The first ever Ultimate Tournament in the Forest of Dean took place at Coleford Sports Centre on Sunday 15th October and was a huge success for the local team who organized the event, Dean Ultimate.
Dean Ultimate’s first team, going under the name of Iron Boar for this competition, played without subs all day and reached a very creditable 3rd overall against formidable opposition. Their Beginners/Junior squad also won the ‘spirit’ trophy (awarded to the team showing the best sporting spirit), as voted for by all participating players from all teams.
The event was a guest round (round 21) of the Staffordshire Indoor Frisbee League, and 8 teams were pitted against each other from all of the country. Rumours abounded that amongst players were ex-Team GB members, as well as a good turnout from both Worcester and Derby University clubs.
Dean Ultimate member James English was delighted with turn-out and the level of competition saying: “We’ve done tournaments before, but this was our first as hosts. We had loads of support, including the Bespoke Brewery in Mitcheldean who labelled-up our goodie-bag bottles of ale with our team logo. It’s been fantastic.”
Managing the event and handing-out the trophies was founder Jon Powell who is also head coach for the local team, which trains each Tuesday at Freedom Leisure in Coleford. “A team of experienced players who entered under the name of ‘I don’t care’ took an assured win with strong performances throughout the day, but I am just glad the event went off without a hitch and everyone had a great time. We’re already planning next year’s event.”
If you think Ultimate is just a game of throwing and catching a frisbee, think again! Ultimate is a fast paced, self-refereed, non-contact game involving two teams of five indoors, seven when played outdoors.
Jon continued: “Ultimate is a bit like a mash up of American Football and Netball, played on a pitch with two end zones. You simply have to work the disc up the pitch and catch it in your opponent’s end zone. Like netball, the thrower cannot move with the disc and has only 8 seconds to pass it to a teammate. Teams are mixed in gender, age and ability and spirit of the game is everything.”
Next year the team hope to host a bigger event outdoors which gives more access to spectators, as well as camping, allowing teams from even further afield to take part.
Max D’arcy, aged 11 from St. Briavels has been playing just over a year and it was his first tournament. He said: “I love this game. I play football with the Garden City as well, but Ultimate really helps with my strength and fitness as well as defensive positioning and finding space. Some of the throws are amazing.”
Max and fellow local juniors, Thomas English and Joseph Matthews collected the Golden Disc and Golden Boar trophies as part of the spirit award.
Iron Boar: Liam Wade, James English, Ian Southgate, Martin Bott and Luke Hill.
Dean Humbugs: Jon Powell, Stan Matthews, Joseph Matthews, Carl Spiby, Max D'arcy, Thomas English and Matt Cutress.
You can follow the team on Facebook or catch them at deanultimate.co.uk
CONTACT DETAILS: James English via e-mail je@jamesenglishdesign.co.uk
Photos on our Facebook page can be re-used upon request. Please ask to join and use. I will also send a few separately.
