Crazy Norwegians invent ‘bubble soccer’

Hallo Ollie! How are you today then? Help yourself to a reindeer horn full of coffee and a virtual Norwegian pastry for a change. I thought I'd bring some in because of today's topic. Are you a soccer fan? Well, the Norwegians (always a little on the wacko side...much like Canadians) have come up with a different version of the game.

A group of Norwegian lunatics - yes, that's the only word for them - have invented an entirely new sport that has to be seen to be believed: bubble soccer.

The game sees players run around the pitch wearing what could be loosely described as giant, inflatable hamster balls on their heads. It obviously impairs their movement and agility, but they simply bounce safely whenever they take a spill.

The game is the brainchild of Henrik Elvestad and Johan Golden – hosts of a program called ‘Golden Goal’. Unlike the usual game, physical contact is not only allowed but downright insisted upon. People in North America are used to more contact sports and so soccer has seemed somewhat of a ‘nancy’ game to many. (That ought to get a rise out of some folks, eh.) Just to set the record straight, I don’t hold with that view.

“I went to the Friday Night Fights…and a hockey game broke out!”

Anyway, from what I’ve seen, bubble soccer's a hoot with players running full tilt into each other and bouncing off. Well…whatever.

See ya, eh!

Bob