Well done to siblings Charlie Mann Y8 and Victoria Mann Y12, who both competed in the 2024 British Dodgeball Championships, representing Enderby Junior Dodgeball Club, Leicester.

The event was held at the University of Nottingham and featured 48 of the best dodgeball teams from the UK playing across 6 different categories.

Charlie played for the under 13’s team, who came 2nd in the country after facing some tough competition in the final, coming back from 6 – 0 down, to draw and then only losing by two points!

Victoria played for the under 17, team and, again after very hard-fought knockout stage matches, her team came 4th in the 3rd/4th place playoff.

Victoria also competed in the adult women's team, due to a team member sustaining an injury. She finished that match in 5^th place and had to sprint to the under 17 game, changing her top as she ran, and went straight onto the line for the whistle of the next match!

Charlie said, ‘I became interested in playing for a club through Victoria and joined Corby Dodgeball Club in year 6. I then joined Leicester Dodgeball Academy in January this year.

‘The thing I enjoy most about dodgeball is the community spirit. Everyone is so supportive and inclusive. There is a competitive atmosphere, alongside fun and supportiveness.

‘In the future, I would like to be part of an adult’s team because that will open me up to so many different experiences and opportunities, such as higher ability teams. There are people at my Leicester club who play for England and listening to their experiences and learning from them is amazing.

‘I would recommend dodgeball to other students because it has massive mental health benefits. It helps me to relax and allows me to distract myself from the normal chaos of school. I have also made many friendships, and it has helped increase my confidence.’

Victoria said, ‘I started playing dodgeball at the after-school club at my primary school when I was 8 years old and started playing at Corby Dodgeball Club when I was 12.

‘In the future I hope to move into a Super league team where I can play against some of the best players in the country. A longer-term goal is to represent England at the World championships.

‘At the end of this season, we had awards given out to the best performing members of each team at Leicester. I won a trophy for Coaches’ Most Valuable Player in the Leicester Adults Mixed League 2 team and Most Improved Player in the Enderby Under 17s team. I am really proud of my achievements so far and hope to further improve as I carry on playing.’