England Korfball

Korfball is a fast-paced and dynamic game that is the only truly mixed team sport in the world.

The sport is accessible to anyone, whether young or old, male or female, beginner or international athlete.

The principles are similar to those of netball, handball and basketball but the unique defending and mixed sex rules make for a much more varied game at a much faster pace.

Teams of eight players divide into two sections, two male, two female in each section. The korfball playing area consists of two large squares joined along the centre line, within each square is a 'korf' set in one third from the back line.

The origins of the game are in The Netherlands - the word 'korf' is simply Dutch for basket. The sport was developed by school-teacher Nico Broekhuysen who founded the sport in 1902 so that boys and girls could play together on equal terms, encouraging eam work and cooperation.

One section starts the game in attack, the other in defence, but players swap roles after every two goals scored throughout the game.

The sport is based on cooperation within the team, and the rules provide equality - players can only mark or be marked by an opposing player of the same sex.

Individual challenges and competitiveness are still enjoyed within this framework that priorities teamwork and equality.