User:Matt Prest/Big ball soccer

Big Ball Soccer A version of soccer played with a large inflatable exercise ball. Generally referred to simply as Big Ball, the game originated in Sydney, Australia in early 2001. Big Ball is played socially and since its invention has had a number of incarnations. Traditionally, each player in Big Ball assumes a pseudonym which they carry with them for life. Big Ball is currently played regularly on Sunday afternoons at Sydney Park in St Peters, Sydney.

Origins
Big Ball was invented on an evening in January 2001, in Curl Curl, NSW on Sydney Northern Beaches. Those present at the first kicking of the ball were Willem Paling (aka Ted Danson), Matthew Prest (aka Goal Destroyer) and Jonathan Ma (big ball name unknown). Dan McHugh (aka Pen to Paper) was also present at a second kick around the following evening. The idea for the game came from Paling when he suggested taking his father Reg Paling's exercise ball (which he used to sit on while working on a computer) for a kick in the back fields adjacent to North Curl Curl Lagoon. While no formal match was played at this time, this was the beginning of big ball soccer.

In the years following its beginnings (2001 - 2003), big ball was played in numerous locations as one off games between small numbers of friends. Some of the memorable one-offs during this period were the games at Longreef Golf Course, The Block at Redfern, Ashfield Park and Victoria Park, all in Sydney.

The Moore Park Era (2004-2005)
In 2004, Big Ball became established for the first time as a regular weekly event. Initiated by the residents and associates of 53 Nickson St Surry Hills, the weekly games were played at Moore Park near Surry Hils, Sydney. This was the first time the game opened up to the local community and at its peak weekly player numbers reached up to 20 players a side. This incarnation of Big Ball also saw the introduction of player pseudonyms. The traditional big ball kick-off ritual was also created during this period. This was a way of starting the game which involves all plays gathering around the ball, placing a finger underneath and without anyone actively lifting the ball, willing the ball up into the air (a similar technique to that used on the planchette when using a ouija board in a seance). This lifting up of the ball would be accompanied by each player whispering the words, "Light as a feather, stiff as a board" repeatedly until the ball rises and flies into the air beginning the match.

The Jubilee Park Era
(more information needed)

Sydney Park Era (2009 to present)
Initiated by Wendy Morrison (Pineapple Head), Dan McHugh (Pen to Paper) Peter Newman (Riverman), this weekly event had seen a real Big Ball revival. Played in the shadows of the historic chimney stacks in Sydney Park, St Peters, this group of players brings together some of the best from the Moore Park and Wentworth Park days, while introducing a new generation of Big Ball freaks to the sport. Each week the two teams play as Alpha House (refers to arts commune in Newtown) vs Delta House (a reference to the film Animal House). Alpha House is led by Pineapple Head, Delta House by Pen to Paper. This group has also coined the term 'Big Ball blue' referring both to the colour of the ball which is similar to the colour of the short shorts worn by some of the more serious players.

Rules
Big Ball loosely follows the same rules as normal football. The differences are: -no offside rule -loose interpretation of a handball -unlimited player numbers (2 captains nominate prior to each mach and choose their teams one by one) -size of the ball

Hall of Fame (please add if you know a player not listed)
Ted Danson, Goal Destroyer, Pen to Paper, Pineapple Head, the Wall, Erin Blockavich, the Linguist, Cigarette Man, Snowman, Calculator, Crazy Horse, Mouth, Chquane (never missed a game), Maya Jupiter, RiSverman, Alexi Set Sail, Sasquatch, Ugly Shirt. R & B, The Prophet, Slider, Fatima for Now, Womble, Hairy, Rasputin, Reluctant Ratch, Asset, Foot.