Southampton University’s Dodgeball Pirates have recruited coaches from Wessex Wolves to help guide and improve their chances for this year’s BUCS Trophy.
They previously placed second in last year’s competition, after a severe 23-3 defeat to the champions Manchester University.
Despite the defeat, Pirates President Bobby Benford believes even getting to the final was a great achievement for his side.
“That was huge in and of itself. Last year it was just unexpected, we didn’t expect to actually go that far, and it’s been a big stepping stone in how we’re trying to promote the club and highlight our achievements.”
Nevertheless, clearly second place isn’t good enough for Benford’s side as they have opted to bring coaches in from the Winchester adult side, with the hope that they will bring the trophy home.
Benford feels that the additional experience would prove crucial:
“We’re having them come down to here to help our players develop. And it’s great because they’ve been doing this for such a long time, so they know how to do drills and make them fun.
“Whereas, we’ve been in it here for a couple of years. We haven’t done much coaching. We’re always worried that when we try and do something, it might not be as fun as it can be when they’re doing it.
“They’re just such a great few people there.
“Everyone at the club is wonderful, and it always makes people sort of enjoy the game more when they realize,it’s not just uni students that play it.
“It’s great to see these sort of adults that are wonderful people playing it.”
Currently the Wessex Wolves are competing in the dodgeball Regional Opens, and occupy top spot in the league table.
