141 local soccer enthusiasts discovered this past Monday that soccer and golf can mix, and it is actually a lot of fun.

The Hawai`i Hilo men's and women's soccer programs hosted the "footgolf" event at the Naniloa Golf Course on Martin Luther King Day. Players of nearly all ages joined in the fun, which was a fund raiser for both of the Vulcan soccer programs. 

"We were really pleased with the turnout for our first ever soccer-golf tournament," said UHH women's coach Gene Okamura. "We really appreciate the community's support of our event, our programs and Vulcan Athletics. We can't wait to have our community back at our home matches whenver COVID allows."

Players grouped into teams of four to literally play the Naniloa Golf Course with a soccer ball. Participants received a UH Hilo soccer shirt and a bento box lunch, along with other prizes from various sponsors. There was also a scavenger hunt and other competitions with prizes.

"We hope to be able to have this event again," Okamura added. "The money raised helps us to offset the deficits that the pandemic has brought about. We are very grateful to all who participated and donated."