New Seated Football Game 'Subsoccer' Kicks Off in Lithuania

A unique seated sport, known internationally as "Subsoccer" and invented by Finn Jarno Saarinen, is making its debut in Lithuania. Dubbed "kojinis futbolas" (foot-tennis) locally, the game was conceived in 2008 when Saarinen devised a football variant that requires minimal space and equipment.

“

Abroad, especially in large European countries and regions known for football culture, this seated foot-tennis has already become a popular pastime in bars, festivals, and fan zones. The game offers an opportunity for emotional release and spirited competition while maintaining a social atmosphere for friends to connect and have a good time.

The objective of the game is to score by maneuvering a ball with one's feet into the opponent's goal. Official matches are played without shoes, with players seated and prohibited from crossing the center line of the playing area. Typically, a match consists of two sets, with the first player to score three goals winning a set, and the first to win two sets winning the match, although variations exist.

"Volfas Engelman," a beverage producer, is spearheading the introduction of "Subsoccer" in Lithuania as a way to bring the fervor of the World Cup closer to the people. "Abroad, especially in large European countries and regions known for football culture, this seated foot-tennis has already become a popular pastime in bars, festivals, and fan zones," stated Vytenis Čimielius, marketing project manager at "Volfas Engelman." He added that the game offers an opportunity for emotional release and spirited competition while maintaining a social atmosphere for friends to connect and have a good time.

“

We aim not just to showcase a new game, but to create a tradition. We believe a community will form around this game – passionate people, groups of friends, company teams, who will later organize their own internal tournaments.

The official launch event took place on June 17 in Vilnius, featuring a tournament commented by sports commentator Nerijus Kesminas and offering attendees a chance to play with players from the Vilnius "Žalgiris" football club. Following the Vilnius event, the game will be available to try in Kaunas, Šiauliai, and at coastal locations. "We aim not just to showcase a new game, but to create a tradition. We believe a community will form around this game – passionate people, groups of friends, company teams, who will later organize their own internal tournaments," Čimielius added.

“

This game certainly has the potential to become a popular pastime in bars and other leisure spaces. If a regular bar...