The Cochrane Owls are showing that quidditch is not just a sport that is played in books and movies. Quidditch was invented in the popular Harry Potter series and showcases witches and wizards flying around on brooms while trying to score on hoops on either end of the field. The real-life version of quidditch features the same fast-paced action, minus the flying.

Cochrane’s first quidditch team, The Cochrane Owls is made up of kids aged 8 to 15 and aims to help not only introduce new faces to quidditch but also help them hone their skills which could lead to further advancement in the sport.

Quidditch is played with 4 balls and PVC pipe brooms. One ball is for scoring points (A Quaffle) by throwing it through one of the three hoops on the opposition’s side of the field. The three other balls are Bludgers, which are basically dodgeballs. If a player is hit by a bludger thrown by a rival team, that player must jump off their broom and drop any ball being held and must return to their side of the field before they can re-enter the game.

One of the coaches for The Cochrane Owls, Hirra Memon says that quidditch is such a great sport because it is really for everyone. “The great thing about quidditch is that it’s non-exclusive so it can be for any kid as long as they are between the ages of 8 to 15 they can come in and play. They don’t need any kind of sports background, it about coming in and having fun”

Cochrane OwlsThe Cochrane Owls

The current season for The Cochrane Owls is about to come to a close but the outdoor season kicks off in May. If you would like more information on The Cochrane Youth Quidditch Club, it can be found here.