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P EOPLE
IN CONVERSATION
The founder of Playinnovation talks to SportsNation about 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 ‘multi- use’ 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.
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
MARCO BOI
Boi founded Playinnovation in 2010 after working across many industries
62 SPORTSNATION.ORG.UK JUL/AUG 2022
© PLAYINNOVATION
© PLAYINNOVATION