Nice Bristols

We are a women’s Ultimate Frisbee team based in Bristol. Nice Bristols was formed in 2004 and since then we have grown and developed as a club. We have competed at a high level in both British and European events, with several of our team frequently representing Great Britain. The 2013 season has been our best season yet, and saw us qualify for the World Ultimate Club Championships (WUCC) in Lecco, Italy 2014. It is here that we will compete against the best club teams from around the world and we can’t wait!

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Dec 24th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Kim Owen

Number of years playing: 6

Favourite Christmas Carol: Stop the cavalary (I think it is so good and catch)

Weird Christmas family tradition: Like Grace, not really sure we have one. Except maybe eating cheese and crackers about half 1/2 in the morning.

Least favourite part of a Christmas dinner - Sprouts! Super gross

How did you start playing? I copied Grace (obviously) - My brother started playing because his friend from the pub said it was really good. He went, loved it, then Grace went and then I went. And that was it really :)

What kept you hooked? Lots of the people when we joined were similar age to us. Loved the chance to feel myself improving. Tournaments were really fun, it wasn't something I'd experienced before being at school. Whoooo.

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Dec 23rd

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Grace Owen

Number of years playing: 6

Favourite Christmas Carol: Fairy tale in new york. I know it's probably really popular but it's sooo good.

Weird Christmas family tradition: uhm.. Not sure we really have one except going to play pool in a pub before christmas lunch.

Least favourite part of a Christmas dinner: Haha the turkey ;)

How did you start playing? My brother got into it via a friend from the pub, he said it was really good. I went and was absolutely hooked.

What kept you hooked? A lot of the people in the team at that time were a similar age and had only been playing a few months longer than me. We became best friends and have just played together for years! Then as I got more into it, just loving tournaments, making friends from all ages and other teams but being able to play competitively. Just loving that frizzers :)

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Dec 22nd

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Miranda Cole

Years playing: 5

Favourite Christmas carol: Mmmmm not a big christmas songs fan but it would have to be "Joy to the World"

Weird Christmas family tradition: We always used to get stockings but my mum doesn't like the whole "materialistic" side of christmas, so the stocking fillers would always be super useful. Like toothpaste. I dont get a stocking any more.

Least favourite part of dinner: That uncomfortable full feeling after my seventh pig-in-blanket (Ali smith you got it all wrong!). Generally always eating too much.

How did you start playing? My friend had gone on about how he'd just come back from somewhere called Burla, and showed me some photos and it sounded amazing! I loved trying to throw a frisbee on the beach, I thought I would give it a go as a team sport.

What kept you hooked? I could soon tell how much good it was doing me fitness-wise. I also got on really well with the girls who went who were all similar to me - and am still good friends with lots of them today! And there were some nice guys who played too.... ;-)

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Dec 21st

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Jen Link

Number of years playing: 8 and a half

Favourite Christmas Carol: Deck the halls

Weird Christmas family tradition: I've literally been racking my brains for some weird tradition but have come up empty. I'll keep thinking and let you know if i think of anything.

Least favourite part of Christmas dinner: Sprouts. Yuck!

How did you start playing? A new team was set up in my town and my brothers had started playing. After throwing for a while with them I decided to tag along to an open session and see what the whole thing was all about.

What kept you hooked? All my siblings play and so it was something we all did. When I started there were also lots of other newbies and I remember training and playing pickup games 3 times a week and just loving the game and the people too!

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Dec 20th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Bridget Brown

Number of years playing: 10

Favourite Christmas carol: Stop the Cavalry

Least favourite part of a Christmas dinner: I can't answer this it's too hard, I like all of the food.

Weird Christmas family tradition: My family is totally normal, nothing to see here, move along.

How did you start playing? I wasn't good enough at all the regular sports at Loughborough university - Frisbee was pretty much the only option where they didn't expect you to be county level.  Actually they didn't expect anything.  

What kept you hooked? Definitely the people - I've met some of my best friend through frisbee and continue to meet really great people.  And obviously frisbee is pretty fun too.

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Dec 19th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Maria Cahill

Number of years playing: 100!

Favourite Christmas Carol: Fairytale of New York... reminds me of my Irish roots.

Weird Christmas family tradition: Did everyone else's parents use pillow cases as present sacks and hide them so the first half of Christmas morning was spent turning the house upside down trying to find where Santa had hidden everything?

Least favourite part of a Christmas dinner: Not so much Christmas dinner but on St Stephen's Day my Dad's favourite breakfast was fried up leftover Christmas pudding with an egg cracked on top.

How did you start playing? A guy I fancied at uni used to play.

What kept you hooked? Fun fun times!!

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Dec 18th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Kate Markey

Number of years playing: 12

Favourite Christmas Carol: Ding dong merrily on high

Weirdest family Christmas tradition: We have to wait until after the Queens speech to open presents from under the tree yet I can never remember us actually watching the Queens speech!

Least favourite part of Christmas dinner: Brussel sprout's

What got me playing: Cute guy behind the Frisbee freshers table and the fact I had had enough of cricket and wanted a new sport

What kept me hooked: Love the fact that you can always improve some element of your game, I am still learning, still getting to travel the world to play and getting to hang out with awesome people.

[nicebristolsultimate]

Dec 17th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Lesley Morison

Number of years playing: 7

Favourite Christmas Carol: Tough decision but probably 'It came upon the midnight clear'

Weird Christmas Family Tradition: Nothing out of the ordinary. Just some mild caber tossing and highland dancing in the back garden.

Least favourite part of Christmas dinner: When it's finished of course!  Though I'm not fond of Christmas pudding. Every year I try it again just in case I like it and every year I'm reminded why I don't like it.

How did I start playing? My friend at uni played it in her 1st year and she kept going on about how good it was. So I decided to go along. I nearly went out for cocktails that night instead but boy I'm glad I didn't.

What kept me hooked? The people. The socials. It's just so much fun! I wasn't really that sporty when I started and liked the mixture of fun and serious tournaments. It helped that everyone was very welcoming and encouraging to the beginners.

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Dec 16th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Rachel Naden

Number of years playing: 3

Favourite Christmas Carol: Santa Claus is coming to town (or Joel, the lump of coal)

Weird Family Christmas Tradition: Place a wreath of mistletoe over a cow and give it a kiss

Least favourite part of Christmas dinner: Frankly shocked that people have a least favourite food - it's obviously the waiting beforehand or the sick feeling after you've stuffed yourselves completely full but want to continue eating

How did you start playing? I'd signed up at Freshers Fair after signing up for most things, but didn't go to training (probably too hungover). About 3 weeks into term Miranda sent round a message saying there was a women's only session and I went along and loved it. I then went to indoor regionals having played twice, possibly only touched the disc a few times but caught the bug and here I am!

What kept you hooked? Firstly the people, it's an unwritten rule that anyone who plays frisbee is nice, easy-going and great fun. Secondly it's a sport anyone can play at any level and I've loved how far I've come and can't wait to see how much I can progress. Plus it's easy to be inspired when you're surrounded by a bunch of champs!

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Dec 15th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Sarah Garner

Number of years playing:
 9

Favourite Christmas Carol: O Little town of Bethlehem (with the descant in the last verse)


Weird Christmas family tradition:
 It’s not weird, it’s nice – having crab salad for lunch and then Christmas dinner in the evening

Least favourite part of a Christmas dinner: stuffing


How did you start playing?
 I was in my first year at uni playing netball for the 4th team. So not many matches or much attention from the coach! A netball friend suggested I come and try out this other sport she played called Frisbee. I laughed but went along anyway. Running around on mud in trainers, slipping over, unable to throw and no idea what I was doing, I loved it! 3 weeks later we played at uni womens outdoor nationals in the blazing heat and I was hooked from there!

What kept you hooked? Several things – 1. The people and community in general, everyone is so friendly and helpful, you feel like you know everyone. It’s like a big family!! 2. The opportunity to always get better, you’re always learning! 3. The self refereeing aspect, 99% of opponents play fair and I think it’s a very mature approach to discuss things rather than just rely on a referee who might get it right or wrong. 4. Frisbee players have an excellent level of BANTER!!!

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Dec 14th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Jen Hart

Number of years playing: 8 years

Favourite Christmas Carol: Merry Christmas everybody Slade. Not a carol but my parents loved Slade so remember it being played a lot when I was growing up (and can garuntee I'll hear it this year too)

Weird Christmas family tradition: I don't think we do anything too out of the ordinary...

Least favourite part of a Christmas dinner: Sprouts! Mum normally hides them in my yorkshire puddings...

How did you start playing? Mustard hired my school sports hall for their winter trainings and I went along and loved it. I pretty much played a different sport everyday at school and loved learning something new - I couldn't convince any of my friends to go with me so I went along anyway and had a great time!

What kept you hooked? The Spirit and respect (I came from playing a lot of Netball where people would try and get away with anything and the ref was always wrong), the challenge and most importantly the friends I've made along the way.

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Dec 13th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Steph Walker

Number of years playing: 8 (with a three year break, so 5..?)

Favorite Christmas Carol: PAR UMP A PUM PUM - The Little Drummer boy.

Weird Christmas family tradition: Giving our parents a stocking from Santa, he always seems to miss them out!

Least favourite part of a Christmas dinner:The Turkey, pigs in blankets and the prawn starter!

How did you start playing? At University. The people at the freshers fair were really enthusiastic and they organised a 'Picnic in the park' with free beer and burgers! I went along, watched a show game and thought, this looks interesting.... They were really keen to teach us how to play. You weren't judged on a lack of ability.

What kept you hooked? The people and friends you make, plus a tournament is a really good workout!

[nicebristolsultimate]

Dec 12th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Jessie Griffiths

Number of years playing: 7 years

Favourite Christmas Carol: I’ll be singing Hark the Herald Angels Sing until I’m fed up of it, then I swiftly move onto Joy To The World.

Weird Christmas family tradition: I’m happy to confirm there is nothing weird that I’m aware of.

Least favourite part of a Christmas dinner: I would normally say Christmas Pudding, but then again, I’ve normally had too many servings of the main to even get to the pudding.

How did you start playing? I was very briefly introduced to the sport before starting Uni and deciding to give the team a go when I arrive at Southampton.

What kept you hooked? Beside the wonderful community of friends and family, learning, progressing, and progressing in the sport was a significant hook. Thinking about all the possible things that can be achieved and ticking them off as you develop as a player is incredibly satisfying.

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Dec 11th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Jess Bonham

Number of years playing: 6 years

Favourite Christmas Carol: Driving home for Christmas

Weird Christmas family tradition: My family normally try and do something active on Christmas day, either a long walk in the New forest or a family bike ride. For about 4 years in a row we even managed a family swim in the sea!

Least favourite part of a Christmas dinner: Sprouts! They're disgusting!

How did you start playing? I played hockey all through school and when I started University was keen to keep playing, however Hockey seemed to get cancelled a lot because of snow and I couldn't keep up with everybody at socials. After nearly a whole year of heavy drinking in fancy dress in Ziggys (and playing some Hockey) I decided it was time to try something new. I saw a poster for a beginners Ultimate Frisbee Session and remembered my sister had played a bit before so I was keen to try it. The best bit was they played indoors too so the snow never stopped us (though it got very cold in the sports hall / tent).

What kept you hooked? I liked seeing how I improved so quickly but mainly it was the people, they were so much nicer than Hockey players!

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Dec 10th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Mega Cumberlidge

Years playing: 5

Favourite carol: Hark the Herald Angels Sing!

Weird tradition: Not too weird but every year my family insists on going out for a walk after lunch. The problem is it gets dark at 3pm, this means all morning is a race against time with presents and dinner and the washing up is abandoned just so we can get out before dark.

Least fave part of dinner: When it's over

How did you start playing: In my 4th year of university I took up frisbee in order to get fit for netball! I only played netball for a few months after that, until frisbee took over!

What kept you hooked: In my first year of playing I started training with Nice Bristols and played my first women's tour. I got to play with and against some of the top women in the country and players from all over Europe. There are very few sports where you get those kind of opportunities. Safe to say I never went back to netball!

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Dec 9th

NICE BRISTOLS’ ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Sophie Wharton

Number of years playing: Just over 3 years

Favourite Christmas Carol: Timber?

Weird Christmas family tradition: In recent years we've started having anything but roast on Christmas day

Least favourite part of a Christmas dinner: Christmas pudding and overcooked carrots

How did you start playing? Some school friends in the year above started playing at uni and taught me just before I went to uni

What kept you hooked? Playing for the GB U20's team during my first season. I was so inexperienced and just went to trials to learn as much as I could - talk about being thrown in at the deep end! But I learnt so much during this year, being part of the team was incredible and the whole Worlds experience helped me get to where I am now and is one I'm very thankful for.

[nicebristolsultimate]

Dec 8th

NICE BRISTOLS' ADVENT CALENDAR

Name: Rachel Dean

Number of years playing: 5

Favourite Christmas Carol: We Three Kings of Orient Are (although it goes on forever) - I dont know why but it makes me think of marmite..

Weird Christmas family tradition: Probably questionable stuff my mum puts in stockings including (but not limited to); chocolates from lidl that had a 'herb ganja' flavour and free pens from a viagra drugs rep which sprang open when you pressed a button. Nice one mum.

Least favourite part of a Christmas dinner: No such thing

How did you start playing? At Cardiff Uni, my friend dragged me along. I'm pretty sure I turned up in jeans.

What kept you hooked? At uni it was definitely the social side and I liked the whole self-refereeing thing, nowadays its still the social but also learning from my NB teammates and a challenging defensive match-up.