The weight sensors will each measure up to 5kg - so 20kg total. They will bend (very) slightly when a load is detected. They can be set to zero at any point so your friend could place his foot on the board and the sensors could be zeroed. A push on the ball (of the foot) will see the front sensor increase and the back sensor decrease. Same for left/right. The Leonardo can read these sensors and move the mouse at a speed relative to the difference in pressure. It might even be possible to tap the plate to represent a mouse push.
As I had some of these sensors lying around (from an earlier project) I quickly knocked together this.
View attachment 129508
There is (of course) another wooden board which goes on top.
The two circuit boards are (dual) Analogue to Digital converters so the scales can be read.
I have a Leonardo handy so will attempt to write some code when I have time - probably at the weekend.
I'm hoping everything still works as two of the sensors are very corroded.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Mike.
BTW, Sensors and boards work out about US$5 a pair.