Albany Ultimate Disc Association

Building Community Through Sport

By Mike Eisenstein

If you have ever wanted to try a team sport but felt intimidated by expensive gear, complicated rules, or ultra-intense sports culture, ultimate frisbee might be exactly what you’re looking for. Played on a field similar to soccer, ultimate is fast, athletic, and surprisingly easy to learn. Players score by catching the disc in the end zone, and most people can jump into a game after only minutes of instruction.

What truly sets ultimate apart is how it is played. The sport is largely self-officiated, meaning players call their own fouls and resolve disagreements on the field. This system is built on a philosophy called Spirit of the Game, which emphasizes honesty, respect, and communication. Competition is real, but so is accountability. That balance creates an environment where people push themselves physically while still looking out for one another.

That culture is exactly what the Albany Ultimate Disc Association has built in the Capital Region. AUDA is not just a league organizer; it is a community centered on inclusivity, development, and connection. Through youth programs, adult leagues, clinics, and outreach, AUDA creates space for beginners and experienced athletes alike.

Alicia S., who has been playing for over 35 years, was originally drawn into Ultimate by “the enthusiasm, welcomeness and acceptance of the other players, and the camaraderie and friendship I obtained through playing the sport which continued throughout my lifetime. Most of the players I met,” notes Alicia, “really wanted to recruit other players and were very excited to introduce the sport to me.” When asked what Ultimate means to her, Alicia responded, “Ultimate means a good time with friends. It means challenging my mind and body to achieve ultimate frisbee skills and to become a better player. It means camaraderie and meeting people across the world with the same common interest. It means volunteerism. It means taking responsibility for your actions on the field as a player.”

Many players in the organization join having had little or no previous experience playing ultimate frisbee. “At first, a friend invited me to join her intramural team since I was recently single and looking for something new to do,” explains Liz F. “ When I moved to the area, I had some experience and was using it as a way to meet new people since I didn’t have any connections in Albany.” 

Liz continues, “I like it because there is space for everyone. I’m historically not an athlete (I started playing ultimate at 25 and that was my first organized sport), and I’ve found leagues and spaces where I can play at my level and feel successful and like I contribute to my team. Especially in the summer there are different leagues for different styles of play: a social league where community is really focused; a competitive league for fast high level play, and a women’s league. There are also leagues most of the year so I can stay active.” 

Inclusivity is not just a slogan for AUDA. Members point to a culture where everyone is friendly and welcoming and where acceptance across genders is the norm. Practical steps reinforce that culture, including sliding-scale registration options, and efforts to recruit and support women in leagues. 

Youth development is also a major focus. Because ultimate requires minimal equipment and rewards awareness and cooperation as much as size or strength, it appeals to kids who might not feel drawn to traditional sports. Outreach efforts have also introduced ultimate to young people from diverse backgrounds, using the game as a tool to build confidence and connection. AUDA is currently running clinics at local Boys and Girls clubs, and at the RISSE (Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus) – sponsored after school program. 

The sport offers much more than a physical outlet. It is accessible at many ability levels and connected to a network of people with shared interests on and off the field. Alicia reflects, “The Albany Ultimate community that I’ve learned to love is a group of people that have played hard in games against each other and with each other and learn from each other, respected each other and became close and had a lot of other interests. In addition to Ultimate frisbee the friendships that we made on the field extended to off the field to include other activities and other community activities, including social and political activities, where we’ve combined our interest to try to affect good changes in our community.” 

As ultimate continues to grow, Albany Ultimate shows how sport can be competitive, welcoming, and community-driven all at once. With low barriers to entry, a culture of respect, and strong youth and outreach programs, AUDA offers more than scheduled games. It offers connection.

For those curious about trying something new, the first step can be as simple as showing up. Information about leagues, upcoming free learn-to-play clinics, and youth programs can be found online: albanyultimate.com. For many, that first game becomes the start of something much bigger than a sport.