by Naturally Fun Author: Justin Snasel

Since the moment the first teams squeezed into giant, inflatable bubbles in Arlington, Texas, Elzie Odom Recreation Center's "Bubble Soccer" league has continued to skyrocket in popularity.

The league, hosted by the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department, began October 7, 2014, and is the first organized league in North Texas. The game is simple: you wear a giant, inflatable bubble while playing soccer. Players go "bubble-to-bubble" while attempting to gain control of the ball and score for their team.

The new recreation league has become so popular, NBCCBS Arlington Reporter Tim Ciesco decided to drop by to see what all the fuss was about:

"This has to be the funniest, coolest recreation program I have ever been a part of," Sports Manager Danyale Webb said. "Players will bump into each other and just go rolling across the gym in their bubble. I go home every Tuesday with my stomach hurting from laughing so much."

While having fun is a goal, safety is a priority. Participants are required to adhere to a strict set of rules and regulations.

League Rules and Restrictions:

• Players must wear appropriate closed in footwear
• Players must wear appropriate sports clothing
• Players may not wear jewelry or glasses onto the field. Non-removable jewelry must be covered. Rec Specs are encouraged for players who absolutely must have eyewear
• Team uniforms must consists of matching shirts or bibs
• No studded footwear is permitted (cleats)
• Players must be secured with straps tightened and have hands on handles during gameplay at all times
• Players cannot leave their feet when hitting other players (no diving)
• Players must keep handles at shoulder level at all times (no lifting bubble to increase stride length)

"The simple fact is it doesn't hurt at all, it's like you're actually in a bubble and if you land just right you can bounce right back up on to your feet," Bubble Soccer creator Lee Moseley said. "Sometimes it's hard to get back up because you're laughing so much at other people."

For more information, contact the Arlington Athletics Division at 817-459-5463, [email protected] or [email protected].