SPARTA, N.J. — Given that it’s December, snowflakes and snowballs are the only things Sparta residents currently see flying through the air, but during this winter hibernation Sparta residents Kevin Scales and Ken Savastano are working toward skies filled with frisbees. The duo founded local ultimate frisbee organization Sparta Ultimate in 2010 with the goal of keeping the sport viable and alive in Sussex County. How did they get involved in creating Sparta Ultimate?

“I’ve been playing on and off since 1978,” Ken says. “I started playing around 2009, after school at Sparta High School, was very involved in frisbee throughout college, and I’ve stayed very involved ever since.” Kevin adds. “The beginnings of Sparta Ultimate go back before I was ever involved. There used to be an Ultimate Frisbee league in Sussex County in the early 2000s that kids from Sparta were a part of. After that league folded, around 2011, Sparta really started to become the largest, most consistent, and well-organized group in the area.”

One of the great advantages to ultimate frisbee is the openness to eligibility. Players of all skill levels, ages and genders are welcome. Additionally, no gear is required, although for outdoor games non-metal cleats prove helpful. 

“We’ve had kids under 10, middle schoolers, high schoolers, college kids, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and I believe we had someone who was 74 play one summer as well,” Kevin shares. 

“Ultimate is the rare sport where there is the opportunity for all genders to play on the same team and, for our pickup games, we play with beginners to club-level players. You can either keep it pretty low-key or play at a high intensity level, but as long as someone is willing to learn the rules and follow the spirit of the game they’re welcome to join us,” Ken says.

Kevin continues, “Truly all are welcome. Ultimate as a whole really stresses inclusivity above almost anything else. Beginners will find loads of help from myself or others in the group if they have the desire, and more experienced members will find counterparts within our ranks as well. Due to the one vs. one nature of the game, it’s pretty easy to be matched up with someone who is of a similar ability and have fun competing at your own level regardless of whomever else may be there.”

For those interested in taking their ultimate frisbee skills beyond the boundaries of Sparta Township, Sparta Ultimate offers the opportunity to play in tournaments from Virginia to Maine.

“One of the great things about Sparta Ultimate is the community,” Ken explains. “Individuals from the group will share information regarding a ‘Hat Tournament’ during which players are randomly assigned to a team, and a group of us may carpool or commute on our own. We’ll also post fun tournaments to our group to see if there’s enough interest to put together a team and attend.”  

Sparta Ultimate currently plays at Sparta Middle School or Station Park and doesn’t charge an initial membership fee or dues, so there is no cost to play in their outdoor pickup games.  

“During the winter we’ve played at the Fieldhouse in Sparta and they charge each individual for indoor space, but no money goes to the group or its administrators,” Ken explains, adding, “Most tournaments we attend are for charity and will charge an entry fee.”

For high school and college, the heart of ultimate frisbee season is spring, but for those outside of school and on a club team, the main season is summer into the beginning of fall. 

“If you have any interest in the game, do not be afraid at all. Even if you just want to throw around, have a group to help get in shape, improve your game in some way, there’s someone who will always find a way to help you out,” Kevin says. “Many of us still get together even when we don’t have games just to throw around for an hour or so. The core members of Sparta Ultimate are all extremely passionate about the sport and will accommodate as much as we can to grow the game.”

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.