Raymond Matata | Team Warwick Dodgeball
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Can you tell us about your journey into your sport and what inspired you to get involved with Team Warwick?
I always viewed playing sports as a way to connect with people, and I have made many friends in this way. Whilst playing Dodgeball either in school or at university, I realised that a lot of my friendships were forged in this sport.
As well as forming bonds with people, I have always been drawn to and involved in competitions; however, dodgeball at Warwick has allowed me to play at a high level across England and participate in the BUCS National League.
I had always wanted to compete and achieve success, whilst being a part of a community, so I'm happy that I joined the club as part of Team Warwick.
What does your typical week look like as part of Team Warwick?
Most days of the week, I'm flexible between lectures, studying and working, as well as having time to meet friends. On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, I have 1.5-hour dodgeball training sessions, which are short but intense, so I have a lot of the day left to relax, but also make sure I'm at the top of my game.
On competition days, which are on either Saturday or Sunday, I usually have to wake up early, as most games start in the morning. Competitions would last the day, due to games and transport, and my day would end with celebrating with teammates.
How do you balance your academic commitments with training and competitions?
I felt like it was relatively easy to balance my academic commitments with training and competitions, as training only took a few hours out of my week, so I was able to study a lot outside of training times. On competition days, I would take a break from studying, so I don't over-work myself, whilst having time to compete.
What kind of support have you received through Team Warwick and what difference has it made to your experience?
Being part of Team Warwick has had the most significant impact on my university experience, as I got to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds, making memories on and off the court and helped me grow as a person through confidence and motivation.
All of these experiences have helped my mental well-being throughout my time at Warwick, as a sense of belonging was felt within the dodgeball club. During my time as Dodgeball President and now Welfare Secretary, I received support from Warwick Sport, Warwick SU, and other execs to fulfil my roles effectively.
Additionally, I have upskilled myself in key areas, including leadership and teamwork, which I can apply in life after university.
What has been the biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome it?
Like any other sport, dodgeball had its days when I didn't feel like I was performing at my best, and self-doubt started to seep in, whether that was in training or at a competition.
It can be a mental battle; however, dodgeball has supportive teammates and captains who have always kept my head up and encouraged me to keep going. Knowing that club members look out for each other has helped me to overcome self-doubt and continue to perform.
How has Team Warwick helped you develop professionally and what opportunities has it given you?
Being part of the exec team of the dodgeball club has definitely improved my professionalism, as I work not only with other execs but also with other club execs, RCT, and other dodgeball clubs to create events for our club members and beyond to enjoy.
As the previous President, I have developed key professional skills, including delegation, organisational skills, and networking. I had the opportunity to be a part of the Sports Forum, where I attended meetings with other Team Warwick members and the Sports VP.
I also had the chance to communicate with key people in Warwick Sport, the University of Nottingham, and British Dodgeball. Through my involvement with the Sports Forum, I have refined my skills to maximise my chances of success in my future career.
What role have your teammates, coaches, or support staff played in your journey?
One of the best parts of playing dodgeball is my teammates and captain, mainly due to the unconditional support we are willing to give to each other. Every match, we play as a team, and it has led to several wins and medals.
Over the last 2 years of playing this sport, I've consistently improved with the advice of my teammates and captain during training and competition. Those people are one of the many reasons why I have no regrets of joining the club.
How has your sporting experience shaped your wellbeing and sense of belonging at the University of Warwick?
Dodgeball comes with a sense of being in a close-knit community, where everyone knows each other very well. It felt like a second family, and I felt at home whilst being at Warwick.
Playing and celebrating our achievements together brings everyone closer, as we create memories together. Those memories have a positive impact on my well-being during my time at the university.
What are your current sporting goals and how are you being supported in reaching them?
Before I leave Warwick, I hope to win the BUCS National Championship and the British Dodgeball University Championship, with both achievements being very possible with the team and motivation that we have. Through training and preparation via other competitions, these are critical for success in these goals.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining a club, performance team, or applying for a scholarship at Warwick?
If there's anyone who's thinking about doing sports at Warwick, my simple answer is to do it! I didn't join dodgeball until term 3 of my first year, but my biggest regret is that I didn't join sooner.
The memories you create, whether it's competing, attending social events, or spending time with friends, will stay with you. As well as keeping you fit, it would help you mentally, as things may be tough at university at times, but as long as you have people around you, it will be fine, and you will have a blast at Warwick!
Did Team Warwick influence your decision to study at the University of Warwick? If so, how?
Warwick offered a wide range of sports, more than the other universities I had as options, so I knew that coming to Warwick, I would have many sports to choose from. This meant that if I didn't feel like one sport was right for me, I could always find another.
Warwick Sport also offered free sessions called Rock Up and Play, making sports accessible to everyone at the university, which is where my journey into the dodgeball club started.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience as part of Team Warwick?
Being a part of Team Warwick has been the highlight of my life yet! The experience that I've had has been amazing, and I have been surrounded by people that I will never forget. I can't stress enough that joining sports at Warwick is one of the best decisions one can make at Warwick.
Charlie Nova Content Contributor, Warwick Sport
Charlie is passionate about fitness, health, and wellbeing. He enjoys climbing, lifting, running, football, and is always eager to try new sports.
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