7 minute read
Interview: Marco Boi
IN CONVERSATION
MARCO BOI
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The founder of Playinnovation talks to SportsNationabout the importance of inclusive sports and play facilities
What is Playinnovation and what does it do?
It’s a forward thinking sports and play company specialising in the design and building of innovative multi use games areas and target games. When I say ‘multiuse’ I actually mean MULTI USE, not one or two uses. We create spaces that are maximised to inspire a wide demographic of people to be active, develop key life skills and improve their physical literacy. Everything we do is outcome-led.
What was the motivation behind setting the business up?
I worked for an outdoor playground manufacturer for a number of years and by default had become the face of the company. I was on a personal growth mission and wanted to both up-skill myself and help the business flourish, which it did. Unfortunately, my personal journey and targets for the business weren’t in sync with the owners’ vision and it all ended with me handing in my notice.
I wanted to stay in the industry and invent new products and bring them to market. I remember getting home the day I resigned and the reality setting in: I was unemployed, had a family to support and was faced with the small task of creating a product and finding an investor!
Whether it was the pressure of that moment I don’t know, but I had a light bulb moment and, that very day, came up with a detailed concept of what became Playinnovation’s very first product – the Street Snooker target game.
You also have an interesting background!
Yes – I’ve worked across a diverse range of industries which has allowed me to see life and people from different perspectives. I’ve been a snooker player, fashion model, kebab maker and a waiter! I’ve also co-owned a restaurant with my father and worked as a recruitment consultant, labourer and plasterer’s mate. I’m also a singer-songwriter, which has resulted in some amazing experiences – such as travelling across Europe and performing to thousands of people on stage and on national television (mainly in Germany).
The truth is that my previous jobs and experiences have given me a deep understanding of human behaviour from all walks of life, while also nurturing my creativity and need to innovate.
And that’s where Playinnovation comes in. Now, I channel all my creativity and innovation through Playinnovation.
© PLAYINNOVATION
Boi founded Playinnovation in 2010 after working across many industries
Why are you so passionate about getting families and communities active?
My parents divorced when I was around nine years old and I ended up being that kid at school who felt lost. I had largely grown up in another country (Italy) – when I went to School in Hertfordshire. I spoke poor English, had low self-esteem, little confidence and no father figure or older brother to talk to or turn
Playinnovation consults with local communities on each project, to ensure it caters for their needs One of Playinnovation’s most recent projects – a MUGA with target games at Cassiobury Junior School
© PLAYINNOVATION
to. I was desperately shy and the teachers at secondary school were far from inspiring.
The thing is that I loved sport. Mainly football, snooker and running. These were outlets and escapisms from day to day life and from a world that seemed so daunting.
When I founded Playinnovation in 2010, I sort of regressed back to how I personally felt as a kid and realised that there are so many people today of all ages – boys, girls and adults that feel the same way every day.
When we’re working on a new project, I always try to put myself in the shoes of young Marco. If we can make a difference to even one child or family, then it makes everything worthwhile.
How important is it to create inclusive, innovative physical activity spaces?
It should be the driving force behind every single facility project – no matter how big or small. To be realistic, however, it’s impossible for every project to tick all the boxes, mainly because of budget restrictions and, sometimes, the fear of change from procurement officers. Both of these elements can, sadly, stifle innovation.
Having said that, it is important that organisations like Playinnovation – and other SAPCA members and outdoor space designers – keep sharing their ideas with funding bodies (such as the Football Foundation, Sport England, The DCMS and local authorities). As an industry, we need to convince them that there are alternative, innovative and inclusive ways to do things. It’s the only way we can get EVERYONE active – by creating spaces that they feel welcomed and comfortable in.
How does Playinnovation do things differently?
You can see we do things differently when you look at our intergenerational games, coloured surfacing and arty basketball backboards. And, as with all SAPCA members, we tick all of the important boxes for quality and durability.
But the ‘hardware’ people see is almost a by-product. For Playinnovation, it is all about taking a collaborative approach with each client, thinking outside the box and creating the best, inclusive solution for them. We take risks and have fun while doing so – because often that is what really makes an impact on people’s lives.
How does membership of SAPCA help your business?
We went through stringent tests and site inspections to get our SAPCA membership and feel proud to be members. SAPCA is perceived as a professional, serious body filled with experts in our field.
It feels comforting to know that if we need sound advice or a sub-contract partner, we are safe with SAPCA and other SAPCA members. When presenting to customers, I always mention that we are members of SAPCA and I’m sure it scores us a lot of points! ●
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