THEY may not have magic broomsticks or the Chosen One on their side, but Bournemouth's new quidditch team are hoping to go far.

The Bournemouth Banshees, currently made up of students from Bournemouth University, are looking to recruit more players for the upcoming tournament season.

The team is holding an open taster session on Saturday (SEPT 30) so prospective players, including non-students, can have a chance to try out the sport.

Adapted from the game in JK Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter novels, memorably depicted in the blockbuster film series, quidditch is a fast-paced blend drawing from rugby and dodgeball, now played by 40 teams in the UK and popular abroad.

Although reality demands it is played on the ground, all players must clutch a broomstick between their legs as a tribute to the original, which also adds an unusual gameplay element.

Captain of the Banshees Daniel Moore said: "Quidditch is open to everyone. If you like Harry Potter, want to play for fun, or want to play competitively, quidditch is a sport anyone can get involved in."

The Banshees are a new team and started playing in 2016. This season, they will be competing in the South West Quidditch League and are aiming to compete at their first major tournament, QuidditchUK’s Southern Cup.

A match consists of two teams of seven made up of a keeper, three chasers, two beaters and a seeker.

The keeper and chasers use the quaffle to score goals through the three hoops at the end of the pitch, scoring 10 points a goal.

The beaters use the bludgers to temporarily knock out opposing players.

Finally, seekers try to catch the snitch - attached to the snitch runner - to score 30 points and end the game.

The sport is mixed gender and has a rule that only four players of one gender can be on pitch at any one time.

Visit facebook.com/BournemouthQuidditch for more information.