What is korfball?
Korfball is a mixed sport played by people of all ages and abilities. Combining elements of netball and basketball, korfball is a Dutch sport that consists of two mixed teams of eight players. Each team is made up of four boys and four girls who play to shoot the ball into a 'korf' (netball-like post).
Everyone either attacks or defends and after every two goals scored you swap ends which means all players get a chance to do everything including shooting, rebounding, setting up goals and defending.
The aim of the game is to get the ball into the post without being defended, so you need to create enough room between yourself and your defender in order to score. A full-length game is 60 minutes with a half-time break.
Where can I play?
Korfball originates from Holland and is played all over the world. It is one of the UK's fastest growing sports, with three clubs in Wales - Cardiff City, Cardiff Dragons and Cardiff University.
Cardiff City Korfball Club train every Tuesday night at Howells School in Llandaff and Cardiff Dragons train every Monday night at Lower Whitchurch Hall.
If you are a student at Cardiff University you can join the korfball team. The club trains every Sunday and Wednesday evening at Talybont Sports Centre.
From September to May, the teams in Wales compete in an indoor local league. Throughout the summer, korfball is played outdoors on grass and many UK and international hold their own tournaments.
Recent tournaments
Throughout 2006, Cardiff City and Cardiff Dragons competed in tournaments in London, Holland, Luxembourg, Sweden and Scotland.
Cardiff City and Cardiff Dragons Korfball Clubs co-hosted their very first tournament at Howells School in Cardiff. Eight teams competed including a team from Holland, three teams from Cardiff, two teams from Bristol and a team from Woking.
In June 2006, the Wales national team competed in the annual korfball Commonwealth Games and competed with teams from England, South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, USA and Australia. Wales came fourth out of the seven teams, third of the five Commonwealth entrants.
How much does it cost?
At Cardiff City and Cardiff Dragons the first training session is free. From then on it is £4 per session.
You will not need any special equipment to play, apart from trainers for indoors and football boots of astro-turf boots if you are playing outdoors.
How can I get involved?
If you would like to find out more, please visit www.cardiffcitykorfball.co.uk and www.cardiffdragons.co.uk or come along to training!
Related links
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your comments
Elin
Wow. This sounds brilliant - where and when can I start? I've been looking for a fun-filled pastime with which to spend my lesiure time and think this would be right up my street. Who is this Sian? She sounds awesome x
Matt Hurford, Cardiff
I started playing in Bristol 3 years ago and I love it. It keeps you fit, gets you out in the sun in the summer, and is good for you social life too.
Geraint Phillips, Perth, Western Australia
It was very big in South Africa when I lived there. I think you could get Springbok colours for it, though I'm not sure who they played against. In one competition the one team were so overwhelmingly favourites that they gave them the winners medals before the game started. They of course lost but were allowed to keep the medals!
Lee, Cardiff
I played football and rugby throughout my youth and only started playing korfball when injury prevented me from playing them both. I haven't looked back since! Korfball is a fantastic team sport and at the upper levels, very athletic. If you like to play hard and party hard, boy or girl, then korfball will be for you!
Mari from Cardiff
I think it is great that Korfball is a growing sport in Wales. I would love to give it a go!
Zoe, Cardiff
I made the decision to give it a go about two years ago, and it is one of the best decisions I ever made. Playing a team sport, especially a mixed one like korfball, really makes you feel part of something, and also gave my social life a kick-start. Also, as it is so much fun, you forget that you're actually exercising which is great for those people who get fed up of mundane gym sessions. So if you fancy trying something new, get in touch with one of the local clubs.
Sian Grieve from Welshpool
Korfball is a really weird name for a game, but it sounds like fun. Is there anyone playing in Mid Wales?
Becky Heal, Bristol
Sounds good to me, have played netball in the past but this looks much more exciting!
Sarah Kilcoyne, Cardiff
I've never played, but agree with Rachel that it looks much more fun than the treadmill. I'd be tempted to give it a go!
Magnus from Edinburgh
Looks cool, might give it a go.
Harry Smyth
Played korfball since 1991 when it was introduced to Edinburgh Uni by Ed Wilding (who was originally from Cardiff!!), so good to see it come back to South Wales & grow with City, Dragons & Uni teams.
Rachel, Cardiff
If you are sick of solitary gym sessions and fancy trying a mixed team sport with a perfect balance of competition and friendliness, give korfball a try!
Karen Hunt, Somerset
I have never played but my daughter (Sian!) starting playing when she started Uni. I have watched the game and I thought it was amazing - so much so that I had to restrain myself from joining in! I wish I was younger and could join a team!!
