Have you ever heard of bubble football? If not, it’s time you started brushing up. It’s gaining popularity and it’s easy to see why: it has to be one of the most fun ways to spend an afternoon with your mates.

So what’s it all about? Here’s your guide to one of the most amusing sports ever – guaranteed to raise a smile the minute you start playing.

Bubble football, eh? So that’s like footy with a strange ball, then?

Not exactly. The football is the same as in any other match. It’s the players that become bubbles, courtesy of a large inflatable zorb-like suit that they pull over their heads before going on to the pitch.

A zorb-like suit? Isn’t that a bit uncomfortable?

Far from it. The bubble suit provides a bouncy cushion around the player, meaning they are protected from any knocks and scrapes during harsh challenges. It’s like playing football while wrapped in, well, a giant inflatable suit.

But there are still goals, just like in a normal football match?

Indeed. Bubble football is played on a conventional pitch, with a goal at each end. The aim is just the same, to put a few past the opposing team. Up to 14 people can play in two teams, though it’s possible to enjoy a match with as few as three on each side.

However many players you have, the challenge is to control the ball and move it around the pitch, while battling against the permanent risk of being bowled over by the opposition.

Isn’t it all a bit, well, silly?

You got it. While there are bubble football tournaments, this is principally about having fun. It’s pretty much impossible to play or watch bubble football without falling about in fits of laughter. Which is lucky, because the chances of staying upright are nigh on zero.

It’s quite a leveller?

That’s right. You could probably ask David Beckham to join your team and not enjoy that much of an advantage. That’s what makes bubble football such a good activity for groups of friends, especially if your fitness isn’t what it was. No one feels as if they’re struggling to keep up. It’s all about being on the pitch and having a laugh with your mates.

Sounds good. How do I book a session?

There are a growing number of bubble football specialists throughout the UK. They’ll let you hire the inflatable suits for use at a venue of your choice, and some have their own pitches, too. Costs are around £300 for a one-hour game, or £30 per person. Not bad for 60 minutes of hysterics with your chums.