About Hooligans FC
Hooligans FC is a new youth ultimate frisbee league in Calgary. With a balanced approach to training, practice, philosophy, and competition, Hooligans FC offers both new and experienced players an opportunity to be trained by knowledgeable coaches. Our common goal is to grow as a cohesive team and as individuals.
Philosophy
With a balanced approach to training, practice, and competition, Calgary’s Hooligans Frisbee Club (Hooligans FC) offers players an opportunity to be seen and trained by experienced coaches with the common goal of improving the Ultimate culture in Calgary. Players will be part of a system designed to focus on development and playing with like-minded peers at similar ability levels. Those who try out for our 2025 Spring and Summer Leagues will be drafted onto teams with a primary focus on development and growth, both as athletes and individuals.
Our Mission
With player development at our focal point, our goal is to provide an affordable competitive experience for those who would like to get more out of the game. Our coaches are eager to share their extensive frisbee knowledge, contributing to Calgary’s evolving competitive frisbee scene. We are committed to preparing our young athletes for future challenges, ensuring they not only become skilled players but also upstanding individuals, all while enjoying unforgettable experiences.
Similar to baseball and hockey, the Hooligans Frisbee Club (HFC) will be a house league club. We will be creating teams and having weekly practices and games. The practices will be focused on skill development (especially throwing), while the games are more about effort than results (focus is not on winning). We offer programming for players from Grade 7-12.
Punctuality & Attendance
- Traffic, busy schedule, and distance are things we all struggle with. Avoiding common trends of absences & late arrivals will be crucial for Player Development & Team Dynamics.
- Those who are early to practice will earn more playing time.
Respect
Players will Respect the following people. There is a zero-tolerance attitude for disrespect.
- Parents
- Coaches
- Teammates
- Opponents
Team = Family… Represent your Family well.
Practice Times
Players must arrive 15 minutes early to be warming by practice start time.
Playing Time
- At the beginning of the season players will be asked what positional roles they want to play.
- As the season progresses Team Roles will develop and gradually solidify.
- In order to develop, the kids need to play.
- Throwing and general frisbee play outside of practice and game times is crucial to development. Players and parents are encouraged to put in this effort.
4 Aspects Coaches Consider
- Attitude
- Effort
- Attendance/Punctuality
- Skill Level (Rate of Development)
Program Rules
- Accountability: Any supplies needed by a player is the responsibility of the player and must be brought by the player before game time. In an emergency, if an item or message needs to be relayed to the player, it can be brought to the coach and the coach can pass it on to the player. Parents must wait till coaches are not busy (in between points, not during a point).
- Closed Practices & Games: As a coaching staff we will be asking a lot from the kids: remember plays, situational thinking, positioning, etc. This will need their Undivided Attention. For this reason the following rules have been strictly put in place. Failure to abide by the following rules will result in restricted playing time.
- No Outside Contact: once the player steps into the field to get ready for the game, all outside contact stops: parents, friends, extended family, dog, etc.
- Only Players & Coaches on the sidelines. Emergency is only exception.
- No Sideline Coaching: No exceptions. Ever.
- Parental Concerns: Any concerns to be made must wait till the following day, and can be addressed with the coaching staff.
Our People
Rob McLeod
Rob McLeod, widely recognized as Frisbee Rob and Ultimate Rob, is a celebrated figure in the frisbee world with an illustrious career spanning 24 years. His remarkable achievements include 13 Guinness World Records, 14 World Championships, and the Canadian Distance Record. Over the past decade, Rob has dedicated himself to promoting frisbee through educational programs, reaching over 150,000 kids across more than 600 schools with his 7,000 workshops. His passion for coaching and teaching began early, starting in Grade 3 with figure skating, and has extended into significant roles including serving on the board of Calgary Ultimate and leading the Calgary Juniors program.
As one of the founders of the Hooligans Frisbee Club, Rob works alongside a team of current and retired players-turned-coaches, collectively bringing over 100 years of experience to the club. Their mission is to instill confidence and accountability in players, both individually and as a team, while making the learning process of ultimate's skills and systems enjoyable. Through his comprehensive experience and leadership, Rob aims to foster a supportive and dynamic environment for the sport he loves.
Elliot Negelev
Elliot, the co-founder of the Hooligans Frisbee Club, is a seasoned ultimate frisbee player with over a decade of experience competing at national and world levels. His coaching background in hockey, coupled with his role as a supportive parent of a multi-sport athlete, underscores his dedication to youth sports and athlete development. Elliot's passion extends beyond the field; he enjoys biking, skating, and all sorts of outdoor adventures. His vision for the club is to establish a sustainable and consistent youth ultimate program focused on skill-building, teamwork, and enjoyment of the game. Through his commitment and expertise, Elliot aims to nurture a thriving community of young athletes poised for success in ultimate frisbee and beyond.
Leah Bowen
Leah is a dedicated middle school educator and volleyball coach with a passion for the outdoors, including biking, cross-country skiing, and water activities. Her enthusiasm for Ultimate Frisbee spans over a decade, competing in both women's and mixed divisions. Notably, she co-coached a juniors team to nationals with Rob, showcasing her leadership and coaching abilities.
Currently, she serves as an advisor for the Hooligans Frisbee Club, leveraging her extensive experience to help shape the culture and competitive spirit. Leah's commitment to teaching, coaching, and her active lifestyle makes her a pivotal figure in both her professional and athletic communities.
Rob Wawrzynowski
Rob is a distinguished Ultimate Frisbee athlete with a history of success at both nationals and world championships, earning him recognition on the podium multiple times. Beyond the field, he is a dedicated father, deeply involved in supporting his daughter's dance activities, and a passionate hockey fan. Rob also enjoys skiing, a hobby that allows him valuable family time.
As an advisor for the Hooligans Frisbee Club, Rob brings his extensive competitive experience and a strong sense of community. His blend of athletic achievement, family dedication, and love for sports makes him a trusted advisor for the club.