Hammond, LA., locals will soon be able to don large plastic balls at Chappapeela Sports Park and take to the field to play soccer with a crashing and bouncing twist called KnockerSoccer.

“There aren’t that many contact sports for adults out there,” said Ryan Barker, Chappapeela Sports Park director. “I feel like KnockerBall is an innovative new sport where you can get a little contact. You’re running around and kicking the ball, but now there’s contact. You’re playing soccer but you can run straight into someone.”

Barker said they may expand into other sports using the KnockerBalls, but wants to start with soccer, as he said there is always a demand for adult soccer leagues with locals.

“With KnockerBall you get a little more collision, a little more contact and it’s a little safer,” he said. “A lot of retired footballers are really into this. They say they’re getting that contact they did 20 years ago.”

The teams will play on a smaller soccer field in teams of five.

The leagues will be organized by Tangi Kickball, which has a Facebook group under the same name, but played at the park.

“I hope people are going to be excited about this and come out and participate,” Barker said.

The KnockerSoccer League plays by the same rules as traditional soccer and is co-ed. No positions, coaches or goalies are needed.

Rules state players cannot intentionally kick the balls or other players with their shoes or feet and no cleats or pointy shoes are allowed.

It is played for two- 15 minute halves with a five-minute halftime. The season is eight weeks long

The cost of a team is $150 for up to eight members. The season starts Sept. 10 and ends Nov. 5. Registration is open now and will close Aug. 31.

There will be a Winter season starting in December and a Spring season starting in March.

Registration is at Chappapeela Sports Park on Hipark Boulevard. For more information, visit Tangi Knockerball on Facebook.

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