What gave you the idea to make a football card game in the first place?

It started as a silly idea one night while hanging out with some footy friends and talking about card games. We did a few quick Google searches and couldn’t find anything simple, fun, and affordable. We literally wrote down prompts on ripped pieces of paper and started playing. We didn’t know if it would turn into anything, but it quickly became a fun way for us to connect on a deeper level with our footy friends and family.

For someone brand new, how do you explain how GIVE&GO works in just a few sentences?

GIVE&GO is a footy-inspired card game that combines conversation starters, quick thinking, and light physical actions to spark fun and meaningful discussions around the sport we love. There are no points, winners, or losers—just shuffle the cards, read the prompt, and let the good times roll.

What’s the most fun part of the gameplay once people get into it?

When we set out to create this game, we wanted something easy to pick up and play. We decided the first version should be about building authentic connections through conversation. Instead of layering in too many rules, we intentionally kept it open-ended so fans could take the game in different directions depending on the setting—whether that’s the pub, at home, or on the go. From the feedback we’ve received, people love sharing their footy memories, hot takes, and everything in between. For us, the magic is in the conversation, and that’s what we’re leaning into as we build our community.

Did you always imagine it as a football game, or did you play around with other themes first?

Yes, 100% football. It’s the sport we love and know best. It wasn’t until later in the process that we realized the concept could apply to other sports—but for now, we’re fully focused on football.

What’s your personal favorite card in the deck — and why?

It has to be the first card that really made the light bulb go off for us: “Go around the group and name teams with red jerseys.” Such a simple question, but it always goes down this incredible rabbit hole of knowledge, banter, and discovery—Man U (EPL), Bayern (Bundesliga), Toronto FC (MLS)… Dingley Stars FC (Australia). Even as massive footy fans, that one card took us all around the world, helped us discover new kits, and sparked arguments about what actually counts as a “red” kit—do stripes count?!

We’re just scratching the surface, but hopefully this gives you a taste of what to expect from some of our cards.

If you had to pick one football legend to sit down and play with you, who would it be?

Has to be Stevie G. He was my favorite player growing up. His vision, leadership, and ability to create moments of magic were all things I aspired to bring into my own game. I was a left back—so I never had the engine Gerrard did—but I did have the 60-yard ping like him. I’d love to spend an afternoon just pinging balls back and forth on a nice pitch.

Was there a moment during testing where you thought, “Yes, this is really working”?

There have been plenty of exciting moments—and just as many moments of doubt. Early on, we had a gut feeling we were onto something, but once we started seeing the game in the hands of friends, friends of friends, and eventually people we didn’t know, that’s when we really started to feel like we were making progress. Every day presents new challenges, but we’re committed to chipping away until GIVE&GO becomes a household name for footy fans around the world.

What was the hardest rule or mechanic to figure out while designing it?

The hardest decision was whether to lean into structured gameplay or focus purely on conversation. There’s always tension between wanting a fast-paced game and one that sparks deeper discussion. We spent months trying to incorporate more gameplay mechanics to be like other games, but we ultimately realized our sweet spot was building authentic connections through conversation. Maybe we’ll explore more game mechanics in the future—but for now, it’s all about bringing fans together and deepening those connections.

How do you keep the game fun for casual players but still interesting for competitive ones?

Great question—and something we’ve thought a lot about. From the beginning, our goal has been to bridge the gap between new fans and lifelong supporters. While it helps to have some footy knowledge, we’ve added plenty of prompts that don’t require it. For example, “Do your best goal celebration” or “Pick a teammate and create a new game-day handshake” are all about creativity, not football trivia. That mix keeps it fun for everyone.

What’s been the coolest reaction or piece of feedback you’ve gotten from a player so far?

We recently launched co-branded packs with our second professional club partner, New Mexico United. A few days after the announcement, a mother reached out about moving away from New Mexico, losing her husband during COVID, and still having a deep passion for the club and community. We exchanged a few messages—she bought a pack—and told us her son loves the club, loves our game, and dreams of playing for New Mexico United one day. She wrote, “Thank you SO much for sharing it all!!! Sometimes what you think is just a tool for advertising and business means SO much more!” Messages like that remind us why we do this.

Have you had any funny or unexpected moments while demoing or playtesting the game?

Oh, plenty. One that stands out happened during a test session at a local pub. Someone pulled the “Do your best goal celebration” card, and without hesitation, this guy sprinted across the bar, slid on his knees, and accidentally knocked over a tray of drinks. Everyone was in tears laughing — and the best part was that he stayed in character the whole time, doing the full Ronaldo “Siuuu!” celebration as the bartender helped clean up.

If you could go back to the very start, what advice would you give yourself about making a game?

Keep it simple, take feedback, and don’t get discouraged. The early days are often the most fun—taking an idea and turning it into something tangible is a milestone worth celebrating. But there will be roadblocks. Instead of overcomplicating things, focus on the next most actionable step. And bring others along for the ride—it can feel lonely at times, and having a support system is key to keeping your energy and creativity going.

Where do you see GIVE&GO heading next — new decks, expansions, or maybe a digital version?

Right now, we’re focused on getting our Kickoff Edition into as many hands as possible. With the World Cup coming to America next year, there’s no better time to tap into footy culture, community, and fandom. We’d love to work with our community to shape the next version of the game, and we have ambitions to expand into other global markets, create new editions, and eventually branch into other sports. There’s definitely a digital opportunity here, but for now, our focus is on building real, human connections through the game.

Outside of your own game, what other games do you love playing right now?

We’ve drawn inspiration from Cards Against Humanity and what those guys have built around their brand and ecosystem. Funny enough, I’m not a huge game person myself. While I appreciate them, I’ve never really connected with any out there. That’s part of why we created something that focuses on conversation, storytelling, and quick banter. We wanted the game to mimic the free-flowing nature of football—open-ended and adaptable, just like the sport itself

And finally… who’s harder to beat in GIVE&GO, you or your friends?

Definitely my friends! While I’ve played football most of my life and love the game, GIVE&GO is really about others. Meeting new fans, hearing their stories, and learning from them has been one of the most eye-opening and rewarding parts of this journey. We hope to use GIVE&GO to connect footy fans around the world and grow the game—on and off the pitch.

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Now – I am the proud owner of the only copy of the game in the UK !

I personally think it is a wonderful product and really does promote conversation and some light hearted humour. Do I think there would need to be some small tweaks made to ensure the UK market is catered to in a way that would land (removing the word soccer being a given of course) I do also believe that the guys less family friendly deck would land very well, especially amongst you Non-League fans for whom nothing is off the table and honesty is something which many pride themselves on!

Branching out into the UK market is something the team are 100% looking to do in the future and I have already stated I would be happy to give my steer on how they could appeal to the Non-League market in particular.

Overall – this is a really easy to play conversation starter for at the pub pre or post game or even for a long away day on the coach or train, it is pocket sized and very commutable, the good thing is that the deployability is also very high as opinions change. Also if you play the game with different people every time then you are bound to come across a bunch of different answers too!

KEEP AN EYE OUT as this is sure to be winner once it lands on the home of FOOTBALL 😉

Until next time!

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