Dodgeball invaded Bedford Park over the weekend.
The USA Dodgeball Premier Tour National Championships took place Sept. 4-6 at the Winstrust Sports Complex and players from all over the country came in to throw and dodge some balls.
Dodgeball is a sport that could be on the rise to hear some talk about it.
“I would say we’re growing, for sure,” said Brett Kauble, an executive board member of USA Dodgeball. “We took a hit through COVID as everyone did. One of the problems we’ve been having lately is finding gyms big enough where we can accommodate all the teams that are registering.
“Internationally, especially, the International Dodgeball Federation has 70 affiliated countries. And 40-50 will be at the World Championship.”
The next big stop in the dodgeball world is the Asia Pacific Invitational, which takes place Sept. 24-27 in Australia. On Sept. 26-27, Mexico will host the Circuito Mexicano de Dodgeball 2026 event.
Meanwhile, in Bedford Park, national championships were determined in No-Sting, Foam and Cloth Divisions.
Matt Dela Cruz Matt Dela Cruz, the founder of Chicago Dodgeball, thinks the sport is on the upswing.
“I would like to think that dodgeball is increasing in popularity,” Dela Cruz said. “I think people are seeing just how intense and competitive it can be.
“We all associate dodgeball as that elementary school sport and children throwing these balls around. I think people are seeing that it’s fun and competitive and has an amazing community behind it.”
He added that it’s not just the United States that is growing the game.
“It has a growing world and it’s making a global impact as well,” he said. “It unites people together. I would like to see it continue to grow.”
