Teens Are Battling With Foam Swords in Balboa Park and Honestly? Good for Them.
If you were strolling through Balboa Park on a recent Saturday afternoon and stumbled upon a squadron of teenagers in jerseys, wielding foam-covered sticks and shields in what…
By The Desk · April 5, 2026
Apparently, organized foam weapon battle leagues are alive and well in San Francisco's public parks, and we're kind of here for it.
The exact flavor of combat sport remains up for debate. One local suggested it might be the [Society for Creative Anachronism](http://www.sca.org/), a nationwide medieval reenactment group. Another thought it could be Jugger — a legitimate competitive sport with international leagues that blends elements of rugby and sword fighting (minus the actual bodily harm). Still others pointed to organized medieval battle LARPing groups known to meet in parks around the city, including McLaren Park. As one amused San Franciscan put it: "I like how there's currently four replies with three distinct different answers."