Quadball is a full-contact mixed-gender sport, proudly welcoming trans and non-binary players.
Born in 2005, quadball quickly took off, spreading across the globe. Today, thousands of athletes play in local, regional, national, and international tournaments every year.
Quadball is currently played in the UK by hundreds of players in community and university teams. Seven players on each side aim to outscore their opponents by throwing a volleyball through the opposing hoops, defending their own hoops with tackles and dodgeballs, and catching the flag to clinch the win.
Whether you’re new to sport, a seasoned athlete, or simply a fan, there’s a quadball club waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be sporty or know the rules before joining?
Not at all! Beginners are welcome at every training session — no prior experience in quadball or any other sports needed. We will teach you all the rules.
Do I need to be a Harry Potter fan?
No. Although quadball was originally inspired by Quidditch and the Harry Potter series, the sport has grown into its own independent community and competitive sport.
Quadball has a long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and proudly welcomes trans and non-binary players. Many players have never seen the movies or read the books!
How much does it cost to join?
It is FREE to join a training session at your local club and to attend our weekday pickup game sessions in Leeds, London and Edinburgh.
If you do decide to join a team long-term and play at tournaments, additional costs may apply such as:
- Team Fee: Clubs usually charge a fee for the season (generally under £30)
- QuadballUK Season Membership: £19 for New Players, £30 for Returning Players
Can smaller players still compete in quadball?
Absolutely. Quadball includes players of all body types, sizes, and athletic backgrounds.
While quadball is a full-contact sport, success is not just about strength or size. Different positions reward different skills, including speed, agility, awareness, teamwork, throwing accuracy, and endurance. Many smaller players thrive at the highest levels of the sport.
New players are also introduced to contact gradually during training, so you do not need prior contact sports experience to get started.
Do I have to commit to a team, a position, or tournaments straight away?
No commitment required upfront. You can come to a few trainings before deciding whether to join a team or enter tournaments, and you won't be assigned a position until you're ready to choose one.
How does the gender rule work?
At any time during play, no more than three players of the same gender (as self-identified by each player) may be on pitch for one team.
This is called the gender maximum rule, and it applies to all official matches. It makes quadball one of the few contact sports with a built-in mixed-gender requirement.
Do I have to run with a stick/broom between my legs?
Yes, every player runs with a broom (a short PVC pipe) between their legs. It acts as a gameplay handicap and is part of what makes quadball unique.
It feels odd for about ten minutes and then becomes second nature! Brooms are provided by the clubs.
Is Quadball LGBTQ+ inclusive?
Yes! Quadball has a long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and is explicitly trans- and non-binary inclusive.
Unlike most sports, quadball does not separate players into men's and women's leagues or teams - players of all genders compete together. A player’s gender is based on self-identification, and the gender maximum rule was designed with gender diversity in mind.
Over half of QuadballUK athletes identify as LGBTQ+, and clubs across the UK are committed to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
What does a typical year look like?
The University Season usually runs from October to April, while the Community Season runs from April to September. Most clubs train weekly throughout their season.
Across the year there are:
- National tournaments
- Friendly fixtures
- Social pickup sessions
- Fantasy tournaments
- International competitions
You can participate at whatever level suits you, from casual training sessions to full competitive seasons.
Is there a minimum age to play?
Players must be 18+ to compete in QuadballUK competitions.
We are also working on events and initiatives focused on younger players. Reach out or follow us on our socials to stay up to date!
I want to start a Quadball team at my university, school, or in my city, where do I begin?
We love that! QuadballUK has resources and support for new teams. Get in touch through the contact page and we'll help you get started!