Are you a sports enthusiast or someone who enjoys trying out something new? If so, we have some exciting news for you.

Korfball, a sport with similarities to netball + basketball, has come to Chattanooga. Although new to the Scenic City, the sport dates back to 1902 when it was founded by a Dutch school teacher in the Netherlands. Now, Korfball is played in 69 countries including the US, though the sport's popularity hasn’t quite taken off here as in other countries.

Korfball is a mix-gendered sport with a team of four female + four male players that play on a rectangular field. The goal is to try and shoot the ball into the “Korf” (the Dutch word for basket).

The players of the team are split into two zones — attack and defense — consisting of two men and two women. Players can only defend players of the same gender. One goal equals one point, and after two goals the zones swap positions (so attackers become defenders and vice versa).

Similar to basketball, no dribbling, traveling, or walking with the ball is allowed. | Photo by @scenic_city_korfball

Michelle van den Bos was born and raised in the Netherlands, having played Korfball throughout her entire life. Upon moving to the US in 2018, she wanted to share and inform others about the sport. Enter: Scenic City Korfball — the first Korfball club in Chattanooga and the surrounding Southeast area.

Michelle will offer weekly Korfball sessions for folks of all ages at the East Ridge Community Center located at 1515 Tombras Ave. Sessions will be every Friday starting on June 30 from 6-7 p.m.

Michelle’s goal is to promote Korfball in the region with the hopes of eventually creating a league. If you're interested in participating or learning more, send a DM via the club's Instagram page.

“This sport is my passion, and I can’t wait to get started here.” — Michelle van den Bos