Daniel Timoney casts a spotlight on one of the most captivating sports the Strathclyde Sports Union has to offer.

By Daniel Timoney (he/him)

Interested in trying the only mixed-gender sport in the world? Our Korfball team is on the lookout for new members!

The frantic but fabulous sport of Korfball, which holds similarities to netball and basketball, is a mixed-gender team sport played all over the globe. Here at the University of Strathclyde, we have two teams currently competing in tournaments across the United Kingdom.

The sport is played with two teams comprised of four male and four female competitors aiming to shoot the ball, by hand, into the korf.

What is a korf, you ask? The word comes from the Dutch word for ‘basket’, and it is similar to your average basketball hoop except there is no net and a much more elongated rim.

Unlike the majority of team sports there are no set positions, and anyone can shoot or defend. Players are unable to dribble with the ball – meaning the sport is heavily reliant on build-up play and team cohesion.

The Club is currently made up of two teams and are actively seeking to welcome new members of all abilities.

Strathclyde’s Korfball Club Secretary Ellise explained, “New members can expect a laid-back environment with a competitive edge in games and tournaments.”

“Everyone in the club understands what it’s like to be new – that was all of us at one point!”

Recently finishing sixth in the second round of BUCS Korfball Programme – and qualifying for the BUCS trophy – new members could be enticed by the chance to push for some silverware. With an upcoming summer tournament in The Netherlands planned, the Club have the opportunity to go head-to-head with other teams from around the continent!

Any Strathclyde students looking to get involved with our multi award-winning Strath Sports Union teams should seriously consider Korfball. An incredibly fulfilling sport that we are lucky to host at our university, and ran by a hard-working and hospitable committee, too.

You can find the Strathclyde Korfball team on Facebook under the name University of Strathclyde Korfball Club or @StrathUniKorf over on X. Alternatively, you can email the committee using the address strathunikorf@gmail.com.