Ultimate Frisbee, a game gaining ground in Lebanon

What may look like a simple game of throwing a disc on the beach is, in reality, a fast-paced sport that demands speed, endurance, precision and teamwork. Known as Ultimate Frisbee, the sport has been gaining visibility in Lebanon, where a growing community of young athletes is turning it into a competitive game. Played by two teams of seven, the objective is to move the disc through passes and catch it in the opposing team's end zone, with players unable to run while holding it.

Unlike football or rugby, Ultimate is a non-contact sport. It also stands out for its emphasis on sportsmanship and self-officiating. Yet its apparent simplicity can be misleading. Behind every throw is a game of strategy, movement and physical endurance.

How a small community took flight

During his interview with The Beiruter, Rayan Saade, President of the Lebanese Flying Disc Association, explained how Ultimate Frisbee began taking shape in Lebanon in 2015, when expatriates living in Beirut who played the sport connected with students at the American University of Beirut (AUB). Together, they began playing at the university, eventually leading to the formation of a separate expatriate team.

In 2016, the Lebanese community registered with the World Flying Disc Federation. More teams gradually emerged, but the momentum was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought activities to a halt. Rebuilding began after the pandemic, and universities have since become central to the sport's development. “Over the past three or four years, the sport has grown significantly in Lebanon, especially because of universities and the fact that more universities are opening teams,” said Saade.

According to him, scouting has played an important role in this expansion as well. The sport's non-contact nature and emphasis on the Spirit of the Game align with scouting values, making it easier to introduce to scouting groups and encourage university students to establish teams.

Ultimate Frisbee is now played as a varsity sport at universities and is part of the university sporting competition system, where teams earn points.

A sport built on competition and community

The growth of Ultimate Frisbee has also brought a more organized competitive scene. Lebanon has its own league, organized by the association, with a season that begins in January and weekly games throughout the season. Matches are also streamed on the association's website, allowing people to follow the competition.

A national championship takes place in March, while the country's biggest tournament is held on the end of May, bringing together local and international teams. “Teams come from the UAE and Jordan, mainly from Arab countries. A team from Cyprus has also participated at one point,” Saade said.

Lebanese teams also travel abroad to compete. One of the main events they attend is the MENA Club Championship, which brings together teams from the Middle East and North Africa. Three Lebanese teams are expected to participate in the tournament in Alexandria, Egypt, in November.

Speed, strategy and the art of the throw

What makes Ultimate demanding is not simply the ability to throw accurately. “Ultimate Frisbee is very physically demanding, contrary to what people might think,” Saade said, explaining that the sport involves extensive running, jumping, landing and diving.

Players also need to master different throwing techniques, including the forehand, backhand and overhead throw. Wind adds another challenge, particularly during international competitions. While Lebanese fields generally have little wind, Saade said the conditions can be very different in countries such as Portugal and Spain. “A good thrower learns how to adjust their throw depending on the wind conditions,” he said.

Beyond its athletic demands, Ultimate is also known for its mixed-gender format, with men and women playing together in its main division. Its emphasis on fair play and respect is central to what players call the Spirit of the Game.

The challenge of finding a field

Despite its growth, the sport still faces practical obstacles. For Saade, one of the biggest challenges is access to suitable playing fields.

Lebanon has a limited number of large football fields, and many prioritize football teams and academies. This makes it difficult for Ultimate teams to secure affordable training spaces at convenient times. “Sometimes, we have to train at 11 p.m.,” Saade said.

The association is also working toward a more formal structure. It is registered with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, but becoming a federation requires four licensed clubs, each with its own home field. The cost of licensing and the difficulty of securing suitable facilities remain challenges.

What comes next?

The association's next goal is to build sustainable university teams that can continue recruiting players without constant support. As students graduate, they could join existing clubs or establish new ones, helping the community expand beyond university campuses.

 Schools are the next step. Saade hopes to introduce Ultimate into school sports programs and eventually establish inter-school competitions.

What began with a small group of players in Beirut is gradually developing into a more organized sporting community. With university teams, local competitions and international participation, Ultimate Frisbee is finding its place in Lebanon one pass at a time.