A magical sport is about to take off at a college in Gorleston.
East Norfolk Sixth Form College on Church Lane is introducing Quidditch - the sport from the Harry Potter franchise - to its community outreach programme.
The sport consists of two teams of seven players each, who play in a hockey rink-sized area. The sport has been altered so it can be played on the ground – with broomsticks not required.
It is described as a mix of rugby, handball, basketball, and dodgeball.
Principal Dr Catherine Richards said: "We are always looking at new ways to engage with our local communities and I came across Quidditch as a sport and thought this would be an amazing opportunity to offer our local schools and community.
"We have invested in the equipment and staff have been given specialist training to deliver the sport."
Because of its link to Harry Potter, the sport provides an unrivalled opportunity to engage and immerse children in sports. It also has many benefits for all participants, including improving cognitive skills and cardiovascular health and encouraging creativity.
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The sport is also gender-neutral and puts equality at the centre - everyone can find a comfortable place to be themselves, which also helps improve mental health.
East Norfolk Sixth Form College's admissions and marketing manager, Jon Dack, said: "We are excited to introduce Quidditch to our programme. I can say with confidence that is an immersive and inclusive sport that will undoubtedly be hugely popular.
"Quidditch has unlimited possibilities for engagement with sport at all age levels – it is fun - but also great for exercise, being creative and for physical and mental health."
The college is keen to work with as many primary and secondary schools in the area, introducing them to the magical sport.
For further information about Quidditch or any other of the outreach programmes available at EN, contact marketing@eastnorfolk.ac.uk
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