The 'Ultimate' Sport Comes to Eldersburg

Ultimate Frisbee has hit Eldersburg, bringing athletes of all ages together in Hodges Park to try something new. 

The sport is non-contact and combines soccer, football and basketball with a uniform, flying disc.

Freedom Ultimate Now gathers at Hodges Park for pickup play on Wednesdays for people over 15 and on Monday for those under 15. The sessions are held from 6:30 p.m. to sundown on Wednesday and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday.

Age and ability are not obstacles at Hodges Park. They welcome everyone to take part that wants to run and have anywhere from 15 to 50 people show up to play at each meeting, averaging around 25 people each week, according to Brad Borcherding, president of Freedom Ultimate.

Last week the youth group on Monday outnumbered the Wednesday get together. "This is something I hadn't really expected but it's certainly welcome," said Borcherding. 

The players play seven-on-seven with substitutions throughout the game so everyone has a chance to play. 

"There are a couple dozen high schools throughout the state that play the game," said Borcherding. "I think it works incredible well for high school because there is no referee, it is self officiated. The whole scene really appeals to the high school kids going into college, just the freedom of it. It is definitely the age group I targeted into trying to grow the group."

Century and Liberty field club teams with Liberty finishing third in the state in the spring.

The players believe in the spirit of the game, and the sport that started in 1968 and never used a referee. Games depends on fair play and there is no unsportsmanlike conduct allowed on the field.

Play is not normally with a "Wham" from your local store. Discraft became the official game disc in 1991 and is still used today. 

Players are asked to bring water and wear light or dark shirts and cleats or sneakers. Cones and discs are provided.

Freedom Ultimate Now started in the summer of 2006 and they became associated with the Freedom Area Recreation Council in October of that year. The group meets from April to November.

For more information visit the organization's website here or e-mail info@freedomultimate.org.