The Ultimate experience - some notes for coaches

Some notes for Ultimate coaches of youth and university clubs.

As we reach the end of the academic year and approach (or indeed reach) the end of the 2026 Ultimate season, you are likely thinking ahead to the all-important recruitment drive, but we know retention is also key! The drop-off rate of kids, teenagers and young people engaged in sport in the UK is high.

So, what brings kids (and adults) to play sport, and what makes them stay?

The answer is probably not the content delivered but the experience - do they find it fun? is it an engaging and enjoyable time? do they feel safe? do they have friends there? are they learning and developing?

THIS is the role of the coach - to create an experience in Ultimate that brings everyone back - so how do you deliver the Ultimate experience? How do you get the players back week on week because they want to be there?

If you want to talk more with other coaches about this topic let us know, coaching@ukultimate.com