AW Arena, a soft play centre in Ellesmere Port, Chester, has gained widespread praise for hosting World Cup viewing parties that run until midnight, allowing families to watch football together. The venue, which opened for England's matches against Norway and Argentina, offers a giant 250-inch screen, a climbing frame, and an alcohol license with bottled drinks at £3 and draft beer at £4.
Parents embrace late-night football
Local mother Chloe Gallagher attended with her three children, aged 10, nine, and five, to watch England vs Norway. She was so impressed that she booked again for the Argentina match. 'My son is completely football obsessed – he lives and breathes the sport!' she told Metro. 'We wanted him to experience all the excitement of watching England in the World Cup with his friends, but in a space that was fun, safe and designed for families.'
Owner Chris Aldcroft, who runs AW Arena (All Weather Arena), explained that the venue features an indoor football pitch, darts, and pool tables, and normally hosts children's parties and after-school clubs. He opened until midnight for major matches to 'bring the community together through sport.'
Atmosphere and logistics
The venue provided foghorns and played England songs, creating a noisy but positive environment. 'It's been very, very noisy, but in all fairness, it's been noisy in a good way. We're in an industrial estate so there's nobody around us,' Aldcroft said. The kitchen served late-night food such as chips, burgers, and nuggets during half-time.
Gallagher described the atmosphere: 'The place erupted when England scored. The younger children were racing around the soft play singing “It's coming home!” while the older kids celebrated together on the football pitch. Parents were cheering just as loudly, and there was such a real sense of everyone enjoying the moment together.'
Social media reaction
Gallagher posted a video on Instagram, @thetravelmum.neurodiverse, which received 22,000 likes. Most commenters called the idea 'genius,' especially since children are banned from most pubs after 9pm. Some sceptics questioned children's sleep schedules, but Gallagher noted, 'Strategic naps were definitely the goal, although convincing three excited children to sleep before a big England match was easier said than done.'
Aldcroft, who left school with no qualifications and signed a 10-year lease to launch his business, was boosted by the support. AW Arena hosted around 200 people during England's last game, and he hopes for even more success during the Argentina match. 'Hopefully, fingers crossed for a win. For us, it's been about community. We sing the national anthem all together and people who don't know each start chatting about all sorts of things. Somebody is looking for work and somebody else will say “have you spoken to so-and-so about that”. It's been brilliant.'
Practical details
Entry to AW Arena's soft play is free during World Cup fixtures, but tables must be booked online in advance. The venue's license did not permit opening for the full Mexico game, but it remains open until midnight for all major matches.
