Sport writer Kieran Davey gives us an insight into the progress of the Cardiff University Korfball Club, as they begin their 2013-14 BUCS campaign.
Welcome to the weird and fascinating world of korfball.  As explained by the student oracle that is Wikipedia, korfball is a mixed gender, controlled contact ball game, originating from Holland and sharing similarities with both handball and basketball.
Korfball is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.┬á This year there will be more than twenty university sides competing in BUCS and there are almost a hundred public clubs currently playing around the country. It is arguably one of BritainÔÇÖs biggest ÔÇÿhidden sportsÔÇÖ.
A korfball court is split into two halves, with each side having two male and two female players at each end, known as the attacking zone and defending zone respectively.  The ball is passed around the court between the eight players, who attempt to get the ball into a hoop at the top of a 3.5m high post.
There are no defined positions, so after every two goals the ends switch so that attackers will become defenders and vice versa. Individual skill is important, but solo play is not allowed so the emphasis is on team play and co-operation with other players.
CUKC is one of the most ambitious and innovative sports clubs that Cardiff has to offer. As well as being coached by Welsh international players, the club currently boasts three teams and in March the first team came 4th at the National Student Championships in Norwich.
This year, ambitions have stepped up again. After retaining ten out of twelve players from last yearÔÇÖs BUCS squad, there are high hopes that a top three place at this yearÔÇÖs Championships will be possible.
Closer to home, early season results are already looking promising. The first team are currently unbeaten in the Welsh Korfball League and sit joint top of the British Western Regional League- the level below the National Division- after an exhilarating 18-16 victory over closest competitors Bristol Thunder two weeks ago.
Furthermore, with numbers consistently growing due to the committeeÔÇÖs recruitment efforts, itÔÇÖs not all about the first team.┬á Current president Roddy Slater only joined the club last year, but is already a first team regular and competed for Cardiff at both the Southern Qualifiers and National Championships last year. ┬á”With three teams, thereÔÇÖs always plenty of game time for players of all abilities and itÔÇÖs a great way to have fun and stay fit!” commented Slater.
Recalling his first experience with the club, he added: ┬á”I came along to the first session last year and was blown away by the friendly atmosphere and great social scene”.
CUKC prides itself on being one of the friendliest and most inclusive sports clubs at Cardiff University, aiming to cater for everyone ÔÇô from consistently hungover freshers to hard-core competitors looking to compete at the highest level.
Club captain James Wilcox falls into the latter category. The third-year English student recently competed for the Welsh national side on their European qualifying campaign in Holland, less than four years after first taking up the sport while at school.
“I joined the club because I had played before university, so IÔÇÖm a bit of an anomaly there,” said Wilcox. “Korfball on the whole is a very inclusive sport.┬á Both genders play together and everyone is welcome to the club, as there are no trials.┬á ItÔÇÖs a great way to keep fit and meet new people, while also enjoying the epic socials!”
If you are interested in joining Cardiff University Korfball Club, training takes place on Wednesday nights from 18:30-20:30 at Talybont Sports Centre. They can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Pitchero.
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