What Is Subsoccer? The Future of Bench Soccer

SUbsoccer Explained

Subsoccer is introducing the world to its newest sport: Bench Soccer. This exciting game is played under a table, combining the fun of football with a compact, fast-paced twist. Easy to set up and play anywhere – from homes and schools to bars and events – bench soccer is designed to bring people together through an innovative and accessible way to enjoy sport.

How to play

The official way to play bench soccer is as easy as 3 steps: Rock, Paper, Scissors to see who starts with the ball, kick-off starts in your goal area, then first to three goals wins! Official bench soccer games are always played without shoes.

Where Subsoccer Began

In 2008, Jarno Saarinen invented Bench Soccer while on holiday with his family in Spain. What began as a simple game with his daughter, kicking a ball between chairs, quickly grew into a neighborhood phenomenon. Back home, Saarinen built a transparent table version with nets, making the game more controlled and exciting.

Although his early idea was dismissed, Saarinen never gave up. A decade later, in 2018, a breakthrough match between Finland’s legendary goalkeeper Antti Niemi and futsal captain Panu Autio proved that this was more than just a children’s pastime, it was a real sport. The very next day, Saarinen resigned from his job and founded Subsoccer to bring Bench Soccer to the world.

Where can you play

Bring Subsoccer wherever you go, and enjoy bench soccer with friends and family along the way!

The Community & Culture

Bench Soccer is more than a sport, it’s a shared experience. From living rooms to bars and schoolyards, Subsoccer has already connected people of all ages around the world. The game’s simple rules and compact design make it an instant crowd-pleaser, sparking laughter, competition, and memorable moments wherever it’s played.

The community is growing fast. Families introduce it at home, teenagers create their own challenges, and athletes embrace it as a fun alternative training game. Social media clips and local tournaments have turned Bench Soccer into a movement that anyone can join, whether you’re a casual player or a competitive spirit.

At its heart, Subsoccer is about culture: bringing people together through play. Every match, no matter how small, creates stories, celebrations, and connections.

The Future of Bench Soccer

From a holiday idea to an international sport, Bench Soccer’s journey is only beginning. With new products, global events, and a growing fanbase, the game is set to expand far beyond its Finnish roots—inviting everyone to play, compete, and belong.

Ready to play? Find Subsoccer tables at home, bars, or local events and start your first match. Join the growing Bench Soccer community online, share your moments, and be part of the sport’s global journey.