We got in contact with university teams across the UK in order to find the answer to some important questions we had to ask surrounding Roundnet at university.
The university we ended up getting in contact with was the University of Birmingham and their Roundnet society. We spoke personally with Anita who is the president of their society, and she was kind enough to answer our questions in detail, helping us to find out more about how Roundnet at universities and why YOU should get involved yourself.
1. Why should other universities create a Roundnet team?
Creating a Roundnet club at other UK universities would be awesome! It’d help build a welcoming and diverse community. Roundnet is a fantastic sport for everyone, regardless of skill level. It’s a blast to watch rallies in action and a great way to stay active and fit. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet new people and socialise. It’s like a friendly competition that everyone can enjoy. Roundnet is similar to other sports in terms of strategy, athleticism, and teamwork, but it’s unique in that it can cater to beginners and competitive players alike. I play another university sport (BUCS), and I think our Roundnet club is a fun and safe place for people to try something new without any prior sports experience. It’s also accessible to all universities because all you need is a net and a ball, and you can play anywhere. It’s easy to transport, affordable, and can be played in all weather conditions.
2. What’s Is in it for new members?
Being the first 360-degree game with a net, new members can enjoy trying a completely new sport the idea of hitting a ball onto a net is incredibly niche and unique (most members who join us haven’t played it before) and it’s their chance to make good friends and relationships. People love Roundnet, as they can choose whether it’s chill/ calm/ played laid-back or can pick the more competitive side. Like previously said, they want to stay active. Joining gives them the opportunity to develop their technical skills, fitness, go through the learning process of improving. With Roundnet (different to some sports), everybody can start at their own pace and develop as a player slowly/ quickly at different rates. It’s not only the sport itself, but members also come to socials/ attend events outside of training to bond with each other as a team and it helps their well-being.
3. What is it that keeps players coming back?
Our players keep returning for the community. We are such a close-knit community, and it offers them a sense of belonging at the club. We (UBRS) welcome everyone with open arms. Roundnet society is about having a good time together, whilst sharing a passion for the game. Roundnet is a mix of both camaraderie and competitive aspects. Players are engaged and get motivation to train/ become better because it’s all about personal development and how you improve individually at your own rate. Players feel it’s rewarding when they improve their skills. Events like tournaments can build up the team spirit too.
4. How do you run roundnet at your university?
At UOB, we run regular training sessions (twice a week). At these, we teach players the rules, basics they need to work on, drills focusing on the technical side, gameplay/ putting it into practice and we even do fun games (3v3 across two nets and Accountability). Socials are every Wednesday which build morale and friendships. We hold casual intro-tournaments within the club, which are nice way of giving variety to players (a chance to play a bit more seriously outside of pickup). We also host tournaments once/ twice a year with other universities travelling up for it. This is a great experience for UOB to play against new faces and meet others in the community.
5. What is the best part about roundnet in your opinion?
From over a year of playing Roundnet, I would say the best part is definitely the people I’ve met along the way. The sport itself is very enjoyable to play of course because it’s a great combination of thinking (understanding the theory behind it), speed, fitness, technique and teamwork (especially with communicating). The game is very dynamic - it’s almost impossible to recreate the same point twice. Rallies are always different, which makes spectators become intrigued and engage in watching it. But the no.1 reason I’ve stuck with it is because of the community. It’s how supportive and encouraging people are when they teach you how to play. How laid-back and accessible it is to newbies (but also how competitive the sport can get).
No matter your skill level, you will feel included. Roundnet Society is truly a home to me.
These Reponses have helped us in understanding the importance of having a sport like roundnet at university and why YOU should create a roundnet team at your university today.
To register to become a roundnet ambassador for your uni, click on this sign-up sheet: docs.google.com/forms/d/1EkR4iIrM_tCj3YFLGT3XsFZJ48mW6DvfYOAdLRcqeMc/edit
For more information on all things British Roundnet: linktr.ee/britishroundnet2023
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