The History of Trashcan
as told by the son of the founder
Trashcan was created 1999 in Indian Harbor Beach Florida.
It began as a front yard game where I lived. Coming from an extended family that bonded through physical activity, yet diverse in ability, an activity was needed to address such a dynamic. I was six at the time. Originally, the game was called Palmtree Soccer, we played with a size 3 soccer ball and the object was to hit a designated palm tree at each end of the yard to score. It flowed similarly to trashcan, however the tag-voiding jump rule wasn't created yet. From then on, we played at yearly family gatherings and occasionally at soccer practice. Usually, there were appropriately spaced poles to play with just about anywhere we went, however, it was at the cost of obstacles between the poles, anything from other trees to drainage ditches, but we played through it. The game soon evolved past inconsistent arenas. Since the most available item around was, you guessed it, trash cans, subsequently the game adopted two trash cans as goals. Picking up speed in Gainesville, we played with big 50 gallon metal drum trash cans that were stationed by every dugout. We routinely carried them to the center of the outfield, placed clean bags in them if necessary (it was always necessary), and got to playing. The size of the ball was reduced to allow for one handed play, transitioning from a more soccer based game to a more basketball style of play, however, the soccer element still remained. Players also could compete behind the trash can goals, using lacrosse or hockey type movement. Eventually the hassle overcame the financial commitment and leaner, cleaner, sexier trashcans were purchased: the Brute 44 gallon model. With more portable goals, we could now truly play anywhere, and we did. We took the cans to St. Augustine and played on the hard pack beaches. During almost every game, a slight kink in the game was found, and with no rule basis, it would consistently spark long winded conversations. Occasionally these conversations would bleed on into dinner that night and soon find resolution. A majority of the more specific rules were fashioned in this manner. As the game acquired increasingly more refinement, it also began to spread. When family wasn't fully available, close friends were invited to play. Very few participants, if any, were dissatisfied with the game. Built through word of mouth and Facebook, the first ever trashcan tournament was held in Gainesville in 2011. It featured 9 teams of 5 and a full tournament style bracket. To my disappointment, I wasn't able to make it. I was however, slowly but surely introducing the game to my friends at home. It is now an event we use to reunite after being distanced by college. The game, invented by reunion, is now serving full circle as a tool for bringing us all together.
In college, the game has served as a way to meet new people and to stay fit by all standards. Both as a stand alone and in partnership with the University of Florida Hammock Club, the American Trashcan Association has used it's social media presence to coordinate bi-weekly games in Orlando, Melbourne, and Gainesville, along with larger events such as hang outs and tournaments.