The roundból Origin Story
Franko didn't set out to invent a new sport. He just wanted to play soccer on the beach.
Frustrated by small goals that encouraged lazy defense, Franko drew on his lacrosse background to experiment with a new idea: round goals, inset from the backline, creating space to move and score on a true 360-degree target.
On a late September afternoon in Venice, California, the first pickup roundból game was played. Using a soft volleyball and a couple of trash cans, friends marked out a pitch and circular creases with their heels in the sand. No overthinking. No committees. Just friends, sun, and a game that made everyone forget they were building skills and getting a workout.
That moment sparked roundból — a new take on the beautiful game built for real life.
Friends, Family, and the Mission Behind roundbol
Franko didn't build roundból alone.
He and Travis have been close friends for decades, connected by a shared love of sport, creativity, and pickup games that bring people together. Travis was there from the very beginning — playing in the sand, watching the game evolve, and recognizing its potential to make movement fun and accessible for kids and families.
With more than 30 years of experience building and scaling startups, Travis helped turn roundból from a spontaneous beach game into a cohesive product offering. Together, they focused on designing simple, durable gear that families can easily use anywhere.
For Travis, this mission is deeply personal. After supporting his own son through mental health challenges as a teenager and young adult — and witnessing the growing epidemic of inactivity and poor health among kids — he believes movement is essential for both physical and mental well-being.
roundból exists to help kids move more, play more, and reconnect with the joy of being active — without pressure or performance.
Read more about our journey on the blog, or check out our FAQ if you have questions.
Why We Play
We believe play should be for everyone, at every stage of life.
Inclusive & Welcoming
A game anyone can join, regardless of age, skill level, or background.
Creative & Inspiring
No rigid systems. Just freedom to move, try, and create.
Developmental & Skillful
Encourages coordination, awareness, teamwork, and confidence.
Active & Invigorating
Fast-paced play that keeps bodies moving and minds engaged.
Joyful & Fun for All Ages
Because play should feel good — always, for everyone everywhere.
Meet the Founders
Two friends, one idea, and a shared belief in the power of play.
Franko is the creator of roundból and the original spark behind the game. A lifelong sports enthusiast, with a particular interest in soccer, lacrosse, and basketball, he is passionate about creativity, movement, and pickup play. What started as a casual beach experiment in Venice, California quickly grew into a new way to experience the beautiful game.
Franko believes the best games are the ones that bring people together and make you forget you're exercising and skill building. See the rules he designed, or grab a set and try it yourself.
Travis is a co-founder of roundból and brings over 30 years of experience building and scaling startups. A longtime friend of Franko, he witnessed the creation of roundból from the very beginning and helped transform it into a complete product offering for kids and families.
Driven by a personal commitment to health and well-being — shaped by supporting his son through mental health challenges and seeing the impact of inactivity on today's youth — Travis is passionate about the mission behind roundból: Powered by Play. He believes play is one of the most powerful tools we have to support both physical and mental health. Get a Game Set and see what he means.
