Blog | Manchester Bees Dodgeball

27th July 2018Alexandra Charlton

Dodgeball World Cup Preview – the Bees-iest Groups in NYC!

In a few days’ time, the second ever Dodgeball World Cup is kicking (or throwing) off at Madison Square Garden, New York (New York), in the U S of A. And you may have heard, by now, that Dodgeball’s Coming Home…

As previously reported, a number of our incredible Bees have been called up for international duty, with players from our Manchester Hive competing for the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, England, Egypt & Northern Ireland.

dwc2018

Now that the World Dodgeball Association (WDA) has announced the group fixtures, we take a look below at the Bees’ international team fixtures, including the Derbees taking place at the tournament’s outset, to assess who shall be Bringing Dodgeball Home for the Manchester Bees.

Womens

Group A: Austria, Canada, England, Hong Kong, USA

Group B: Australia, Egypt (Vero Naguii), Malaysia, Singapore, Slovenia

Watch out for…

Group B is undoubtedly a tough draw in the Women’s tournament, but Vero’s incredible dodging and catching skills, as well as those sneaky counters, will look fantastic on the international stage. We can’t wait to see what she brings to the court for Egypt against some incredible international teams!

Vero is ready for the international stage!

Mixed

Group A: Canada, England (Aden Woodall), Malaysia, Slovenia, USA

Group B: Australia, Austria, Egypt (Vero Naguii), Hong Kong, Scotland (Ross McGuigan)

Watch out for…

England’s Aden Woodall looks set for a great tournament and with no other Bee-inclusive international teams in the Group, he can focus on saving his bee-snaking ways for the knockouts!

Everyone’s favourite Scottish Pensioner, Ross McGuigan is also flying solo as the only Manchester rep in Group B(ee) of the Mixed tournament.

He's readier...

We can’t wait to find out if we’ll have a Battle of the Bees in the knockouts!

Mens

Group A: Australia, Canada, England (Aden Woodall), Northern Ireland (Bru Cousins), USA

Group B: Austria, Egypt, Malaysia, Republic of Ireland (Rob Kearns & Colm Mallon), Singapore

Whilst the Republic of Ireland also get a der-bee free group, in Group A of the men’s group stage is where one of the most interesting der-bees is set to take place – with Bru Cousins’ Northern Ireland set to face off against Aden Woodall’s England.

bru dodge

We certainly can’t wait to see which Bee will come out on top – one thing for sure is that every single Bee stepping up on that international stage is determined that the Bees’ will bring it home!

And we can’t talk about the World Cup Bees without wishing best of luck to all those who became part of the international Bees’ family at the first ever World Cup in April 2016 in our great city. Best of luck in NYC – we hope you love it (almost) as much as Manchester!

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Want updates on how our Bees are getting on? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for regular updates as the tournament progresses.

Like the idea of getting involved an alternative sport like dodgeball – perhaps with a little less international intensity? Manchester Bees are tailored towards every ability, so you’d like to jump in and join a social sport in the Greater Manchester area, led by qualified coaches (who just so happen to know how to play the some of the best dodgeball in the world). So, if this sounds like your kind of thing, come along to a session and get involved!

13th July 2018Admin

What Happened: Manchester Bees’ Awards Night 2018

2018 saw the Bees celebrate our 5^th year anniversary as a club. As the end of the season approached, the Manchester Bees Awards Gala was upon us once more! An evening of seriously timely admin, a music video, awards (both serious and shanterous), hot pots and a few drinks ensued. Here’s how the evening went down…

We began with the most efficient Annual General Meeting in Ross McGuigan’s extensive living memory. Tom Shelbrooke conducted each member of the committee to give an update on the year, with ruthless speed and precision. Big congratulations to Ross who was reappointed as Development Officer (despite talking for longer than his allotted 30 seconds) and Lucy Collins who has become women’s coach!

Here’s to Shelly lasting 17 minutes and calling it ‘extremely quick’…

We quickly moved onto the premier of Manchester Bees’ World Cup 2018 promo video – ‘One Bee on a Shirt’. A huge thanks to Aden, David, Elliot, Liam, Ross and everyone else who helped out and allowed themselves to be immortalised on camera. Check out the video on Youtube and let us know what your favourite part is on our Facebook page!

Next, everyone headed outside in their finery for photos. Highlights included Barker and Maccers taking the cutest couple photo of 2018, and Cesca, Barker and Dave gatecrashing the Killers squad photo. I think I speak for all the Bees when I say serious selection questions were raised when a Queen Bee, a Solider Bee and a borderline cripple were all that remained of the Killers at the English Championship. Back inside we went for hot pot…

Or not. Hot pot delayed and Belgium were beating Brazil – the evening was saved! As Aden prepared to do the rest of the evening to an empty room, everyone was prized away from the football and back in for the Buzzies. The Buzzies were, in Aden’s words ‘the best he’s ever done’. And while too many to go through in detail, there were some crackers. Highlights included:

Best grind: Ewan Ellis
Throw Alone Hero: Aden Woodall
Best Catch: Vic ‘triple catch’ Hind
Carer award: Mike and Hubes (RIP sober Helena)
Unsung Hero: Zac Baker

To dinner! Or not (again.) Sadly, there was an issue with the kitchen and as rumours that Barker had simply broken in during the photos and eaten hot pot for 30, we pressed on! First we wished all the international Bees congratulations and good luck to everyone competing at the World Cup in New York! Suzanne and Ross then drew the most extensive raffle seen by men. Rumours were there are still a pair of VR goggles and a token for ‘5 back-rubs by Huband’ up for grabs…

We then started the proper awards for the night before – wait for it – DINNER (pause for fanfare and general not starving to death.) A combination of incredible hunger and Aden saying we only had 10 minutes to eat meant that dinner disappeared quicker than Andy Lowther gets antagonised to violence.

We then continued with the rest of the awards – a massive congratulations to our worthy winners:

MVBs: Alex Bembridge, Adam Badley, Paul Brunger, Lucy Collins and Alex Charlton
Best newcomer: Cath Payne
Most improved: Colm Mallon and Liv Davis
Player’s player: Matt Wiehl and Cesca McCarthy
Coach of the year: Helena Law

Last, but certainly not least we had the committee awards. The committee do a huge amount for the club every day and we would like to offer everyone a massive thank you for everything they do. Special thanks goes to Ross, our committee member of the year! We would all also like to thank Aden for his years of service. Manchester Bees wouldn’t be the club it is today without all of Aden’s tireless work, and the committee would like to thank him for everything. The club marked the occasion by giving him a picture frame of Bees memories from 2017/18 and adopting a snake in his name. Name TBC.

Finally, we ended the evening with a little wiggle in the function room before chariots to Revolution in Deansgate. I won’t go into much detail, but let’s just say 30 degrees, full suits and serious, serious shapes do not mix. Still, at least Vic pulled… off some incredible moves on the dance floor!

What a night, thanks to everyone involved in organising! Barkles you are wonderful human beings and the Bees look forward to seeing who eventually fills Barker’s size 3 shoes!

ROLL ON NEXT SEASON. Want to get involved? See our session info here and check it out before the new season starts!

29th June 2018Alexandra Charlton 1 Comment

World Cup Build Up Part 2 – England, Egypt & Northern Ireland!

Haven’t you heard?! This year’s biggest World Cup sporting event kicks off soon in New York (New York) and we are here, oh-wise-readers, to continue our write up of our smashing Bees who are making the trip across the pond to play and coach for their respective countries!

Bloggy McBlogface asked those special Bees nine bold, hard-hitting questions to find out their innermost thoughts and feelings about the most important, eagerly anticipated sporting World Cup this year (admittedly, one of them is inspired by Buzzfeed). Unfortunately, some led to slightly boring answers (international dodgeballers can be soprofessional)… but not one to let down her readers, Bloggy McBlogface has the highlights below.

Profile: Worker Bee & England Women’s Development Coach, SAM WENCH

How long have you been playing dodgeball? 5 years – I played for MUDS first, before Bees.

What’s your favourite thing about playing/coaching the sport? I just love the community and the atmosphere. As far as coaching goes, there’s nothing better than watching a player grow in confidence and ability.

If you were at this year’s football world cup, what position would you play? Bench warmer.

According to Buzzfeed’s (accuracy guaranteed*) quiz, which sport were you born to play? Tennis!

What are you most looking forward about this year’s DWC? Seeing pals from around the world!

Profile: Killer Bee, Head Coach & Northern Ireland Men’s Player, BRU COUSINS

What’s your favourite thing about playing/coaching the sport? For playing, it’s winning with a good hit or catch. For coaching, it’s seeing a player put a skill or tactic to use in a game that you have taught them.

According to Buzzfeed’s (accuracy guaranteed*) quiz, which sport were you born to play? Poledancing!
(Editor’s note – no photograph was provided to verify this answer)

If you were to play/coach another sport at international level, which would you choose? Football

What are you most looking forward to most about DWC 2018? Playing with my team. Up the knights!

Tell us an unknown fact about your (national) team. The current Manager and Captain are extras on Game of Thrones!

Profile: Killer Bee & England Men’s & Mixed Player, ADEN WOODALL

What’s your favourite thing about playing/coaching the sport? The speed and excitement, the way games can swing around in one awesome play and building a community with the people that play!

Which country are you most looking forward to facing (from the DWC 2018 Group stage)? Malaysia, they have such an energetic style and crazy dodges!

Tell us an unknown fact about your (national) team. We hate beetroot. Don’t ask.

Now, according to Buzzfeed’s (accuracy guaranteed*) quiz, which sport were you ACTUALLY born to play? Hockey!

Anything else you care to mention? My fellow clubmate/national team arch-nemesis Ross McGuigan will have some Bees merch with him in New York so collar him if you want something from the BEST DODGEBALL CLUB IN THE WORLD!

Profile: Honey Bee & Egypt Women’s Player, VERONIA NAGUII

How long have you been playing dodgeball? A long time – 6 years!

What’s your favourite thing about playing/coaching the sport? I just love that feeling when I play well with the team – especially when I do a great dodge and go for the right catches!

f you were to play/coach another sport at international level, which would you choose? Football!

According to Buzzfeed’s (accuracy guaranteed*) quiz, which sport were you born to play? Football!

Enjoying our World Cup Build Up? Check out our write up on those who will be proudly representing Scotland & the Republic of Ireland! You can also keep up to date with the Bees’ antics over the Atlantic via our Facebook, Twitter & Instagram feeds!

Like the idea of representing your country at the best sport there is? Take the first step under the guidance of National, European and (current!) World Champion players, who happen to also be part of Manchester Bees Dodgeball’s incredible coaching team. Find out more about our all-comers sessions and come and give it a go at one of our summer sessions!

(*Accuracy definitely not guaranteed.)

1st June 2018Alexandra Charlton

World Cup Build Up Part 1: Republic of Ireland & Scotland

Long term friends and followers of the Bees will of course remember when, not so long ago, the first ever World Cup was hosted in our very own city in April 2016. Since then, the sport has gone from strength to strength.

In just two months’ time, the World Cup will be held at the one and only Madison Square Garden, New York (New York).

And what is the most exciting part of the Dodgeball World Cup in New York (New York)? Why, the fact that some of our very own Bees will be there, proudly playing for and coaching their national teams and giving us cause to feel like a very, very proud hive!

This month’s blogs focus on the incredible players who will be making the journey to New York (New York) to represent their country as players and coaches. Bloggy McBlogface has asked those special Bees nine bold, hard-hitting questions to find out their innermost thoughts and feelings about the most important, eagerly anticipated sporting World Cup this year (admittedly, one of them is inspired by Buzzfeed). Unfortunately, some led to slightly boring answers (international dodgeballers can be so professional)… but not one to let down her readers, Bloggy McBlogface has the highlights below.

Profile: Killer Bee & Republic of Ireland Men’s player, ROB KEARNS

What do you enjoy most about playing/coaching the sport? It matches a hobby of mine – throwing things at people. Previously I was getting into trouble doing this in public to random people.

If you were at this year’s football world cup, what position would you play? Goalie. To be honest, I’m surprised I’ve not had the call up considering the woeful choices they’ve made!

What are you most looking forward to about playing at MSG in this year’s World Cup? It’s not really sunk in yet. Probably the opening ceremony, when I get to see the rest of the opposition standing in MSG.

According to Buzzfeed’s (accuracy guaranteed*) quiz, which sport were you born to play? Baseball!

Anything else you want to say? I know quite a few people coming over to support the Irish team, me and some fellow Bees – it means a lot, so thanks to those coming along!

Profile: Killer Bee & Scotland Mixed Player, ROSS McGUIGAN

How long have you been playing dodgeball? 9 years. Some say I was playing before time began…

What’s your favourite thing about playing/coaching the sport? The pace of the game – other sports you might get the change to relax, but it’s a continuous adrenaline rush in dodgeball!

According to Buzzfeed’s (accuracy guaranteed*) quiz, which sport were you born to play? Track & Field!

What are you most looking forward about this year’s DWC? Playing at MSG and seeing the progression the sport has made with it becoming a huge spectacle! And seeing a few old pals who are heading there too…

Profile: Killer Bee & Republic of Ireland Men’s Player, COLM MALLON

What’s your favourite thing about playing/coaching the sport? It’s such a cliche, but I have to say the community, and everyone who’s part of it.

If you were going to play any sport besides dodgeball, what would it be? Basketball – I played for 8 years before uni.

According to Buzzfeed’s (accuracy guaranteed*) quiz, which sport were you born to play? Golf!

What are you most looking forward about this year’s DWC? Playing in MSG! I’ve wanted to go ever since I was a kid so it’s really surreal that I won’t just be going – I’ll actually get to play there!

Enjoying our World Cup Build Up? Check back soon for our write up on featured players & coaches who will be proudly representing England, Northern Ireland & Egypt in August! You can also keep up to date via Facebook, Twitter & Instagram feeds!

Like the idea of representing your country at the best sport there is? Take the first step under the guidance of National, European and World Champion players, who happen to also be part of Manchester Bees Dodgeball’s incredible coaching team. Find out more about our all-comers sessions and come and give it a go at one of our summer sessions!

(*Accuracy definitely not guaranteed.)

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