Ultimate frisbee has been a part of the school curriculum since 2015 and as a sport since 1968. Its unique combination of inclusive and technical game play alongside its core principles of the ´Spirit of the Game´ results in a complete sport. Students learn how to moderate their reactions to in-game events, developing emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate calmly and fairly with their opponents. These are just some of the reasons why OBS has embraced the sport and, as such, has become a force in National schools’ tournaments over the last 5 years.

On May 6^th 2026, we took a squad of 37 players ranging from 8 to 14 years old to the annual Associação Portuguesa de Ultimate & Desportos de Disco 10^th edition of the Encontro Escolas hosted at the Leiria Municipal stadium. Ms Glennon, Mr Marques, Ms Sousa and Mr Homewood supported as coaches and we were also joined by the National team coach and ex-professional and USA team player David Morley from our local club Nortada. Thanks should also go to the families who came down and supported the teams and for their generosity in buying every member of the squad and ice cream, following the event.

I would like to shower praise on how incredible our players were in both attitude and ability and how exemplary they were as ambassadors to themselves, their families and the school.

Some how did we get on?

Our under 13´s were entered as 2 teams. The 13O´s comprising of forms 5 to 7 and the 13B´s comprising of forms 3 to 5.

The 13B´s are the development team and were captained by Diana L. They won 5 of their 7 games to reach the quarterfinals and eventually finished 7^th from 16 teams entered. The captain elected Enzo T. as the standout teammate for the event for his attitude towards sharing playing load and his intelligent movement on the field. An amazing achievement for a team conceding up to 5 years and considerable centimetres of height, not to mention experience.

The 13O´s were captained by Julieta L. and remained unbeaten in their 9 games to reach the final, narrowly losing out 4-3 to the best that the Escola Básica José Saraiva could offer. The captain elected João Xiang as the standout teammate for his technical ability and relentless competitiveness.

Our under 15´s were also split into 15O´s and 15B´s.

The 15B´s won 4 of their 6 group games and just missed out on a quarter-final by being the wrong side of a tie break with 2^nd based on their pool game result.  Finishing 9th of the 28 teams was still an excellent result. Captain Michelle F. awarded Miguel S. as the standout teammate for his leadership and organisational skills both on and off of the field.

The 15O´s, captained by Henrique L. were hotly tipped and also remained unbeaten in their 9 games to reach the final and meet the best team from the Agrupamento de Escolas de Colmeias. A repeat final from last year. This time they came up just short but finished 2nd of the 29 Under 15 teams entered. The captain elected Leo M. as standout teammate for his ability to change the tide of the game both defensively and offensively.

We look forward to taking teams to the 11^th edition of the Encontro Escolas on May 5^th 2027, and are working on other competitive Ultimate opportunities for next academic year.

If you are interested in getting into Ultimate or disc sports, Nortada train every Saturday at the Parque da Cidade. Please reach out to matthew.homewood@obs.edu.pt to access the group community, news, events and more.