News

Version 2.4 of the UKFL© rules has been published. Below are a summary of the alterations and amendments.

UK Flyball League celebrates Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with ‘A Jubilee Celebration of Flyball’

London, UK, 19 April 2022 UKFL (UK Flyball League) who is one of the fastest growing leagues representing over 100 teams from across the UK will be holding ‘A Jubilee Celebration of Flyball’ to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee from 2 June 2022 to 5 June 2022 at Thirsk Farmers Action Mart CO LTD, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3AB.

We are pleased to announce that this event has been sponsored by Proflax Natural, producers and suppliers of a superfood supplement range for dogs.

“Proflax products are natural, powerful, safe and provide a ready made, cost effective solution to support your dog’s long term health and wellbeing”.

Founder – Samantha Swift – Proflax Ltd.

A Jubilee Celebration of Flyball will bring some of the fastest dogs in the world of flyball to North Yorkshire and will give people an opportunity to witness first-hand one of the largest followed dog sports on their doorstep.  Many dog lovers tune in to Crufts to each year and a highlight for them is Flyball so we invite the community to share in the celebrations and join in the fun and excitement of Flyball.

“The membership of the UKFL wanted to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and what better way than combine the celebrations with our dogs, which we know is one of Her Majesty The Queen’s passions. The celebration will have dogs from all other the country and we invite people from the local area to join our celebrations and have some fun in the process.”                                           

ENDS

About UKFL

UKFL© was launched in December 2017.

The founding board, totalling 30 years experience aspire to bring an alternative league for flyball racing to the UK. Their passion, dedication and knowledge of the sport meant the birth of the UKFL©

Our aim is to build a safe, fun, and inclusive environment throughout the league. All events will remain fair and consistent. We aim to cater for every preference of flyball racing, be it racing surface or competition formats. Through our committee, rules and judges the UKFL© can offer all of this now and sustainably for the future. Our emphasis will always be on safety, support,  progression and positivity.

Offering the latest in measuring systems technology, whilst keeping us inline with other organisations, the UKFL© are excited to be introducing the ulna measure which will reduce stress levels for both handlers and dogs. Also this new system will provide more accuracy and minimise variables.

Progression of the sport is key to us, we welcome all to come and try this fast, furious and exhilarating sport with us.

For more information on UKFL please visit the website at www.ukflyball.org.uk

Contact

Sam Bawden – Head Mentor

Email – headmentor@ukflyball.org.uk

Well 2021 we are done and as we get ready to ring the bells into 2022 it’s time to reflect on what has been a tumultuous year.

2021 started with us desperately hoping for the Pandemic to end and the restrictions to be lifted so that we could enjoy our favourite dog sport once again and meet up with our flyball families.  We, as the Committee were devastated when we had to cancel event after event and felt the disappointment from the membership.  Cancelling our Championship event was one of the hardest decisions we had to make but it was made for all of the right reasons.

Six months into the Year and we finally got the green light for outdoor events and All4One expertly took on the challenge of hosting that all important first event back after such a long break.  Indoor racing wasn’t too far behind returning in September however since that point the League has had some amazing achievements in such a short space of time.  Below are just a few that stand out:

Tails we Win Flyball Teams bring the British and European record back under UKFL with an incredible time of 14.53 at Oswestry.  Can they run faster in 2022?  Who can challenge and push those pinks in 2022?

We have had seen several teams qualify for Crufts 2022 and we look forward to watching those teams step out onto that famous green carpet.  Once again huge congratulations to Molten Magnets, Southern Striders, All4One and Paws on the Run.  There are however still spaces with the final qualifier being delayed until January so who will join them?  Good Luck to all teams attending the final qualifier.

We have also seen a number of our juniors qualify for YKC Crufts 2022 showing that the future of our sport and league is very much in safe hands.  Congratulations to Dolphins, Tails and Northants Falcons Chicks.  I am sure you will all do your teams and our league proud.

We now have four incredible teams set to represent us at the Worlds Championships in 2022 as Essex, Tails we Win, Cambridgeshire and Paws on the Run prepare themselves for an epic journey that will take them to the World stage.  I’m sure the members will be watching each of your journeys with anticipation.

The Committee has brought in a few new ideas and concepts over the last few months.  Firstly was the introduction of those double points to try and make up for all of those months of lost racing and events.  The next two developments were introduced to try and encourage new hosts and include the cache of matting to hire and the financial support and buddy system.  Both of which we hope will be utilised as we move forwards into 2022.

As we head into January you will see our Committee post filled and now is your opportunity to decide that position.  There are four incredible (and brave) nominees and I would encourage you all to use your vote.  Closing date is 2nd January.

Our January focus will be about building the league and encouraging new members so please share our social media posts and spread the word about the Flyball Family and that UKFL really is the place to be!!

Our diary for 2022 is looking good with some new hosts taking the plunge so thank you.  Thank you to our dedicated teams who host regularly throughout the Year.  Your hard work and commitment is recognised and appreciated.

The Covid pandemic has not gone away and we do try to keep updated with the Government guidance for England, Scotland and Wales.  I don’t know what the New Year holds and whether those dreaded restrictions will return but remember:

“I wont let them break me down to dust, I know that there is a place for us, For we are glorious”

We will be glorious once again.  We will continue to grow and achieve and it is all because of you, the membership.  UKFL would not be what it is without each and every one of you so thank you.

Thank you to all our hard working officials and a special thank you to Tina, Lynette and Charlotte who have been by my side especially over the last few months as we returned to racing and events.

There is just one thing left for me to say on this New Years Eve and that is Happy New Year.  Let’s see what we can achieve in 2022.  Aim high, the higher the better and don’t let anything stand in your way.

Apologies for the lateness of my monthly blog but it is a busy old time of Year.  November has definitely had a ring of excitement to it, especially at the Errol Crufts Qualifier which I understand showcased some exceptional competitive racing.  A huge congratulations to Paws on the Run who reigned supreme and will battle it out on the famous green carpet next year.  Congratulations and a huge round of applause to two of our YKC Teams, Tails and Dolphins who demonstrated the skills, abilities and courage of some of our junior members as both also qualified and go through to race in the YKC competition at Crufts! Truly inspirational and the league is certainly proud of each and every one of you.

We are excited to see some new events being populated in our 2022 diary and we welcome Live Wires to the world of hosting as they will be taking the plunge and hosting their first ever UKFL event next year so make sure you save the dates in your team diaries.

Storm Arwen tried it’s best to disrupt racing and dampen spirits at the recent Tails We Win event however the sheer determination and hard work of the Tails We Win Flyball Team meant that the show did go on and I am reliably informed that the Level 3 Judge, Jenny Knight did a sterling job in difficult circumstances to keep racing moving so thank you.

Although Coronavirus has never gone away it has become more prevalent over the last few weeks with the introduction of the new Omicron variant.  (I thought it was a new Transformer film being released when I first heard it) Some restrictions have been reintroduced recently but nothing that directly impacts on our events at this time.  We will continue to monitor the situation and guidance in England, Scotland and Wales and will endeavour to keep you informed and updated with any changes.

As our diary slows down and we head towards the very exciting festive period with trees decorated, lights twinkling and mulled wine in our hands be sure to reflect on your achievements.  Set you goals for 2022 and look to surround yourself with people that push you to do better.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!