taking on its brand-new Football Arcade experience alongside his 11-year-old son Freddie.
Putting the ‘Mers’ in Im-mers-ive Gamebox, Paul went head-to-head with Freddie, a Chelsea academy player, with a session built around the kind of football rivalry many families will recognise: dad insisting he has still got it, son quietly backing himself, and plenty of debate over who really carried the team.
Together, Paul and Freddie took on a series of fast-paced football-inspired mini-games against fans, including Headers, where players compete to score the most headed goals; Goalie, where they dive to block shots; and Dribbler, where teams navigate obstacle-filled football courses. Bonus rounds, including Human Foosball and Streaker Security, brought the chaos, before the families teamed up for a final challenge to keep multiple virtual footballs in play for as long as possible. In the end, Freddie emerged victorious, beating his ex-professional father and demonstrating that youth can beat experience when it comes to Football Arcade.
With the World Cup in full swing, Football Arcade recreates the feeling of tournament football in a format anyone can enjoy, whether they are football-mad or have never kicked a ball before. Designed for teams of 2 to 6 players who choose a nation, customise their avatar and compete on a global leaderboard, with a $10,000 grand prize up for grabs. Expect tension, celebrations, last-minute saves and at least one argument over who bottled the final challenge.
Unlike traditional gaming or VR experiences, Immersive Gamebox is completely controller and goggle-free. Powered by 3D motion tracking, projection mapping and touch-sensitive walls, each Gamebox turns players into the controllers, making the experience easy to play for children, families, friendship groups, birthday parties and competitive mates alike.
Available for a limited time to coincide with the 2026 World Cup, Football Arcade is available at Immersive Gamebox venues across Essex, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, and Watford until 31 August 2026. Players can represent their country, customise their avatar and compete on a global leaderboard, with a $10,000 grand prize up for grabs.
Football Arcade Game Features:
· Compete Across Football-Inspired Mini-Games: Players choose their nation, customise their avatar, and battle through multiple rounds of interactive challenges inspired by the excitement and chaos of soccer tournaments. Games include Headers, where players compete to score the most headed goals; Goalie, where participants dive to block shots; and Dribbler, where teams navigate obstacle-filled soccer courses together.
· Chaotic Bonus Challenges: Additional rounds like Human Foosball and Streaker Security add unexpected twists as players race to stop pitch invaders before they reach the ball.
· Final Team Showdown: After individual rounds, teams unite for a final challenge, working together to keep multiple virtual soccer balls in play for as long as possible.
· Limited Time Only: Football Arcade is available at all Immersive Gamebox locations now until 3 August 2026. Reserve your spot now at https://www.immersivegamebox.com/en-GB/
Football Arcade is available at Immersive Gamebox until 31 August 2026.
