If you thought Table Football - or Foosball - was a drab game best left gathering dust in youth clubs, then think again as the retro pastime has been dragged into the 21st century.

Dutch companies GRO design and TIM model makers have joined forces to create what they call '11 - the beautiful game' - a stylised object d'art that also happens to be an addictive team game.

As with the boxy original version, '11' sees players using rods to control miniature footballers as a ball pings around a table-top playing surface - all in the hope that the ball magically goes into the opponent's tiny goal.

But this time, the designers have taken on board the "strong architectural and sculptural beauty" seen in the design of new football stadiums.

The stark white 'playing field' is illuminated to bring "a heightened sense of drama and excitement to the game" and bright-silver chrome 'players' are said to "mirror footballers' status in sport and society".

"Football tables remain less desirable objects as their appearance no longer fits in with the designed landscape of modern interiors," said a company spokesman. "'11' breaks with this tradition by creating atmosphere through form, colour, material and subtle use of light, bringing a heightened sense of drama and excitement to the game."

The table is currently only in prototype form but the makers hope to develop it for sale by the end of the year.

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Story by Dean Murray