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Early Sporting Achievements

In his teenage years, Tom participated in traditional sports, with swimming being a significant highlight. At the age of 15, he won a bronze medal at the British Championships. Reflecting on his early achievements, Tom shared, “competing in swimming at a national level was a great experience that built my confidence and competitive spirit”

Transition to Dodgeball

University presented Tom with the chance to explore new sports. “I’ve always liked the idea of a sport where you’re actually allowed to throw balls at people, so dodgeball was the perfect fit!” he exclaimed. This enthusiasm marked the beginning of his dodgeball career with the Sheffield Arrows.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38709″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

First Season: Learning the Ropes

Tom’s first season was with the Bronze Arrows, a period he humorously recalls, “The only thing I achieved was the ability to take losses with grace (oops).” Despite the challenges, his focus was on learning and improving his skills. “That year was all about understanding the game and improving to become a much better dodgeballer” Tom said.

Second Season: Rising Through the Ranks

By his second season, Tom’s dedication paid off as he was selected for the men’s first team. Competing in the BUCS Premier League and various university opens, his team secured a bronze in the North East Open (mixed), finished 4th in the Mixed University Championships, and reached the quarter-finals of the University Championships (men’s). “It was an incredible feeling to contribute to my team’s successes and see our hard work result in tangible achievements,” Tom reflected.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38708″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Adapting to Challenges

Despite playing an arm-dominant sport with one hand, Tom has never required adaptations. “I take a lot of pride in my ability to adapt to playing dodgeball with one hand,” he shared. His life experiences, such as learning to tie shoelaces and drive a car, have equipped him with the skills to adapt seamlessly. “There are areas I struggle in and work hard to improve, but this is the same for any other player,” he acknowledged.

The Dodgeball Experience

For Tom, dodgeball is more than just a sport; it is a source of joy and camaraderie. “Dodgeball has been a great experience for me. It’s a team sport always played in a great spirit, with rules encouraging sportsmanship and respect,” he said. The social aspect has also been rewarding, as he noted, “The people I have met through playing dodgeball have been lovely, both at my university and the universities we compete against.”

Advocacy for Dodgeball

Tom is a strong advocate for the inclusive and respectful nature of dodgeball. “If anybody wants to try a sport where you will be respected and treated nicely regardless of ability, while also having the opportunity to play competitively, then dodgeball should be top of their list,” he recommended. He emphasized that dodgeball can be enjoyed at any level, whether for fun or competitive play.

Conclusion

Tom Callister’s journey in dodgeball exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the joy of sport. His story is a testament to how sports can be inclusive and provide a platform for personal growth and achievement.

Tom’s journey is a highlight of our latest initiative, Dodge For All, celebrating the diverse community of individuals who make up British dodgeball. Throughout the 2024/25 season, we’ll be sharing more inspiring stories like Tom’s to showcase the inclusivity and passion that drives our sport.

We’re also inviting you to be part of this initiative by sending in your own stories to matthew@britishdodgeball.com—help us shine a light on the unique experiences that make our dodgeball community so special.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]