Where Soccer Meets the Fairway: Building FootGolf in the U.S.

Описание: FootGolf blends soccer and golf into one of the most accessible and fastest-growing sports in the world, and Laura Balestrini has been leading its expansion in the United States since day one.

In this episode of the Playeasy Warmup Podcast presented by Sports City USA – ‪@VisitFriscoTX‬, host Kerri Shields sits down with Laura Balestrini, Co-Founder & CEO of the American FootGolf League and President of the American FootGolf Federation to talk about how she and her husband introduced FootGolf to the U.S. in 2014 and grew it from a niche idea into a national movement. ‪@FootGolfUSA‬

Laura shares how the sport gained traction with golf courses, families, youth organizations, and competitive athletes, along with why accessibility has always been at the heart of FootGolf’s mission. The discussion highlights the importance of grassroots partnerships, youth development initiatives, community fundraising programs, and destination marketing partners in hosting national tournaments and building long-term demand.

Looking ahead, Laura previews the 2026 FootGolf World Cup in Mexico, expected to welcome more than 1,000 players from over 60 countries, and explains how platforms like Playeasy help connect the federation with host communities and RFP partners across the country.

From patience and persistence to global growth and community impact, this episode offers an inside look at how new sports are built, and why FootGolf’s momentum is only accelerating.