Aussie action Members of Southampton's 24-person Ultimate squad, Ltd Release, made the trip to Perth in Australia for the World Club Championships from 11-18 November. Ltd Release are one of the most successful teams in the UK - they got to the semi-finals at the last European Club Championships in 2005 and were one of a handful of British teams competing in the World Club Championships . Around 100 teams took part in the tournament, representing club sides from countries including United States, Canada, Germany, China, Indonesia, Argentina, New Zealand, Philippines, India, Korea and Australia.
 | | Will Parker |
The team finished 27th - the same position as they were seeded. Losing a crucial match against German team Woodys on day two meant that they could not progress into the top 16. However Team captain Will Parker was pleased with their final placing following impressive wins against teams including Australian Gold Diggerz and Express from New York. He told BBC Hampshire: "The standard of the tournament has been so high that 27th really is an achievement for us so we're really pleased with that."
Fast-moving sport 'Ultimate' is a seven-aside, mixed gender sport which was developed in 1968 by American students Jared Kass and Joel Silver. It is played on a pitch slightly narrower than a football field. Teams move the disc between players until someone catches the disc in the 'end zone'. At the highest level it is fast moving and needs high fitness levels but can also be played by a group in a park. There are no referees and all players abide by the 'Spirit of the Game'. The term 'Frisbee' is actually a trade-marked name for one type of disc. Ultimate has been one of the fastest growing sports in this country in recent years. Southampton's other team, the University-based Skunks, were formed in 1978. European Championships
 | | Ltd Release in action (Photo:Tom Styles) |
National teams from all over Europe will be coming to Southampton next year for the biggest event in the fast-growing sport's calendar. Over 1,500 players from 20 countries will be battling for the eight titles, ranging from under 17s to masters, up for grabs at the University of Southampton Sports Ground at Wide Lane in Eastleigh. Next summer it will be national teams in action but local fans should have something to cheer about as Great Britain is one of Europe’s heavyweights in Ultimate. At the last European Ultimate Championships in 2003, held at Fontenay-Le-Comte, France, Team GB won three gold and two silver medals, appearing in all five finals. Tournament Director Andy Kayley believes having the European Championships on homeground should be a great spectacle for the area: "Whichever teams are playing and winning, there is always an atmosphere of fairness and friendliness at the tournaments. This is something we want everyone to experience in Southampton in 2007." European Ultimate Championships - July 28th to August 5th 2007 - Full coverage here on bbc.co.uk/hampshire. | 
