New Jersey Youth Soccer recently hosted its second annual NJYS FootGolf Championships at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, NJ, bringing together players and families from across the state for a day of competition, fun, and a unique soccer experience. Played on the Cascades FootGolf Course, the event combines the strategy and precision of golf with the skill and excitement of soccer, providing participants with a fun way to enjoy the game in a different setting.
Building on the success of NJYS’s inaugural FootGolf event in 2025, the 2026 championships expanded opportunities for players to participate and experience the sport. The event welcomed both returning players from last year and new participants experiencing FootGolf for the first time, creating a fun and welcoming environment for everyone.
A key addition to this year’s championships was the introduction of two divisions, Competitive and Open Play. The new format allowed players with different levels of experience to take part in a division that best suited them, whether they were looking for a more competitive experience or simply wanted to enjoy a new way to play the game. NJ Youth Soccer also expanded the championships to include U9 and U10 boys and girls, giving even more young players the opportunity to get on the course and experience FootGolf firsthand.
“This year’s FootGolf Championships was a great success, and we were thrilled to see both returning players and new participants come out to experience the event,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer. “The addition of our Competitive and Open Play divisions gave players more options to enjoy the event in a way that best suited them, while adding the younger age groups allowed even more opportunities for players to experience FootGolf. Crystal Springs Resort continues to be an incredible partner, and we are excited about the opportunity to continue growing FootGolf and introduce more young players to this unique sport.”
The event featured age-group competitions for boys and girls, with the Competitive Division competing for medals, prizes and a grand prize stay at Crystal Springs Resort. Players in both divisions also had the chance to compete in the Longest Kick and Closest to the Pin contests, adding an extra element of fun and friendly competition.
One of the highlights of the event was the return of Mark Woodward, a FootGolf professional and Team USA athlete, who welcomed participants and shared his expertise before they teed off. Woodward spoke with players about his experiences in the sport, explained how FootGolf works, and shared tips to help participants get familiar with the game before beginning their rounds.
Crystal Springs Resort has been a longtime supporter of FootGolf and continues to provide a unique setting for the NJYS event. The resort opened New Jersey’s first FootGolf facility in 2014 and now features two FootGolf courses.
“Crystal Springs Resort is proud to continue our partnership with New Jersey Youth Soccer and support the growth of FootGolf,” said Michelle Abate, Director of Marketing at Crystal Springs Resort. “It was wonderful to host the second annual NJYS FootGolf Championships and see both returning and new players enjoying the sport. We look forward to continuing this partnership and welcoming even more players to our FootGolf courses in the future.”
The NJYS FootGolf Championships were made possible through the support of Crystal Springs Resort, Capelli Sport, ONit Creative Solutions, and PRIME, along with the hard work and dedication of NJYS staff and volunteers.
As New Jersey Youth Soccer continues to expand its FootGolf programming, the organization looks forward to introducing more players and families throughout New Jersey to the sport and creating additional opportunities to experience FootGolf in a fun, welcoming, and competitive environment.
To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer.