Whether it is through various clubs, teams or internship positions, there are many opportunities to get involved at St. Edward’s University. Many of these opportunities were on display at the Involvement Fair earlier this month, with positions available to all students.

However, if you are a student who is seeking leadership opportunities or a small, intimate environment to have fun and learn a new skill, then perhaps a club sport is for you.

One such club, which is still in its developmental stages, is the St. Edward’s Quidditch team.

Yes; Quidditch, as in broomsticks and snitches–minus the magic.

According to the United States Quidditch website, Quidditch is considered a co-ed contact sport, blending together elements of rugby, dodgeball and tag. It is a strenuous game that requires speed and endurance, and one that is played by over 300 teams across the world.

Freshman Tatum Nulliner, who used to play Quidditch with her friends back home at Arizona State University, testifies to sport’s physical demands.

“Quidditch really gives you a workout,” Nulliner said. “It’s intense.”

Club President Allie Martinez is excited to get the sport started up again after an unsuccessful attempt this past year due to a lack of available leadership.

Despite this setback, Martinez hopes that the club will be as popular as it was last semester. In the spring, the first meeting had to be held in two different classrooms due to such large volumes of students interested.

“We started the club because we wanted to add some diversity to the clubs and organizations on campus,” Martinez said. “I want to give students the opportunity to try something they have never done before, and Quidditch is a great sport to start with.”

Martinez also mentioned that she would schedule scrimmages and practices with the University of Texas at Austin’s Quidditch team, helping to build connections and create local competition.

Practices would also be held on campus with the occasional trip to Zilker Park, allowing for some variety as well as accessibility for St. Edward’s students.

The team’s  meetings are open to anyone who is interested, regardless of age, gender, or level of experience.

There are also leadership opportunities available. Those interested should e-mail the club’s vice president, Amanda Markoe for the application.