Ultimate Frisbee, often referred to as just “Ultimate,” is a fast-paced, non-contact team sport. The game is played with a flying disc, and the core objective is to score points by catching the disc in the opposing team’s end zone. While some may joke about the game “not being a real sport,” the reality is far from this.
Globally, Ultimate has undergone explosive growth, emerging as one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. The sport demands quick decision-making and fast, precise judgement under pressure, emphasising the intensity and athleticism involved–qualities that have captured the interest of many players. Established in 1986, the Sussex Hawks have been the university’s long-standing Ultimate team.
For years, the club has been the university’s most successful Ultimate team–having earned a reputation of being simultaneously inclusive and competitive. Training three times a week, the club constantly pushes its members regardless of their background, with some of their players having been playing Ultimate for well over 5 years, and often simultaneously competing for other elite teams, to most of the members who come from having no experience in the sport.
The Sussex Hawks field two primary teams: the Sussex Hawks Ones and Sussex Hawks Twos. All club members have the opportunity to be a part of either team and compete for Sussex in BUCS League Tournaments. Additionally, the club is well known for its participation in beginner-league tournaments. With a history of competing and placing high in beginner events like Sicko and Skunksmouth. The society, having such a strong track record of success, clearly excels at rapidly bringing new members up to speed.
Photos: Jason Lenz
Beyond BUCS, the club also often competes for additional high-level Ultimate tournaments organised by UKU (UK Ultimate). They compete for both indoor and outdoor tournaments, including mixed, women’s, men’s and open categories. In recent years, the Hawks have been putting an especially strong focus on the mixed and women’s leagues. Notably, the Hawks achieved strong results this year, placing in both the mixed, men’s and open indoor regionals and qualifying for the nationals in February.
The club’s committee has constantly prioritised representation for women, non-binary and genderqueer people, offering dedicated training sessions tailored for female-matching players (FMPs) on Fridays, and occasional exclusive events made to foster a welcoming atmosphere. The committee encourages people to choose whether they want to identify as a male-matching player or FMP.
The Hawks have the privilege of having a once-decorated elite past. Having had first-place victories as far back as 1997/8 in the University Open Outdoor Nationals and again three more times throughout 2010 to 2014. Furthermore, having 6 first-place finishes throughout 2006 to 2013 exclusively in the University Women’s Outdoor Nationals. And a total of 5 more first-place wins in both indoor and outdoor mixed competitions throughout 2010 and 2013.
Their most recent first-place finish was in the University Men’s Outdoor Nationals in 2016. In recent years, the Hawks have notably placed third in the University Men’s Outdoors Nationals last year, which was a well-earned effort after adjusting from a fresh reset in players over the pandemic. The Hawks have earned and maintained a reputation of being a no easy opponent at every competition ever since they started competing.
The Hawks participate in many enjoyable events, from their near-weekly socials to frequent trips to Falmer Bar after training. Most notably, though, the club participates in Paganello, an international frisbee tournament held in Rimini, Italy. This tournament is particularly unique as it represents one of the rare opportunities for the Hawks to compete in a beach setting. Paganello has been the crucible for countless fun experiences and unforgettable memories in the past, making it one of the club’s highlight events–and is something the entire team is looking forward to already.
To summarise, the Sussex Hawks embody the pinnacle of Ultimate Frisbee, fostering a phenomenal community paired with that competitive spirit. I encourage everybody to check the club out and layout into the world of Ultimate! To find out more, please check out their Instagram page: @hawks_ultimate.
Another article you may enjoy: https://thebadgeronline.com/2025/12/pitts-is-back/
