As teams begin looking forward to the exciting start of the 2023/24 Season, QuadballUK are proud of the year that has been delivered. With both the university and community leagues bringing some amazing talent to their respective tournaments, resulting in London Quidditch Club and Warwick Quadball Club winning their separate BQC Champion titles, it has been a truly thrilling year for British quadball. Listening to the feedback from members, the plan for the 23/24 season introduces some new and exciting changes for the UK quadball community.
While these changes are considerably different from the initial proposals, QUK have decided to introduce a more synchronised season between Community and University leagues, which aligns with the wants of our members, and allows for us to deliver high quality, consistent, enjoyable events which our players and volunteers rightly expect and deserve. We are also hoping this will encourage greater interaction between the two leagues, bridging the gap and assisting with post-graduate recruitment.
While we are not yet able to confirm specific venues or cities, we have confirmed specific regions as far as we are able. Details will be released as soon as they are available, with QUK already in discussion with venues for the upcoming season.
Community
Having received feedback regarding the spacing between BQC ’22 and the first Comms fixture, as well as the final Comms fixture and BQC ‘23, QUK have decided to align the Community League fixtures with those of the University League, hosting them on the same weekends. Further, to address concerns regarding the league system, teams will now be split into two divisions to play round robins.
The first Community Division 1 fixture will take place on November 12th 2023 in Wales. The second Community Division 1 fixture will take place on February 11th 2024 in Northern England.
The first Community Division 2 League fixture will take place on October 29th 2023 in Scotland. The second Community Division 2 League fixture will take place on February 18th 2024 in Southern England.
University
The new 23/24 season brings with it the introduction of the Northern and Southern Development Cups – Single day friendly tournaments at the beginning of the season in replacement of Northern and Southern 1, intended to inspire recruitment and to give new members the opportunity to play. Northern Development Cup will be held on October 28th 2023 in Scotland. Southern Development Cup will be held on November 11th 2023 in Wales.
Northern University Cup will be held on February 10th 2024 in Northern England. Southern University Cup will be held on February 17th 2024 in Southern England.
From these rankings, the top 12 teams will be invited to compete in BQC.
European Qualifying Tournament (EQT)
QUK have made the choice to reintroduce the European Quadball Cup Qualifier Tournament (EQT), set to be held in late January, location TBC. This will be opt-in for a capped number of University teams, with invitations for Community teams being based on league standings after fixture one. The dates and location for EQC have not yet been announced by Quidditch Europe.
British Quadball Cup (BQC)
The British Quadball Cup will once again be a two day tournament again, with 24 teams competing across both days, in University and Community flights. British Quadball Cup will take place over the weekend of the 23rd and 24th March 2024, in Sheffield.
European Quadball Cup (EQC)
After the efforts of our Community and University Teams at this years EQC, we are excited to see what the UK can bring to the 2024 European Quidditch Cup. The exact dates and locations have not been announced for Division 1 or 2, but they are confirmed to be held after the 13th April 2024. QUK will share further details when we receive them.
