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LONDON -- For the avid sports fan who's also a diehard Potterhead, there is quite possibly no better news that this: 。
Quidditch Premier League (QPL) is here, and it is everything you want it to be. 。
SEE ALSO:Is Quidditch a real sport?Inspired by the sport featured in J.K. Rowling's beloved series, Quidditch has become a global phenomenon in the muggle world with 20,000 competing international players, 25 competing countries, and an international rulebook.。
Riding on this growing popularity, QPL will facilitate high-level Quidditch competitions throughout the UK beginning in May 2017 with the season culminating in a battle for the title of national champions in late August. 。
BQC Lower Bracket Oxford Quidlings takes on Cambridge University at British Quidditch Cup 2016.Credit: Katherine Watson 。Director Jack Lennard said in a press release, "The Quidditch Premier League is such an exciting opportunity and development. 。
"It’s an opportunity for the sport to grow and gain prestige on a greater level nationally and internationally than ever before. It’s an opportunity for players to compete at the highest level." 。
A Durhamstrang chaser battles it out with a chaser for the Werewolves of London.Credit: Katherine Watson 。The league consists of eight regional teams divided into two four-team conferences -- North and South. The regional divisions will compete against each other in a regular schedule. 。
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QPL brand manager Tom Newton elaborates on the teams in a statement, "Each of the eight teams represents a different region of England, and is named in reference to an element of the local culture." 。
The teams include: 。
The teams include: 。
The London Monarchs 。
Southwest Broadside 。
Southeast Knights 。
Eastern Mermaids 。
Northern Watch 。
Yorkshire Roses。
East Midland Archers。
West Midland Shredders 。Each fixture comprises of three matches, where each team plays the other three teams in the division.。
The HogYork Keeper fends off the St Andrews chasers at the British Quidditch Cup 2016.Credit: katherine watson
。Tryouts will begin in February 2017 and are open to players of all skill levels in the UK. The typical team consists of 21 players, with seven players from each opposing side allowed on the pitch at any one time. Quidditch has been called "the world's most progressive sport" by VICE for its gender inclusivity; at most four members of the same gender may be on the field at any point in time.。
Radcliffe Chimeras take on Warwick in the British World Cup 2016.Credit: katherine watson 。
QPL expects to recruit heavily from existing teams, particularly those based at universities. Because the League will take place in the summer months, players will not experience conflicts with their regular season. 。
In the coming months QPL marketing expects to introduce a line of retail goods so that fans can support their regions in jerseys and other branded apparel. 。
So, the takeaway for non-sports fanatics that nonetheless lament their muggle existence and strive to immerse themselves in any and all activities with ties to the superior realm of the wizarding world whenever possible?
If nothing else there could be a badass T-shirt in your future. 。
If nothing else there could be a badass T-shirt in your future.。