Manchester Ravens Dodgeball club was created in 2026 by 9 young players who wanted to continue their development and journey in dodgeball. The founding members of the club had already been playing dodgeball through junior competitions and adult dodgeball in the National League and Mixed Leagues, with some players already representing England at the 2025 Junior European Champs.
From interest in the creation of the new club, British Dodgeball supported Manchester Ravens through providing guidance to help the group and develop the structure to insure they met British Dodgeball Guidelines for all clubs.
As part of the support, British Dodgeball helped Manchester Ravens identify routes for funding that could be used to pay for Hall Hire, Coaching Qualifications, Refereeing Qualifications, kit and Equipment. Manchester Ravens said:
“While all of the information is available on the BD website, having somebody take us through the process was invaluable.”
Securing Funding
Funding was an important part of establishing Manchester Ravens, to give them the financial stability needed to start training and competing.
Through British Dodgeball identifying what funding opportunities were available for the club, British Dodgball was able to help write and develop their applications through providing advice and supplying statistical information to support the bid.
Through this Application’s writing and support, Manchester Ravens were able to secure more than £2,000 from Samworth Brothers, which was used to allow the club to build a financial buffer, helping it cover some league and competition entry fees while still providing funds for qualifications.
“The initial support has helped us to think about how to shape our bids, the kind of language to use and the kind of things we should ask for.”
Building Towards the National League
The funding and support have helped Manchester Ravens move from a newly created club to a organisation with 21 weekly attendees, with regular training sessions and teams competing across different age groups.
The 2026/27 seasons will see a team enter into the National League for the first time, while still entering Adult Opens, as well as Under 15s and Under 18s teams events, while continuing to develop opportunities for female players.
“Setting up the club has been lots of hard work and has required a high level of commitment, but everyone in the Dodgeball Community has made this easier with their support for a new club.”
With a strong foundation now in place, Manchester Ravens are looking forward to building on their first season and continuing to grow through 2026/27.
Supporting New Clubs Through Funding
Manchester Ravens’ experience demonstrates how British Dodgeball’s club development and funding support can help new clubs overcome the challenges of getting established.
Through guidance on club structures, funding opportunities and bid writing, British Dodgeball can support clubs, schools and organisations looking to develop dodgeball opportunities and access funding.
To find out more about British Dodgeball’s support, visit: britishdodgeball.org/club-development/
