The Push

In small groups or alone, everyone flew over to England. It is a long trip to the near opposite side of the planet. It feels very confusing as the climate, time zone and surroundings jerk suddenly.

On a Friday the individuals all merged into a group, a team, the Australian Under 24 Women’s frisbee team.

On Saturday we put on national team uniforms and started a 2 day tournament in London. It was very hot and the opposition was strong. The tournament is called the London Invite and aspires to be a limited team, high quality event for elite level competition.

Through jet lag and hemisphere drag the players pushed. We had flat moments and phases of charge. The Stingrays beat good teams and finished 3rd. They were also voted the most spirited team by their opponents.

It was a genuinely challenging first two days of the tour. We had to push. We did. I think it was incredibly valuable preparation for the World Championships that begin in a few days time. Playing in front of a crowd, playing in a recorded game, playing, resting then playing again. Playing against determined teams striving to win. There were thoughts and feelings, people made choices in service to the group. These are the experiences, and lessons, of the first few days of the championships and the Stingrays have already had them.

We’ve pushed and now we are ready.