QuidditchUK are sad to announce that, after three years as President, Matt Bateman has decided to step down at the end of the 2021/22 season.
Matt’s passion for the community has been apparent throughout his work as president. During his time in office, he has successfully led QuidditchUK through one of the toughest times with the COVID-19 pandemic. His focus on sustainable organisational growth helped both the organisation and the sport to survive and thrive.
After spending five years volunteering with QuidditchUK and getting stuck in with all aspects of the organisation, it’s naturally difficult to shine a light on all of Matt’s achievements. Even the man himself struggled to find a single moment to be proudest of:
If there's something that I'm happy to stand behind though - it's that we're still here. And not by some sliver or thread, sure the sport has taken a lot of hard hits over the last few years even pre-covid. But after the events we've recently hosted, being back in amongst the people, and what we have coming up in the future, knowing that I was able to keep QuidditchUK both physically and financially afloat , all while steering it in a direction we want to take our community is a pretty huge milestone in it's own.
Thanks to Matt's endless dedication, QuidditchUK is being left in a better place than he found it but what does the future hold for QUK under a new president? According to Bateman, it’s a big role that’s “only going to get bigger” as time goes on and the sport continues to grow; the ideal applicant should be willing to get stuck in anywhere they’re needed.
“I want to see the President entirely focused on next steps thinking - looking to that horizon and whatever exciting opportunities it entails. While QuidditchUK returns to thriving, riding a wave of growth and excitement from a passionate community who play the greatest sport in the world.”
Matt leaves QuidditchUK at the start of a new chapter for the sport, but looks forward to partaking in the sport again as a player. With some pretty big quidditch boots to fill, the keen amongst you will be curious if Matt has any advice for those looking to succeed him in the role. Having a leadership team you can lean on and trust to help with the big decisions was something Matt noted as essential to his work as president, as well as the ability to trust in your gut. Remember: “The President does not have to be the one with all the answers, they just need to know what to do with information and situations in front of them.”
Matt became President after two years as Vice President under Melanie Piper, leaving space for Abby Whiteley to join the Presidential Department. When asked to comment on Bateman’s impending departure from the role, Whiteley had this to say:
“Matt's commitment to quidditch exceeds that of almost anyone else I know. So much of the president's role is behind the scenes, and it's impossible to overstate how much Matt does, and how diverse his responsibilities have been. From rewriting policies to driving equipment up and down the country, to recruiting volunteers and building partnerships with other organisations, he has done it all. It is not an understatement to say that quidditch would look very different without Matt's tireless and excellent work, his willingness to get stuck into any task, and his leadership and vision. He's simply done a phenomenal job as a volunteer and leader over the last few years and, while I'm sad to see him go, he has definitely made his mark!”
The teams and individuals he’s worked with were just one of the many highlights Matt noted when asked about his upcoming departure, and his “endless thanks” are surely felt across the board. QuidditchUK will greatly miss Matt’s enthusiasm and commitment to the sport that we all love, and we wish him the best of luck with all of his future endeavors.
As a final note, Matt wanted to leave us with the following:
“Just, thank you. Thank you for letting this kiwi run a sport and community that so many of you care about.
Whether we've agreed or disagreed on decisions we've made. For the things I've gotten right, and the many things I've gotten wrong.
Having the opportunity to give so much to so many of you has made every single second the last five years worth it, and I wouldn't change it for anything.
So, once again, thank you.
Nga Mihi,
Matt Bateman”
We will all miss Matt’s enthusiasm and commitment to the sport that we all love, and we wish him the best of luck with all of his future endeavors.
Matt will continue to serve as President until April 2022, however QuidditchUK has now opened applications for the role.
For those interested in applying, we strongly encourage you to reach out to Matt in order to discuss the role and where you would like both the future of the President and the sport to go.
Applications will remain open until March 2022, to allow handover before the summer planning begins for the 2022/2023 season.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Matt or via the contact form below.
