WFDF hosts meetings with PDGA, USAU, and UFA to discuss further collaboration and cooperation
The World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) hosted meetings with the leadership of several of the largest Flying Disc organizations in the world, all in attendance at The World Games 2025 that featured both Disc Golf and Ultimate. It was an incredible opportunity for constructive and productive discussions which are expected to result in new levels of cooperation and collaboration. Formal and informal discussions were held with the Professional Disc Golf Association, USA Ultimate, and the Ultimate Frisbee Association.
On Saturday, August 8, WFDF, PDGA, and USAU met to discuss opportunities for further collaboration between Disc Golf and Ultimate in the USA. Attendees were: WFDF: Nob Rauch, Karina Woldt, Kate Bergeron, Cathy Nakasi; PDGA: Doug Bjerkaas; USA Ultimate: Kevin Erlenbach.
On Sunday, August 9, WFDF, PDGA, USAU, UFA, met to discuss the possibility of working together on programs to advance the development of flying disc sports globally and take advantage of the potential critical mass that could be achieved by jointly-managed projects and programs in the areas of media, marketing, youth development, and joint educational resources. Attendees were: WFDF: Nob Rauch, Brian Gisel, Karina Woldt, Kate Bergeron, Cathy Nakasi, Craig Sheather; PDGA: Doug Bjerkaas, Brian Hoeniger; USA Ultimate: Kevin Erlenbach; UFA: Steve Hall.
“The World Games in Chengdu provided us with a great opportunity to bring together the leadership of several of the major Flying Disc sport organizations,” said WFDF President Robert ‘Nob’ Rauch. “The themes of the discussion focused on the benefits of collaboration to achieve critical mass in the areas of media, marketing, youth development, and joint educational resources, as we all share the mutual goal of growing and promoting disc sports. I want to thank my friends from PDGA, USAU, and UFA for making the time to meet and engage in such a constructive and productive dialogue, with tangible follow-up to come.”
Doug Bjerkaas, Executive Director of the PDGA commented: “The PDGA is committed to strengthening our partnership with WFDF to further the development and success of team Disc Golf events played all over the globe. The huge success that Disc Golf experienced at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu is only the beginning of more collaboration between our organizations. The PDGA is excited to work more closely with WFDF, as they deliver top notch team Disc Golf events where players represent their countries on the Disc Golf course. Additionally, learning more about the successes and challenges that Ultimate has recently experienced has opened the doors to future conversations about joint efforts across both Disc Golf and Ultimate. USA Ultimate and UFA are focused on similar PDGA priorities like international growth, youth and education programs, technology, sponsorship, and professional competition at the highest level. The PDGA is excited to explore strategies that could positively impact both sports.”
“USA Ultimate was honored to convene with representatives from the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF), the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), and the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) to engage in thoughtful dialogue regarding the current landscape of Flying Disc sports,” stated Kevin Erlenbach, CEO of USAU. “These constructive discussions underscored a shared vision for the continued growth of our respective disciplines and highlighted mutual interest in expanding access to disc sports, particularly among youth. We look forward to ongoing collaboration and exploring strategic opportunities to place more discs in the hands of America’s young people.”
Steve Hall, Managing Partner at UFA, stated “The Ultimate Frisbee Association is excited to prioritize youth development in Ultimate as the foundation to growing our sport. And to best do this, we believe it’s critical to work closely with WFDF and USAU on increased initiatives to reach all parts of the global community. We believe this starts with bringing Ultimate into more schools and physical education classes around North America. As a united group, we’ll provide a teaching curriculum, along with updated digital resources. The UFA is committed to align with all stakeholders to support accelerated participation at all skill and age levels as these student athletes pursue their Ultimate passion.”
About WFDF: The World Flying Disc Federation (“WFDF”) is the international sports federation responsible for world governance of flying disc (frisbee) sports, including Ultimate, Beach Ultimate, Disc Golf, Freestyle, Guts, and Individual Events. Formed in 1985, WFDF is a federation of 122 member associations, which represent flying disc sports and their athletes in more than 118 countries. WFDF is an International Federation recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and the International University Sports Federation (FISU), a member of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF), the International World Games Association (IWGA), the International Masters Games Association (IMGA), and the Association for the International Sport for All (TAFISA). WFDF is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code and is a registered not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation in the state of Colorado, USA.
For more information contact:
Yenny Pardo
WFDF Communications & Social Media Manager
World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF)
email: [email protected]