Grab your balls

The achievements of UCLU Dodgeball Club surpass what one might expect from a team whose initial kit was merely an assortment of black t-shirts.  The club was established in 2011 through the vision of Tan Quang Hui and, in the same year, finished third in their first tournament AND were named the UK Dodgeball Association’s Best New Team. Winning.

Let’s jump forward to this year; UCLU Dodgeball has new equipment, an ever active committee and a brand new kit that actually boasts colour. We have played in three tournaments thus far and, sadly, we are yet to finish in a podium position – although we have consistently qualified for the quarter finals. We have been thwarted by the nefarious Imperial Wolverines in two out of our last three quarter final matches, fueling a new London varsity rivalry. We train with Imperial once a week and undoubtedly they are a decent team; however, I am confident we will be victorious in our next meeting.

Patches O’Houlihan and the 5 D’s of Dodgeball

UCLU Dodgeball Club was recently awarded a £250 grant from the Friend’s Trust and it could not have been more gratefully received.  It was good to gain recognition from the Union; this money will go towards subsidizing tournament entry and travel for our team who had previously been paying for this out of their own pockets owing to their steely commitment and dedication.

We are glad to inform you that we will be hosting the annual UCLU InterClub Charity Dodgeball Tournament this year. The tournament is open to all clubs, societies and departments and will be held on the 20th of March from 1.00-5.00 pm in the Quad. This will be a great opportunity to demonstrate what our club is all about and it will also give people the chance to experience the sport in a fun, informal way.  Set up a team, bring a few friends and prepare to be bombarded with balls.

Have you got a team?

UCLU Dodgeball Club, from its inception to the present day, has been constantly progressing, and I firmly believe it will continue to do so. Our goals for the rest of the season are to play in as many tournaments as possible and hopefully progress to League One, whereupon we shall thwart the villainous Wolverines.

We happily invite new members: we train every Friday from 5.00-6.30 pm at Somerstown Community Sports Centre. Just as a formality, it should be noted that – unlike the film – we do not equate your ability to dodge a wrench with your ability to dodge a ball.

Sam Robertson is the President of UCLU Dodgeball Club.  For more information on the upcoming tournament, follow the link:  http://uclu.org/whats-on/clubs-societies/interclub-dodgeball-tournament