Students in Ugandan Village Train To Play Harry Potter-Inspired Quadball
Ugandan Youth Play Sport Inspired by Harry Potter
REPORTER:
Players run with sticks held between their legs in this remote village in Uganda.
The game is quadball, adapted from the fictional sport of quidditch from the Harry Potter fantasy novels and films.
In the world of wizards, players move around the pitch on flying broomsticks. But here, the real magic lies in how coach and founder John Ssentamu built the team from the ground up, after discovering there was a real-life version of the game he’d read about in JK Rowling’s books.
John Ssentamu (COACH AND FOUNDER):
I have to go back and read more about the Quidditch and the broomstick. Never did I know that there is a real game!
John Ssentamu (COACH AND FOUNDER):
Our first hoops were holes dug in the ground. Then from there we graduated to getting the bicycle wheels.
REPORTER:
Quadball was adapted into a real game in the early 2000s by students in the US.
A team consists of seven players in four positions: three chasers, two beaters, a keeper and a seeker.
Each team tries to throw quadballs through the opposition’s hoops to score points. Beaters can take chasers out by hitting them with dodgeballs.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the game is extra special for its gender mix.
Team Member:
I found the game interesting because we are given an opportunity to play boys and girls in the same pitch and it can be an alternative of any other game. For example, me, I couldn't pique interest maybe in playing football for girls. So, I feel better and much good as I'm in the quadball pitch
REPORTER:
With its booming popularity, teams around the world have competed in the quadball world cup, held every two years since 2012, mostly in Europe.
These young Ugandans, some of whom have been on the team since its beginning, say they hope to get there one day.
Team Member:
My dream is to be one of the greatest African players of quadball in the world and to be moving, showing my talent in quadball as a player and as a chaser and to tour, to play in other world cups
REPORTER:
But coming from a rural community, many do not have the luxury to travel overseas or even the documents to do so.
John Ssentamu (COACH AND FOUNDER):
If you ask them how many do have passports, you may be surprised. If you get three, that is too big a number. And then you ask a bank statement. These ones, even their parents don't have bank accounts. But when you are applying for a visa, they need bank statements.
John Ssentamu (COACH AND FOUNDER):
I will die a happy man when I see the team of Uganda going to the World Cup. Even if I don't go, but the team goes.
REPORTER:
Although the team members are no wizards, they hope to create their own magic and someday soar on the world stage.
