Austria and Australia National Teams Prepare for Frankfurt

Australia and Austria now share a few more similarities than just in name. Both countries began their national Quidditch team selections for the 2016 World Cup on January 16, continuing to this past weekend as well. The two trials have included a number of position-specific grading drills, pick-up matches, and even a few fitness standard tests. While Australia is expected to name its team in the first week of February, Austria is likely to announce its players at the start of spring.

Australia, also known as the Drop Bears, has competed at every international Qudditch event that would allow them to compete. Ranked third in the first Summer Games in London 2012, after beating Canada thanks to a 60*–50 Snitch catch. The team advanced to second place at the 2014 Global Games hosted in Canada by USQ, definitively beaten by the United States in the final 210*–0. A number of new players are trying out and are set to join those who have experienced international competition before. The first weekend’s trials were held in Sydney, while last weekend’s were hosted in Melbourne. This two-city selection hosting allows travel-restricted players to still have their chance to try out.

Austria, meanwhile, will be competing in its first ever international event. It will join the many other European nations who participated at the European Quidditch Games last year. Drawing their talent mostly from the two current teams formed in the nation, Vienna Vanguards and Danube Direwolves, the team will build upon players who have gained Quidditch experience outside of Austria. The time frame for team selections is still being decided by the management committee, while applications don’t close until February 7. They have yet to decide their national team nickname.

How is your nation preparing for the World Cup?