A state-of-the-art digital football cube has made its debut in Scotland at The Centre, Livingston, just in time for the World Cup. The 16 square metre, hi-tech skills.lab Cube features interactive LED walls and is part of the shopping centre’s ‘Kick & Play – Summer of Football’ events programme. It is designed to give visitors of all ages the chance to put their skills to the test and enjoy a free immersive football experience.
This is Scotland’s first digital, 360° ‘Kick & Play’ football cube. It is used by FC Bayern Munich as an immersive experience at FC Bayern World and has now arrived in the country for the first time at The Centre, Livingston.
The skills.lab Cube has permanent residency in the Bayern Munich Superstore and was previously at the FIFA Museum in Zurich. It was also a big hit in fan zones in Germany during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. The cube is operated with a touch screen where players can switch between six pre-set, fun and challenging games.
These games include Chase Next and Stroop, with moving, glowing targets. The aim is to test technical and cognitive skills like passing accuracy, ball control and reaction time in short, high-intensity rounds. Players try to get the highest score, which is recorded using laser tracking technology that provides visual and audio feedback.
The football cube will remain in situ next to Burger King until July 30. The Centre, Livingston has been kitted out with hanging football flags covering every nation taking part in the World Cup. The centre will also be running lots of football-related arts and crafts during the weekends in July.
These activities range from designing a football strip and decorating a football money bank to making keyrings, medals and flags. They are free, with donations optional for The Centre, Livingston’s charity partner, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). CHAS provides palliative care, respite, and family support to babies, children, and young people with life-shortening conditions.
A ‘Guess the Number of Footballs’ competition is also running until July 24. Located in a display next to schuh, shoppers can enter using a QR code that directs them to the shopping centre website. Prizes include Gift Cards from various retailers including New Look and Aerial Adventures.
Lewis O’Connor was visiting The Centre, Livingston with his three children and wife. He took time out to enjoy a kick about with the family. He said: “The football cube is a great idea which our kids really enjoyed. We are big Scotland fans and heading out to Miami soon to see Scotland play Brazil, which has been a life-long dream of mine, and feels even more extra special that I’m taking my son who loves his football.”
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our 360°, digital football skills.lab Cube is a great way for fans to put their football skills to the test during the World Cup tournament. The games are great fun and provide the perfect opportunity for everyone taking part to show off their skills and get instant feedback on all their drills, passing power and goal scoring.”
For more information check out The Centre, Livingston social channels, @shopthecentre, and the website, www.thecentrelivingston.com.
