Oxford Quidditch enchants the Tab

The Tab channels its inner Harry Potter and tries Quidditch for a day

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How do you spend your weekends? While most would spend their Saturdays either working or recovering from a heavy Friday night of drinking, others don their cloaks and mount broomsticks in preparation for a day of Harry Potter-inspired Quidditch training.

Having bravely volunteered, Andre and I set off this morning to the parks beyond New College. Confused at first as to how Quidditch could be played by a bunch a ‘muggles’ we were soon assured that “we don’t need to fly, Quidditch is awesome enough already!”

Keeping our eyes peeled for a snitch

At first the bewildering vocabulary and rules were intimidating but there is lots of fun to be had in this up and coming sport.

There is a surprising amount of depth to the game and different positions that suit different people’s talents and preferences. Those with a violent streak may be suited to the role of Beaters who throw dodgeballs at the opposition.

Worryingly the team were seriously impressed with Andre’s beater skills.

What a load of quaffle

From a distance the game probably looks like mayhem; people running around with brooms between their legs and others with yellow socks hanging from their backs (imitating snitches of course) being pursued across the field but it actually makes sense once you grasp the basics.

Not unsurprisingly Quidditch has developed a large following played by over 300 teams, including Oxford, across the world and I encourage anyone to come and give it a go. It’s both a rough and dynamic sport but both Andre and I are both booked in for next week.

Conclusive proof that flying on a broomstick is possible

Having provided several sets for the films Oxford is clearly taking its relationship with Harry Potter seriously.