Muggles in Buckinghamshire encouraged to get active

If you’re more Triwizard Cup than World Cup, and you’re the ‘seeker’ of some exercise, then there’s a new craze coming to Bucks which could really put you under its spell.

Muggles (non-magic people) across Buckinghamshire have been invited to pick up their brooms and play Harry Potter’s favourite sport.

Quidditch is a game traditionally played in the wizarding world with flying brooms, however, there is a version where muggles can now join in.

As in traditional quidditch, both teams have 7 players and will be mounted on brooms, although they don’t fly! The aim of the game is to score as many points as possible before the illusive snitch joins in.

Keen Quidditch enthusiast Rhys Denley, 8, said: “Quidditch is really goood because it is unusual and different from any other sport. My favourite bit is when the golden snitch gets released and you run to catch it! Other children should come and play it because you get to learn more about great teamwork and I can pretend that I am Harry Potter!”

Which is why Buckinghamshire County Council’s Active Bucks scheme, which is funded by public health, has teamed up with a quidditch group in Buckinghamshire to offer sessions for just £2 to people wanting to lead a more healthy lifestyle in 2017.

Kirsty Feasey, from Active Bucks said: “Keeping fit doesn’t have to mean trips to the gymor playing a recognised sport – there’s so many other ways to do exercise, of which quidditch is a great example. You’ll find a whole host of activities to suit every taste on our website – and the great thing is you can try them out for just £2 and get your first session free.”

Dr. Jane O’Grady, Director of Public Health said: “Making sure people across Buckinghamshire have the opportunity to stay healthy is one of our top priorities. It’s even better if they can have lots of fun doing it – and quidditch certainly does that ! Active Bucks aims to offer something for everyone to help them get active, make new friends and have a great time.

Other Active Bucks sessions include dance, yoga, jogging and much more. See www.activebucks.co.uk for more details.

Kirsty added: “Just go along and try something out – you’ve literally got nothing to lose and it’s a great way to meet new people too.”