News
2015 “Starter Kit” Equipment Grant Winner
This season's recipient of the USQ “Starter Kit” Equipment Grant is Saint Paul’s School.
Saint Paul’s School, a high school team from New Orleans, LA, submitted an impressive application that stood out from a number of very competitive grant applications this season.
The group has 80 individuals signed up for the quidditch program so far, which they plan to break down into five different teams to facilitate intramural-style play. The team has recently won a hard-fought battle to become an official school sport, now in the same ranks as the school’s football, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse teams. This distinction does encompass all the policies required by the athletic department, including important safety policies such as concussion training and precautions and updated student physicals. Their hope is that their efforts will inspire team growth in the area so that eventually they will be able to compete with other local schools and student groups.
Photo by Saint Paul's Quidditch Program. This is about 1/3 of their members.
“Our faculty participation (all younger teachers, who are truly fans of the sport) are as enthusiastic, if not more, than the students themselves. This club is here to stay, and I am proud to be the faculty leader that has been charged with making the dreams of these kids (and kids-at-heart) come to life. Our school is over 100 years old, an institution in the New Orleans metro area, and has long been an academic and athletic powerhouse. We are now looking to bring the sport of quidditch into the spotlight,” Andrew Dart, faculty liaison and quidditch team coach, said.
School principal Trevor Watkins also expressed excitement for the new program and the opportunities it provides.
“I am especially happy that this group has formed because my experience of this activity is one of inclusion and acceptance, values which are central to our school philosophy. Judging from the current list of members I can see students and faculty of all shapes and sizes, interests and talents, all working together to make this happen,” Watkins said in his letter of recommendation.
Louisiana State University and Gulf Coast Gumbeaux, two local adult USQ member teams located roughly an hour away, have already contacted Saint Paul’s school to help run weekend training clinics.
“One of the strategic priorities for USQ is to shape and grow the sport of quidditch, creating competition and league opportunities from those under the age of 18. Saint Paul is pioneering the way and we hope to see many more high schools follow their lead,” said Donte Quinine, executive director of USQ.
The Equipment Grant is eligible to first-year USQ official teams with at least 10 members and includes:
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One full set of Peterson hoops (six hoops per set)
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One Baden Matchpoint size 5 quaffle
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Three Champion bludgers
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One snitch short set (includes shorts, sock, and tennis ball)
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Two full sets of headbands (seven per set: one green, one yellow, two black, three white)
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Two sets of practice pinnies (12 per set, each set a different color)
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One set of short practice cones (20 per set)
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One athletic first aid kit
Interested in applying for next year’s Starter Kit? Information can be found here and further questions can be emailed to membership@usquidditch.org.
