Im looking for some help in promoting and selling the footbags that I make, and I was wondering if there were any local shop owners that would be interested in putting a few in their window

The footbags I make are typically 32 panel hand stitched bags, made of Ultrasuede and filled with steel shot (to around 60 grams). Ive sold a couple in the past for £12 each (£2 of which is material costs), although the more reknowned American stitchers that I know can sometimes fetch upto £20 each. On average it takes me 3 hours to stitch a single bag, less if i stop being so fidgety and just get on with it

It is possible to make cheaper alternatives, and in fact for beginners, its recommended that they use a sand filled bag usually comprising of four or eight panels, and if these were more likely to catch interest then Id be happy to make them.

Obviously i would be happy to split the money (minus materials). For me, its about getting a bag into someones hand and having them want to learn how to use it. The footbag scene is a very lonely place in the UK

I have a page on Facebook ( www.facebook.com/pages/WyrmBag-Footbags/114272678617402 ) that shows some examples of what ive made recently, but if anyone would like to see them properly or perhaps even a demonstration of the sport itself, id be happy to hear from you!

Have you been in contact with the Boatshed to see if they can suggest anything or contact the new Mayor, Cllr. Paddy Prince who may have knowledge of any local scheme. I haven't a clue about your product but wish you well with it and will watch this space to see how you get on. Good luck!

Thanks for the pointers!

I wonder if our new Mayor has ever joined a hack circle?

You never know unless you ask, Paddy and Debbie are involved with Youth Work so it may not be such a strange idea. I still am not sure what you do but will take time to look it up tomorrow!!!

Unfortunately our website appears to be down at the moment but you can find more information on footbag at these sites

www.pureshred.co.uk
www.footbag.org

Footbag is a sport that has "evolved" from the game of Hackysack (a term we no longer use because its a trademark of Whammo! Inc.) In hackysack, the idea is for a group of people to keep a small ball off the ground between them using any part of their body other than their hands. With footbag, its about playing solo, pulling off strings of tricks, ducks and spins, and stalling the bag on the feet/knees/head. Across the world there are various competitions being run, from the small scale "jam" type events, right through to the World Championships.

There are lots of videos on youtube, but the one i always show when asked "What is footbag?" is this one



Again im more than happy to answer questions or do some demonstrations

How on earth do you manage , you must practice for hours.! It would be great to get it going in Mablethorpe, what a challenge. What, with this and Street Dance we could occupy lots of local youths. I can only ask that you do what I suggested before and contact the Boatshed, Paddy and Debbie Prince and even send a letter to the Mablethorpe Leader to ask if anyone would be interested. I'll keep watching this space!!!!! Debbie may put you in touch with Tennyson School as they have a good facility for all sorts of projects there.

How about the sports centre in Mablethorpe?

There you go, another good suggestion! One of the Trainers called Dave Clarke would be able to have a word with you, or Ross.

Hi Pam,

No i havent tried yet. Between a trip to london, work, and trying to get my back garden in order before summer dissapears Ive been a bit lax of late

I promise, ive taken all these suggestions on board, its just hard finding some spare time at the moment! Ive been meaning to get myself gym membership, its perhaps a chance to kill two bird with one stone

Hi there, nice to know someone is working hard.
Glad to hear you are going to look into the suggestions when you get some spare time.
You could just call at the Sports Centre and ask for a word with Dave Clark or Russ, without actually joining the Gymnasium to see what they think of your idea. You could also get in touch with PCSO Ben Morris or PC Jon Jones at the Police Station to see if they think they could start something up on their Saturday Night Sport Project with your idea. It would be a new challenge for local youth's. Debbie Prince of ELDC would point you in the right direction. Don't let anyone else beat you to it. Regards, Pam.

Been a looong time

Ive been in touch with Debbie Prince, she also recommended i go to the sport center. She also mentioned that in order to work with children ill need to be CRB checked, something i didnt think about.