Dodgeball Surges in Popularity, Overtaking Football for Some Students
A Rainy Day Classic Becomes a Competitive Sport
What was once a simple school hall pastime is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. Dodgeball is rapidly gaining traction among primary school children, with some educators reporting it’s now a more popular choice than traditional football.
Rising Competition and Inclusivity
Over 100 children recently participated in the south-west regional finals of the English Primary Schools Championships in Bristol, demonstrating the sport’s growing appeal. Luke Jones, PE lead at St White’s Primary School in Cinderford, emphasizes the importance of maximizing children’s participation in sports, and believes dodgeball is a key component.
“It’s really inclusive. When you play in school you can adapt the game really easily for all the children, no matter their ability,”
—Luke Jones, PE Lead
This rise in dodgeball’s popularity coincides with a broader trend of increased youth sports participation. According to data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, youth participation in team sports increased by 11.5% between 2019 and 2023, indicating a renewed focus on physical activity among children. (SFIA, 2024)
Teamwork and Strategy Take Center Stage
At St Mary’s Voluntary Controlled Church of England Primary School in Bridgwater, Somerset, dodgeball has captured the enthusiasm of students. This year, 50 out of 61 Year 6 students signed up for dodgeball tournaments, surpassing the 40 who opted for football. Ashley Trudgeon, the school’s PE lead, noted a shift in perception.
“We realised there’s a lot more of a sports element to it rather than just a ball throwing exercise in the hall, so we decided to look at entering a team.”
—Ashley Trudgeon, PE Lead
Trudgeon added that students are finding dodgeball more engaging than other sports, appreciating the teamwork and strategic thinking it requires. The sport’s adaptability is also a key factor, allowing for modifications to suit various skill levels.
National Growth and Adaptations
British Dodgeball reports a significant expansion in organized play, now hosting over 35 county competitions for primary schools that feed into regional finals. The top five teams from each region will compete in the national finals in Stoke-on-Trent in July. The organization notes a transition from university-level play to widespread participation in after-school clubs and community leagues.
“Traditionally it’s been ‘Oh it’s raining outside so we can’t play football, we can’t play hockey’ or whatever it might be. But what we’re seeing now is that element turned into a really structured game where they’re using the official rules, they’re using the correct equipment. They’re playing adaptations of the sport so more people can be active.”
—James Robinson, South-West Regional Co-ordinator
The evolution of dodgeball from a casual indoor game to a structured, competitive sport is providing more opportunities for children to be active and develop valuable teamwork skills, even when the weather isn’t cooperating.
