ABOUT US
LUCIE
My flyballing journey started in 2012 with Daphne, my Irish Terrier. In some ways, Daphne ruined it for me as she was my heart dog and one of those dogs that just “got it” – foot perfect from the beginning, super confident and clearly in her element. In fact, I’m not sure she actually needed me to run her! Over the years I realised that flyball was more than just running a dog and I fell in love with the sport in its entirety: the people, the camaraderie, the commitment to dog welfare. I particularly love that as a divisional sport, you can be successful at any level and being part of a team means that everyone supports each other; it’s so much more than “just a hobby”.
I took over as captain of Quantum Leap Flyball in 2021 and I can honestly say I love every minute of running the team, which is lucky considering my dogs keep ruining their flyball careers by doing stupid things and breaking! I also consider myself very lucky that the team put up with my unusual (!) leadership style… I see the eye rolls!
My career path has taken a few different turns over the years, starting with veterinary nursing in London and then a big move up to Norfolk. After I had my 2 children I left vet nursing and moved into canine rehabilitation and hydrotherapy in Suffolk for a few years and finally dog training. I also currently volunteer as part of the Canine Behaviour Team for a wonderful Suffolk charity.
I am so excited to be a part of United Flyball – Outdoor from the very beginning and to take up the role of Chair. I can’t believe I get to start something so incredible alongside individuals who share the same passion for the outdoor game and recognise the different needs that outdoor teams have. The icing on the cake is that they are also my closest friends.
HANNAH
I originally caught the flyball bug back in early 2019 when I joined Quantum Leap Flyball Team, where I began learning the sport and racing outdoors.
Flyball is not just about racing for me, I also love how the sport develops the relationship between dog and handler, building confidence and skills as they progress. Equally, the camaraderie that builds between the teams and watching strong friendships form makes this a truly amazing sport to be involved with.
I love training and competing with my two labradors, one of which certainly keeps me on my toes and makes every run an adventure! When not flyballing, I’m normally hanging out with my dogs, family or friends, spending time in Devon or volunteering with young teenagers.
Being a founding member of United Flyball Outdoor is an exciting opportunity as we help to bring teams together, develop the sport further and support outdoor teams to race on their preferred surface.
JOHN
Team Captain, Waveney Valley Flyball. Founding member United Flyball-Outdoor.
An enthusiastic flyballer, I started with Norfolk Flyball, my first competitions were with the BFA back in the days when that was the only option. I moved to race with the Rapidz for a few years, a mostly Spanish Water Dog team, my breed of choice. In 2019 I started my own team, Waveney Valley Flyballers based in sleepy Suffolk. A small team with a great spirit. Waveney are probably best known for hosting the renowned Thetford event (or Wetford as it’s become known). I’ve raced throughout the UK, competing in England, Wales and Scotland. The furthest my flyballing has taken me is Poland.
When the chance to be a founding member of United Flyball-Outdoor presented itself I enthusiastically embraced the opportunity, it has been great to be part of the team responsible for shaping the organisation. I see United Flyball-Outdoor as a way to offer teams the choice and the support to get the most they possibly can out of their flyball.
For those that don’t know me, when I’m not doing flyball I’m a wildlife surveyor, mostly bats, so the only transferable skills that I bring to my role is endless patience. I’m also Chair and Trustee of a local Community Charity.
KATE
Flyball Captain, Rapid Rascals – Founding Member, United Flyball – Outdoor.
I’m Kate Latter, the flyball captain of the Rapid Rascals, based in the South of England. Flyball has been a huge part of my life since Covid began, when I properly founded Rascals.
Leading Rapid Rascals has given me the chance to watch our dogs and team members grow in confidence and skill, and there’s nothing better than seeing all that hard work come together in the lanes.
Becoming a founding member of United Flyball Outdoor has been an incredible opportunity to add another string to the UK flyballing bow! I’m passionate about helping to develop the sport, connect teams across the country, and create more opportunities for people and their dogs to enjoy this fantastic sport together.
Outside of flyball, life is just as busy and rewarding. My husband and I run a busy golf shop, which brings long summer hours and fun. I have three grown-up sons and my wonderful grandson. Aside from flyball, spending time with my long-suffering husband, my family, dogs and friends are my favourite.
LAURENCE
I am a founding member of UF-O and have been part of Quantum Leap flyball team since taking up the sport in 2021 with my labrador and cockapoo.
My favourite part of flyball is the sense of community, the variety of dogs that compete and watching dogs and handlers embrace the sport and spirit of the sport. I am enjoying being part of the team responsible for creating a new flyball organisation focussed on bringing these values into every aspect of flyball.
When not flyballing, I’m usually out with my dogs, spending time with my family or out on my bike.
LOUISE
I am a Founding member of United Flyball -Outdoor and head up the judging team at UF-O, where I’m currently working with a small team to write the rules of racing and develop the judges’ structure for this new and exciting organisation. I began my judging journey in 2021 and qualified as a UKFL judge in June 2022, since then I’ve enjoyed judging both indoor and outdoor flyball events.
My team, Fire Dragons founded by me in February 2018, made the switch to racing solely outdoors at the start of the 2024 season. I was thrilled to be involved from the very beginning of United Flyball – Outdoor, because while indoor and outdoor flyball share the same core spirit, the needs and priorities of each community are quite different. I wanted to be part of a group where those differences are recognised, valued, and built into how we grow together.
Outside of flyball, I started my working life as a qualified veterinary nurse moving up the ranks to be a head nurse in a practice in Milton Keynes. I then changed track totally and qualified as a science teacher, and have engaged with children and teenagers from 9 to 19yrs throughout my career. I love learning new skills with my dogs and can often be found with a knitting or crochet project on the go.
GAV
I am a member and part of the coaching team at Rapid Rascals having joined in 2019 with my Border Collie Orla. I’m mostly powered by coffee, Border Collies, and the sound of a flyball box doing its thing.
The chance to be a founder member of UFO as the ‘tech guy’ has given me a chance to bring my software development career to the sport that I love and to be able to continue to grow the sport that I enjoy so much. I’ll be tinkering with the systems for a while and am very proud to be a part of the outdoor future of the sport.
I fell in love with flyball thanks to the buzz, the teamwork, and (let’s be honest) the collies who run faster than most people think possible. Always chasing that perfect run, my mission is simple: make flyball more fun, more precise, and packed with even more wagging tails.
Outside of flyball I love playing golf, spending time with my wife and family (3 kids & 6 grandkids) and of course my crazy Border Collies.