Feature
How to Recruit
Fall is the season of returns: extra-long sheets, pumpkin spice lattes, Scandal…they all make a comeback in September. But of course, here at USQ, September just means one thing: the return of quidditch.
With the quidditch season starting anew in autumn, both college and community teams face the daunting task of recruitment. Even returning regional champs struggle with finding new teammates…sometimes it’s just hard to convince someone to run around with a stick between their legs, you know?
To help, USQ has come up with some How Tos for Recruitment:
1. Envision the Perfect Player
Whether you’re starting a brand new team, or just looking to fill the holes left by graduates, it is important to know what kind of players you want to recruit.
Are you looking for seasoned athletes in tip-top shape? Fellow Harry Potter fans looking to add some magic into their muggle life? Or maybe a combo of the two?
Anyone can be the perfect quidditch player, as long as they find the right team. Just make sure your leadership agrees on a clear vision--it will help you make those tough decisions when picking your final roster!
2. Shed Your Invisibility Cloak
Now that you know what kind of player you’re looking to recruit, go out and find them…and make sure they can find you! This can be accomplished by increasing your visibility.
Looking for athletes?
Post flyers in your community gyms, attend a running meet-up, or sign your team up for a 5k on broomsticks. Go out there and flex your muscles, and prove that quidditch is way more hardcore than leg day or a fun run.
Looking for Harry Potter fans?
Head to the library with your flyers! Sponsor a Harry Potter movie night, or host a magical-themed cook-off. Get a room full of bibliophiles and magi, and you’ll find yourself some new quidkids.
Want a healthy mix of athletes and fans?
Think of hosting a friendly game of dodge ball or kickball—something active, but not too competitive or challenging. If hosting isn’t an option, search for nearby recreational and social sports leagues. Swing by one of their scheduled softball games, or ultimate Frisbee matches, and hand out flyers or just start a conversation…chances are, if someone’s willing to run around with a frisbee, they’ll be willing to give a broom a try too.
And of course, technology is your greatest tool in recruitment. Create a facebook or meet-up group, start a twitter campaign with a catchy #hashtag, spam everyone’s instagram with action shots. In this age of social media, there is no excuse for invisibility.
3. Get Playing!
We all know that best way to recruit a new quidkid is to get them on the pitch. There’s nothing more effective—or addicting—than brooms up!
Make sure that all of your early practices are open and accessible to everyone; there’s plenty of time for secret strategy sessions and intense two-a-days later in the season. Plan your first couple of practices to serve as an introduction to new players, as well as a refresher for your returners. Three-man weave, ultimate quaffle, a few scrimmages—these are the sorts of things that’ll hook your new recruits.
Hope these tips help you build a great team this season…can’t wait to see who we meet on the pitch!
