Why You Should Root For...
Cody Lewis
The British and Irish Quidditch League kicks off this weekend, so it’s time to dust off your foam fingers and support your favorite team. But what if you don’t have a favorite team, but you still want to follow along? Well, I’ve got you covered with this handy guide to help you decide which team to support. Let’s get started!
...the Appleby Arrows
Because they’re a young team with a ton of upside.
The Arrows made headlines this past off-season when they announced the retirement of Keeper Archie Jarvis, but the young Chrissie Barlow is keen to have a crack at filling the legend’s shoes. She’ll have plenty of help keeping opposing Chasers at bay from Beater Tobias Bachmeier, a recent arrival from the Heidelberg Harriers youth squad.
Because they’re a young team with a ton of upside.
The Arrows made headlines this past off-season when they announced the retirement of Keeper Archie Jarvis, but the young Chrissie Barlow is keen to have a crack at filling the legend’s shoes. She’ll have plenty of help keeping opposing Chasers at bay from Beater Tobias Bachmeier, a recent arrival from the Heidelberg Harriers youth squad.
...the Ballycastle Bats
Because they’re really, really good.
Dominant Beating combined with strong Quaffle play make Ballycastle one of the favorites to win the League Cup this year. But the Bats’ star player is Antonia Ferreira, who hopes to stake her claim as the top Keeper in the game now that Jarvis is out of the league.
Because they’re really, really good.
Dominant Beating combined with strong Quaffle play make Ballycastle one of the favorites to win the League Cup this year. But the Bats’ star player is Antonia Ferreira, who hopes to stake her claim as the top Keeper in the game now that Jarvis is out of the league.
...the Caerphilly Catapults
Because they look pretty spiffy.
Nimbus broomsticks have fallen out of favor in recent years and as a result, the Nimbus Racing Broom Company has shifted their focus onto Quidditch sportswear. After partnering with Nimbus, the Catapults revealed new uniforms: the same iconic light green and scarlet vertical stripes, but with a sleek, aerodynamic design. Whether they win or lose, they’re going to look good doing it.
Because they look pretty spiffy.
Nimbus broomsticks have fallen out of favor in recent years and as a result, the Nimbus Racing Broom Company has shifted their focus onto Quidditch sportswear. After partnering with Nimbus, the Catapults revealed new uniforms: the same iconic light green and scarlet vertical stripes, but with a sleek, aerodynamic design. Whether they win or lose, they’re going to look good doing it.
...the Chudley Cannons
Because they desperately need the support.
The perennial bottom feeders haven’t won the League Cup since the 19th century. At some point, you have to start wondering if this team is cursed. Despite their poor performances over the past century, they still have some of the most die-hard fans.
Because they desperately need the support.
The perennial bottom feeders haven’t won the League Cup since the 19th century. At some point, you have to start wondering if this team is cursed. Despite their poor performances over the past century, they still have some of the most die-hard fans.
...the Falmouth Falcons
Because they might break your head if you don’t.
The Chaser lineup of Dutch Whelan, Anson Lucas, and Arden Alders – three big dudes that look like they should be playing Beater instead – make the Falcons the most physical team in Quidditch. Seekers beware, playing against the Falcons means that even your team’s Healer needs a game plan.
Because they might break your head if you don’t.
The Chaser lineup of Dutch Whelan, Anson Lucas, and Arden Alders – three big dudes that look like they should be playing Beater instead – make the Falcons the most physical team in Quidditch. Seekers beware, playing against the Falcons means that even your team’s Healer needs a game plan.
...the Holyhead Harpies
Because they’re incredible on broomsticks.
Young witches all around the world dream of becoming a member of the Holyhead Harpies, so it’s tempting to say “because girl power.” But when I watch the Harpies play, I don’t even see seven women; I see seven dark green blurs. I see seven of the fastest fliers in the world. And did you see Jackie Jernigan’s last second goal in the World Cup Quarterfinals? Wow.
Because they’re incredible on broomsticks.
Young witches all around the world dream of becoming a member of the Holyhead Harpies, so it’s tempting to say “because girl power.” But when I watch the Harpies play, I don’t even see seven women; I see seven dark green blurs. I see seven of the fastest fliers in the world. And did you see Jackie Jernigan’s last second goal in the World Cup Quarterfinals? Wow.
...the Kenmare Kestrels
Because they revolutionized the game.
When former Kenmare Keeper Darren O’Hare developed the Hawkshead Attacking Formation, it changed the game. Nobody knew how to counter it. Sixty years later, it’s the most widely employed formation in the world, and the Kestrels’ Chasers – MacBay, Simkin, and Winton – have perfected it.
Because they revolutionized the game.
When former Kenmare Keeper Darren O’Hare developed the Hawkshead Attacking Formation, it changed the game. Nobody knew how to counter it. Sixty years later, it’s the most widely employed formation in the world, and the Kestrels’ Chasers – MacBay, Simkin, and Winton – have perfected it.
...the Montrose Magpies
Because they win. A lot.
Success in this league is often dependent on how many Galleons the team is willing to shell out to bring in top talent. No team exemplifies this better than the Magpies, who dominate the transfer market on a yearly basis. And as a result, they’ve won more League Cups than any other team.
Because they win. A lot.
Success in this league is often dependent on how many Galleons the team is willing to shell out to bring in top talent. No team exemplifies this better than the Magpies, who dominate the transfer market on a yearly basis. And as a result, they’ve won more League Cups than any other team.
...the Pride of Portree
Because who doesn’t want to be a Pride?
Whether their team is at the top of the table or the bottom, the tireless horde known as the Prides flock to Portree Stadium every week to show their support. Luckily, Pride of Portree looks great this year, so now is your chance to jump on the bandwagon before they really take off.
Because who doesn’t want to be a Pride?
Whether their team is at the top of the table or the bottom, the tireless horde known as the Prides flock to Portree Stadium every week to show their support. Luckily, Pride of Portree looks great this year, so now is your chance to jump on the bandwagon before they really take off.
...the Puddlemere United
Because it’s Mark Dimbleby’s final season.
Dimbleby, the league’s all-time scoring leader and perhaps the greatest player to don a United uniform in the team’s long history, has announced that this season will be his last hurrah. The forty-year old is the last remaining player from the 2009 squad that won the League Cup despite catching only eleven Snitches the entire season.
Because it’s Mark Dimbleby’s final season.
Dimbleby, the league’s all-time scoring leader and perhaps the greatest player to don a United uniform in the team’s long history, has announced that this season will be his last hurrah. The forty-year old is the last remaining player from the 2009 squad that won the League Cup despite catching only eleven Snitches the entire season.
...the Tutshill Tornados
Because they have the best Seeker in the league.
Tornados All-League Seeker Scarlett McKnight is now entering the conversation for greatest Seeker in the world. Last year, she joined the “24 Snitch Club” – twenty-four Snitch catches in as many games. Can she pull it off again this year?
Because they have the best Seeker in the league.
Tornados All-League Seeker Scarlett McKnight is now entering the conversation for greatest Seeker in the world. Last year, she joined the “24 Snitch Club” – twenty-four Snitch catches in as many games. Can she pull it off again this year?
...the Wigtown Wanderers
Because of the meat pies.
Meat pies are typically the food of choice at British Quidditch matches, but nobody does it quite like Wigtown. Founded by the sons and daughters of a local butcher, the Wanderers keep Walter Parkin’s meat-loving traditions alive with their award-winning steak-and-kidney pies.
Because of the meat pies.
Meat pies are typically the food of choice at British Quidditch matches, but nobody does it quite like Wigtown. Founded by the sons and daughters of a local butcher, the Wanderers keep Walter Parkin’s meat-loving traditions alive with their award-winning steak-and-kidney pies.
...the Wimbourne Wasps
Because they’re part of an amazing rivalry.
Discussions between Wasps and Arrows supporters often devolve into each side claiming they have the best Keeper in the league. As a result, for the past twelve years, the winner of this match-up has been the team that catches the Snitch. But with Jarvis out of the picture, the Wasps’ Arthur Leitzke is clearly the top Keeper, at least in this rivalry.
Because they’re part of an amazing rivalry.
Discussions between Wasps and Arrows supporters often devolve into each side claiming they have the best Keeper in the league. As a result, for the past twelve years, the winner of this match-up has been the team that catches the Snitch. But with Jarvis out of the picture, the Wasps’ Arthur Leitzke is clearly the top Keeper, at least in this rivalry.
If you found this guide helpful, visit us in the Dungeons and let me know what team you’re supporting this season! If you’re still undecided, don’t worry about it too much – it’s a long season, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to pick a favorite!