Interview with Jordan Mahaffey from Foot Clan Footbags
Jordan from Foot Clan Footbags has been getting heavily involved in the footbag scene from Portland. We decided to have a chat with him to see what he’s up to.
Tell us a bit about Foot Clan footbags – what made you get started on this project?
It all “kicked” off when I brought a “Stally” footbag on a work road trip. It was an instant icebreaker, sparking laughs and bonding with new team members. Soon, our lunch breaks and travel were now filled with epic footbag sessions. The bag went where we did!
As a designer, I thought, why not create our own footbags with a cool crew name? So I went to the cutting room to create the logos. Next, we needed bags with our artwork on them. And soon enough Foot Clan Footbags was born.
What got you into footbag?
I discovered footbag originally in middle school in the 2000’s. It was a short run when I lost my bag into the gym rafters and eventually focused on the expected school organized sports. I didn’t kick a footbag much until 2021 when I found it again with my work buddies and created Foot Clan. Then once I started to build up some kicking skills, I got interested in doing stalls and eventually looked up footbag on YouTube. I came across a Vice video of Derrick Fogle, a video of Taishi Ishida and then Vasek Klouda and was completely blown away by what they were doing with a bag. It was that day I decided to pursue freestyle.
You are in Portland – the birthplace of the sport – how has that helped your footbag journey?
I feel so fortunate to live here. I knew nothing about its history or the game when I moved here in 2015, but am so thankful to be living in Portland because of its unique vibe and deep ties to the roots of footbag. There’s a sense of history here that inspires everything I do. It’s incredible to play with some of the OG’s, World Champs, and Guinness World Record holders that are still kickin’ today. Big shout out to the Footbag Lovers of Portland crew for continuing the legacy. Portland has a supportive community that fuels creativity, innovation, and keeps the spirit of footbag alive.
You were part of a cool Portland video as part of the Joulukalenteri – how’s the scene in Portland at the moment?
The Joulukalenteri project was a blast! Big thanks to Cass Taylor for organizing. I’m thankful to be able to play with some of the best Portland shredders like Dustin Rhodes, Chris Dean, and Gordon Bevier. I’m learning so much from these guys; they inspire me to keep evolving my game, while also being creative. I was stoked to share a glimpse of what our freestyle shred sessions look like in Portland in comparison to the global footbag community.
You’ve set up the Footbagspot website – what are your plans with that?
Footbagspot is about creating a hub where players can learn, find inspiration, and purchase affordable, yet quality bags for new and seasoned players. I plan on featuring more tutorials, sharing news, and recap videos from events, and spotlighting players and crews from around the world. I plan to one day offer a “custom bag section” of my website where people can reach out to me with ideas and I can help bring their bag ideas to life. I’m also keen on setting up a corner of the site dedicated to active footbag stitchers. There are players and friends out there I’ve met through the community making amazing footbags and I love to be a storefront to the people who would want a place to sell and distribute. I’ve set up a section to build out a “Team” Foot Clan and I’m excited about what I can do to help others while promoting the sport. The goal is to share the fun of footbag with the world and give back to the sport that’s given me so much.
You’ve been involved with footbag for a little while now – what are your thoughts on the scene?
The footbag scene is incredibly tight-knit, which is both its strength as well as a challenge. The passion and creativity of players are unmatched and it’s inspiring to see people come together through footbag. I’ll always continue to try and find ways to bring in new faces and grow the sport. I think there’s a lot of potential to modernize footbag’s image, while reaching a wider audience, especially through social media and collaborations. The scene here is small but mighty. We’re focused on growing it through school programs, meetups, collaborations, and just getting more people to experience the game for the first time. The energy is definitely building!
What are your plans for the coming year with Foot Clan and footbag?
We have some exciting projects, bags, and products lined up. We’re collaborating with other players and crews like House of Hacky and Tript Out’s John Shadeck to create unique foobags and find ways to bridge communities and generations within the game. I’m always exploring new designs for footbags that blend functionality with style and story telling.
I’m also working on a pilot program called “Intro to Footbag” with the goal of getting local Portland schools involved with the sport of Footbag. I plan to organize more local meetups in Portland and plant the seed for the next generation of players.
Beyond Foot Clan, I’ll be attending the Shred is not Dead LA Footbag Jam hosted by Johnny Sarah, as well as planning on making it to the US Open, keeping an eye out of where Worlds ends up this year as well as the classic Beaver Open!!
How have you found the process of making footbags? Where do you get your design inspirations from?
Making footbags is a fascinating process. It’s all about balancing durability, feel, and weight while keeping the designs fresh and fun. I was inspired to stitch my own bags after seeing people online who’ve shared some of their process. I’ve now stitched over 120 bags since I started and am not slowing down. I draw inspiration from Portland’s culture, streetwear, and even from the Pacific Northwest. Each bag is a little piece of our story and the community we’re building. I really enjoy experimenting with fabrics, filler, and size to find the perfect bag for different play styles.
Big shout out to:
Anne Crosett of @bossfootbags for helping me start my journey in the beginning and being an open book to tips and tricks when I was struggling. Also Brian Sherrill (@b.beari) and Nick Landes (@mantisfootbag@ for inspiring me to make bigger, better bags and explore unique fabrics. Christopher Schillem (@chinsen3000) for giving me one of my go-to gathering tools. Marco Hartig (@macro_footbag) and Hanna Mickiewicz (@haniabag) for pushing me to up my stitching game! Justin Blotsky (@81_others) for providing the perfect footbag filler.
9. What else are you into outside of footbag?
Outside of footbag, I’m into design, finger boarding, community building, and outdoor adventures around Portland and the PNW. I’m always looking for ways to combine my creative passions with meaningful projects, whether it’s through branding, events, or connecting with people who share a love for movement and creativity. I have a beautiful wife who shares a lot of the same outlooks as I do. We love a good hike or a road trip to explore new places we haven’t been, while trying all the local spots. I have two Boston Terriers and two cats who bring a ton of energy to our house but we wouldn’t have it any other way!
10. What do you hope to achieve with Foot Clan?
My ultimate goal is to grow footbag into something bigger. Not sure what that looks like exactly, I’m still working on defining that. I want to make it accessible, modern, and appealing to a new generation, while honoring the roots of the sport. Through Foot Clan and Footbagspot.com, I hope to inspire people to play, connect, and create; whether that’s through a game of hacky sack or something bigger.
Anything else to add, anyone to thank?
I’d like to thank the entire footbag community for keeping the sport alive and vibrant, and a special shoutout to my Portland crew for always supporting me as a player and my vision. Big thanks to those who’ve collaborated with us and believed in what we’re building. Let’s keep kicking and growing together!
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About the Author
Daniel Boyle Founder of @sportslashlife. Australian living in Chile. Freestyle footbag player and passionate sports fan.
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