Fielding a full women’s dodgeball team might not sound unusual, until you realise only 14 clubs in the entire country can do it. The Nottingham Sheriffs are one of them, and their 12-player squad is fast becoming a symbol of what committed coaching and community can achieve.
In a sport that is still fighting for visibility, especially on the women’s side, having a full team is a marker of culture. The Sheriffs have steadily become a reliable pathway for women looking for somewhere to play, be it a total beginner or someone aiming for national levels.
Kath Ward, 32 and former Sheriffs head coach is a prime example of what accessibility can do for women in dodgeball. What started as a bit of fun during her time at the University of Nottingham has become her ‘entire life’ 12 years later.
She said: “It’s only in the sort of last two or three years that we’ve had enough women to run like a full court of 12 consistently and there’s still a lot of clubs around the country that struggle with that.
“It’s something we’re really proud of and that’s massively due in part to our links with the different universities.” She added.
Those links and ‘open door’ ethos have helped the Sheriffs grow from a tight knit ‘group of friends who all knew each other outside of the club’ into a ‘self-sustaining group’ and one of the most stable women’s dodgeball outlets in the UK where ‘anyone can walk in.’
Head coach and Kath’s husband, Sam Ward, 31, has seen first hand the lack of women’s teams in the sport.
He said it is the club’s quirkiness and ‘inclusive’ attitude that has been crucial in creating an accessible pathway into dodgeball for both women and men alike.
He prides himself on being one of the only places ‘in the UK where women can go.’ He explained how the Sheriff’s structure of having both social sessions for newcomers and competitive sessions for those who want to push themselves, is designed to welcome players at any level.
“It’s an outlet, it’s using that adrenaline but, it’s also just fun, it’s funny, you’re laughing with everyone.”
Kath ward
Despite having a team of 65 players already, Kath and Sam encourage anyone to give them a visit and see what the sport is all about. “If you want to grab some friends we’re like right, grand, you can have a court to yourself with me and one of the other coaches and we’ll just crack on.” Kath said.
“It’s an outlet, it’s using that adrenaline but, it’s also just fun, it’s funny, you’re laughing with everyone.” she added.
For many newcomers, that mix of intensity and playfulness is what can turn a curious trial session into a long term passion and Kath and Sam want to make sure that potential spark is never missed.
Sam said: “Regardless of who you are and where you join, players of all levels will cater their play to ensure you have a good time.”
As the Sheriffs look ahead, their mission remains the same, keep the doors open, keep the sport accessible and keep proving that dodgeball, especially women’s dodgeball, can thrive in the right community.
