Player spotlight: warren booysens -XP Dads
Above: Warren after his game against Goal-Den-Oldies
At XP Arena, football isn’t just about competition—it’s about community, passion, and the love of the game. This week, we shine the spotlight on Warren Booysens, a proud member of the XP Dads team, who has been bringing energy, skill, and good humor to the pitch since January 2025.
Growing Up with Football
Warren’s journey into football started early. Growing up in a community surrounded by six football fields, the game quickly became a central part of his life. “Playing and watching football was a big part of the community,” he reflects. That deep-rooted love for the sport is something he carries with him every time he steps onto the field.
Life with the XP Dads
Despite joking that the XP Dads are “just a bunch of dads trying to stay fit and have fun,” Warren is proud of how well his team has been performing. They’ve already secured a third-place finish in a highly competitive league, and Warren believes they have what it takes to finish number one in the Tuesday league.
When asked about their toughest opponents, he quickly names Stella FC in the Tuesday league and Marseille in the Thursday league—two teams that always bring a strong challenge.
Above: warren with his XP Dads teammates.
Top: Hadley, Teddy, Warren, Alex
Bottom: Troy, Ishan, Davide
Missing: Mohau, Boetie, Luca, Salvo & Michael
The XP Arena Experience
For Warren, XP Arena is more than just a venue—it’s an experience. “There is always a good vibe on and off the pitch amongst the players,” he says. He highlights the live score updates on the website and the ability to track progress in the leagues as unique features that add to the excitement.
His favorite part about playing at XP Arena? The atmosphere. “Great vibe and the staff at XP is also amazing,” he shares. Describing XP Arena in three words, Warren keeps it simple but powerful: “Accessible, Affordable, Awesome.”
Beyond the Game
Football, for Warren, is about connection. “I love football and how it brings people together,” he says. That’s why he and his teammates only play at XP Arena, where they’ve built a footballing home. He also values how XP Arena supports the broader community, providing not only a place for adults to compete and socialize but also an academy for kids to develop their love for the sport.
Quickfire with Warren
• Favourite Team: XP Dads (no surprise there!)
• Pre-Match Ritual: Blasting some Eminem tracks while driving to the game.
• Most Memorable Goal: A cheeky back-heel finish at XP Arena.
• Funniest Teammates: “All of them. Yes really. Awesome bunch of dads.”
Final Word
For Warren Booysens, XP Arena isn’t just about chasing wins—it’s about staying active, building friendships, and being part of something bigger. With the XP Dads pushing hard for top spot this season, one thing is clear: win or lose, they’ll always bring the fun, energy, and spirit that make XP Arena truly special.