What do you get when you cross the game of soccer and zorbing, a sport in which an individual rolls down the side of a hill or a level surface in a giant plastic orb? You get bubble soccer, a game that is sweeping the nation. What started out as a joke four years ago between Norwegian comedian/TV hosts Henrik Elvestad and Johan Golden has turned into a sport that is gaining significant traction in the United States.

Madison resident Christie Low became hooked on the idea after seeing a video of the comical new sports craze online. She wanted to play but quickly found out how expensive the bubble suits were to use for personal purposes and eventually founded Isthmus Bubble Soccer in January.

“I got into the business primarily because I wanted somewhere local that I could play with friends and family,” Low said. “I hope that all of our players walk away happy, and that we can become top of mind when it comes to league sports and private event activities.”

The setup for bubble soccer include suits five feet in diameter and made of translucent plastic. Five players on each team get inside their bubble and are strapped in with their legs free. The bubble top is open, and it has two front-facing handles. Bubble soccer follows the traditional game of soccer but with a few twists (e.g. no goalkeepers). The games last 24 minutes.

The company received publicity after partnering with KEVA Sports to host Madison’s first bubble soccer league. Other forms of promotion include a mention in KEVA’s monthly email, word-of-mouth and flyers.

Isthmus Bubble Soccer is mainly funded through private event fees and in part through league fees. It hosts corporate bonding activities, youth group events, high school activities, birthday parties and fundraisers.

The company looks to expand in the next year.

“I want to grow our league division,” Low said. “Bubble soccer is incredibly fun to play, and it’s a great workout. I’d love to see people play on a weekly basis.”