I'm raising funds to help me reach the World Flying Disc Championships in Perth, Australia, as part of the GB Under 24 Ultimate Frisbee team!

Ultimate is a fast paced team sport involving, obviously, a Frisbee and a lot of running! With it's roots in America in the 1960's, Ultimate is now a widely played sport, particularly in colleges and universities and has now gained recognition by the International Olympic Committee. The UK Ultimate site http://www.ukultimate.com has more information or for a more light hearted look check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_MkS4z_6cg

I started playing Ultimate at Bangor University and soon grew to love the sport. I have played in regional and national competitions in the UK - and whilst spending a year studying in the US played for Oregon State University, winning the Stanford Open and reaching the US National Championships. Go Beavers!

Last year I was selected for the GB Ultimate U24 development programme and have now been selected to represent Great Britain in the World Championships on the Mixed Team. The championships are being held in Perth, Australia in January and leading up to this is a series of training events and games throughout the UK and Europe.

Developing and maintaining fitness to play at the top level is a constant challenge, with early starts and late finishes for training and fitness sessions fitting round my Uni studies. There’s not much time for anything else, although I have tried to raise some funds over the summer as a Community Sports Coach with Lincoln City FC. However, I still need to raise money not only for the trip to Australia, but for travelling to tournaments and training and meeting accommodation and equipment costs.

GB Ultimate players receive no funding from UK Ultimate or any other sports body and I would be delighted for any help in meeting the costs of training, travel and equipment. I hope you can support this young GB athlete: as well as my eternal gratitude, I will keep you updated with my progress at the World Championships. I also hope to provide a memento of the championships, and would also be happy to provide some free Ultimate Frisbee coaching.!

Thanks very much

Edd