Video: Fancy a kickabout down at the golf club? Then footgolf at Stonham Barns might be the sport for you

The UK FootGolf Association (UKFGA) are holding the first ever National Rankings Tournament at Stonham Barns Golf Centre. The first event will be “kicking off” on Sunday 13th April 2014 at 13:00 (Registration at 12:00 noon) and will be finishing around 5pm. With future events happening each month through until September. Gareth May on the fairway. (Image: Sarah Lucy brown)

And now British footgolfers will be able to earn national ranking points from competitions taking place at Stonham Barns.

FootGolf first arrived on British shores in 2012 after being invented by the Dutch in 2009.

Predictably the aim of the game is to play an adapted round of golf on a specially designed course.

Instead of hitting a ball with a club players kick a size five football towards enlarged holes.

The sport has national competitions in this country and top players can also be selected to represent the UK overseas.

But as popularity has increased a national rankings system is being introduced which will decide who gets to take part in the top competitions. Previously entry was by way of a flat entrance fee.

It is hoped this will benefit the best players and improve the standard of footgolf in Britain.

Stonham Barns is the only course affiliated to the UK Footgolf Association (UKFGA) in Suffolk and will host national rankings tournaments every month from April until October.

Gareth May, a regional development manager with the UKFGA, said: “Participation levels have got to the extent where we need to introduce rankings.

“They (the rankings) are effective immediately. It’s a reaction to the growing participation.

“It needs to be more competitive and will in turn help the UK to become a better nation (in the sport).”

The first event at Stonham Barns is on April 13. More details on how to get involved can be found at www.ukfootgolf.com.