Eight teams. One trophy. Everything to play for.
This weekend, the nation’s top university teams storm Keele University for the 2025 British Quadball Cup; two days of fierce play and unforgettable moments. With glory on the line and no room for off-days, every goal, tackle, and flag catch could be the difference between going home with that elusive trophy or simply going home.
This is where it all comes together. Some teams arrive as favourites, some with a point to prove — but every single one of them has fire in their belly and their eyes on the cup.
So grab your jerseys, rally your squads, and get loud. The stage is set. Whistles at the ready and the sticks are down…
Let’s meet our teams…
Warwick Quadball Club
As reigning champions, Warwick have proudly held the BQC title for the past two years. But the big question looms… Can they make it three in a row?
It’s been a solid season for the squad, kicking things off with a win at the Southern Development Fixture in November, before landing third at Southern Cup. Still, spirits are high. Their Head Coach (Team England’s James Martin) reports that training sessions have been sharp, and the team is feeling strong heading into the big weekend.
When it comes to players to watch, James spotlighted two promising freshers, Gaia and Alex, who’ve been diligently refining their skills and are ready to make their BQC debut count. He also gave a heartfelt shoutout to Warwick’s graduating players (including yours truly, Izzy B) heading into their final tournament with the club, as well as their formidable Captain, Maddy—whose leadership and tenacity shouldn’t be underestimated.
As for their take on the competition? Warwick are keeping an eye on the field, curious to see whether a dominant northern contender will rise. And they’ve got their eye on the Cambridge-Leicester combo as potential dark horses.
With experience, drive, and legacy on their side, Warwick are ready for the challenge. But can they hold the crown one more time?
We’re about to find out.
Captain: Maddy Parlato
Coach: James Martin
Oxford Universities Quadball Club
OUQC have had a stellar season, securing their first gold since pre-covid with a triumphant run at Southern Cup. With a strong emphasis on recruitment and retention, the club has grown in both depth and spirit. Head Coach Lucke credits their success to a balance of tactical discipline and mental resilience, but above all, to their philosophy of playing with a smile.
It’s been a season to be proud of, with freshers stepping up to take major minutes and making their mark. Keep an eye out for Max, Harry, James, Daisy, Thomas, and Rowan—each of them has been putting in the work, and they’re ready to bring something special to BQC.
When it comes to predictions, one thing is clear: this year’s university league is more competitive than ever. With a number of players gaining valuable EQC experience, the big question is how that will translate back on home turf. But OUQC are backing themselves.
With veteran leadership from graduating stalwarts—led by Captain Russell—they’re charging into BQC with confidence and momentum.
The only thing left to find out is: can OUQC put the crown on their season?
Captain: Russell Bartram
Coach: Luckeciano Carvalho Melo
‘Bankers’ Quadball (Southampton Quadball Club & Bristol Bears)
It’s been another strong season for the Bankers—the formidable fusion of Southampton Quadball Club and the Bristol Bears. After claiming silver at last year’s BQC, they kicked off this season in style with a standout performance at the Southern Development Cup. While Southern didn’t quite go their way, they’re hungry for redemption, and ready to remind everyone what Bankers are known to steal… GOLD.
When it comes to rising stars, one name comes up fast: Jamie. Their endlessly enthusiastic fresher with presence many won’t forget (university players may remember surprising her with a big Happy Birthday at Southern). She even crossplayed for Southsea at EQC, delivering a performance that impressed all.
Leading the charge is Captain Emma, backed by the dedicated coaching duo of Billy and Elliot, whose behind-the-scenes efforts have kept the team sharp and focused.
With experience, energy, and a point to prove, the Bankers are back—and this time, they’ve got their eyes firmly set on the top.
Watch out… they’re here to make a statement.
Captain: Emma Staines
Coach: Billy Barker and Elliot Simcox
United Welsh Universities
The United Welsh Universities Quadball Club (affectionately nicknamed UWU) have had an impressive season. After a nail-biting final at Southern, where they secured a hard-fought silver, they now head to BQC with one clear goal: gold.
And the top spot may well be within their grasp. With nearly every player having donned the Team Wales jersey, UWU bring a wealth of experience, refined skill, and fierce competitive spirit to the pitch.
When asked about their squad, the team were quick to spotlight their Captain and Coach, Max Xavier Parsons—described as the heart and soul of the club. They say no one has given more for UWU, and they couldn't be prouder to follow Max into battle
With a fearless roster and Welsh pride burning bright, the only question that remains is: can they turn passion into a trophy?
Captain and Coach: Max Xavier Parsons
Edinburgh Holyrood Hippogriffs
It’s been a standout season for Edinburgh’s Holyrood Hippogriffs. Kicking off strong at the Northern Development Fixture, they only climbed higher—ultimately claiming gold at the Northern Cup! Some credit their success to mysterious superstition (ask them about the mystical rock), but most agree: it’s been relentless hard work and team unity that’s driven them forward. Now, they're heading to BQC with one mission… Give it everything they have and become legends!
With their rallying cry of “Scotland Together Strong” echoing across the field, the Hippogriffs also highlight two players that rivals would be wise to watch: beaters Emily and Juliet, who’ve been turning heads all season with their intensity and sharp play.
Led by co-captains Marco and Luke, Edinburgh arrive with determination, power, and that signature Scottish fire. But can they finally bring that elusive trophy home to Scotland?
We’ll be watching.
Captains: Marco Lombardi and Luke Siever
Cambridge Chronophages/Leicester Thestrals
It has been a fantastic year for both Cambridge and Leicester! Making their debut as a combo team at the Southern Development Fixture back in November, their players made waves within the university league with their natural talents, impressing across the board.
Cambridge, coached by Team England’s William Brilliant, marked a triumphant return this season, competing at both the Development Fixture and Southern Cup. Their passion and love for the game has been evident at every turn, and they’ll be hoping that spirit carries them all the way at BQC.
When asked about standout players, Will was quick to spotlight the return of Chris R—a skilled ex-Warwick player lured out of retirement and ready to make waves once again. He also praised Jessie and Chris L, two dynamic Hong Kong national players bringing fresh tactics and unpredictability to the university scene.
On the Leicester side, club leadership Shade and Josh—who’ve been the backbone of the club behind the scenes— shone a light on two of their standout freshers, Noah and R, applauding their dedication and rapid growth since joining in September.
Together, Cambridge and Leicester form a formidable squad with the skill, strategy, and spirit to shake up the competition at BQC.
The question is: are you ready for them?
Captain: Jessie Ho
Coach: William Brilliant
Manchester Minotaurs
Recruitment and relentless drive have defined Manchester’s season— and it’s paying off. After topping the Northern Development Fixture and putting in a strong showing at Northern Cup, they turned even more heads with an electric performance at EQC.
Now, they arrive at BQC with a new wave of talent, eight freshers strong and eager to shake things up and show the old guard what new blood can do. Standouts like Zaffri, Emma, and Ryan have already made names for themselves this season with fierce determination, tireless effort, and some truly heroic runs.
Backing them up is a formidable beater line featuring some familiar, battle-tested faces (including fearless vice-captain Cyrus). And at the helm? Head Coach, Team Scotland’s Charlie Smith, joined by Captain Anh, forming a leadership duo ready to unleash the full force of the Minotaurs.
After claiming bronze at last year’s BQC, Manchester are coming in ready.
The question is: can they charge even higher this time around?
Coaches: Charlie Smith, Wilf Harvey and Hong-Kai Tan
Captain: Anh Lu
Leeds Griffins
The revival of the Leeds Griffins last season made waves across the university quadball scene, and this BQC, they’re aiming to make an even bigger splash. Leeds brought not one, but two teams to the Northern Development Cup in November, turning heads with their drive, determination and team spirit.
It’s been a season of growth and grit, and the Griffins have shown they’re not just back—they’re building something big. Leading the charge are players like keeper Ruthvik and beater Yiwen, who’ve been putting in the work all year to sharpen their skills and rise to the challenge of the biggest tournament on the calendar.
With a squad full of heart and a hunger to prove themselves on the national stage, Leeds are ready to show just how far their revival has come.
The question now: how many heads will they turn at BQC 2025?
Coaches: Callum Brennan and Jasmines Malee
Captain: Andy Jackson
As we head into BQC 2025, one thing is clear: this is the closest the university league has been in years. With talent stacked across the board and momentum swinging in every direction, every single game is going to matter. While I’ll admit I’m biased toward Warwick, it’s impossible to ignore the phenomenal seasons we’ve seen from teams like Oxford, UWU and Edinburgh. Truthfully, this could be anyone’s year.
But beyond the competition, BQC remains the highlight of the UK Quadball calendar. It’s a weekend that brings the entire community together—where freshers get a glimpse of what they can grow into, and returning players are reminded why they fell in love with this sport in the first place. The passion, the support, the friendships forged on and off the pitch—it’s something rare, something real, and something we’re all lucky to be part of.
To every university team taking the field: good luck, play with pride, and enjoy every moment. Let’s make it a BQC to remember!
