DODGEBALL
A RYDE man, inspired by a cult comedy film and his time at middle school, is hoping to launch a new sport on the IW.
Mark Rouse, 21, took up dodgeball while a pupil of Mayfield Middle School and really enjoyed the game. The film, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, starring Vince Vaughn and Ben Stiller, made the game a worldwide smash but until now, it’s never been played competitively by adults on the Island.
Mark wants to change that by setting up the IW Dodgeball League, which he hopes to start in Ryde, in April.
He said: "Everyone loves the film and it’s a great fun sport to play and everyone can join in. When I was younger we played it in school a couple of times and everyone had great fun, but after that there has been no medium to play it here on the Island or indeed much of the south. So, I am hoping to get enough interest to be able to set it up here."
However, in order to establish the league, he needs around ten teams to register. Each team, of over-18s, would comprise ten players, with a minimum of two women per side. There will be a registration fee to cover insurance, and with it each team will also receive a kit.
Mark is also training to be an official dodgeball coach, through the sport’s UK governing body, the UK Dodgeball Association.
To find out more, including all the league rules, search for Isle of Wight Dodgeball League on facebook.