Just weeks after winning the BAFANL’s Division 2 Rose Bowl Championships, the Bury Saints have started preparations for the 2016 season. The Saints recruiting campaign is well under way and they will be hosting ‘New Player’ practice sessions on the 11th and 18th October 2015.
Saints Head Coach, Chris Wallis said, “The aim of these sessions is to give Rookies an opportunity to try the sport for the first time and for experienced players to see what we have to offer. We want to attract players of all ages, shapes and sizes. The great thing about American Football is that it can be a sport that allows anybody, regardless of size or fitness, to contribute on the pitch. No experience is required.
My biggest concern is that people will look at the success we’ve had in 2015 and assume we don’t need any more players, when nothing could be further from the truth. We’ve had players retire or leave the area. All positions are open and there to be fought for going into 2016.
We recruited really well last season and must repeat that this year. We would like to start a second team, and perhaps even a Flag Football team, so will need a lot more players and coaches to get those off the ground.”
The practice session will be at Thetford Rugby Club, Two Mile Bottom, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 1LZ starting at 1030 and ending at 1400. Players will need to wear the normal clothing for outdoor sport at this time of year, including footwear with studs or cleats and a gum shield if possible. Please also bring your own water etc.
The Saints will also use the sessions to help prepare for their annual charity game against the Rotterdam Trojans in November. Last year Bury travelled to Holland to play the Trojans in the first Movember Bowl and, despite leading for three Quarters, were defeated 19-6.
Wallis continued, “The Trojans were the best team we played last season. They play in the top tier of Dutch Football and held their own against teams ranked in Europe’s Top 10. So we know they will be tough opposition again.
The trip to Rotterdam was a real turning point for the organisation. It was a fantastic bonding experience that carried on to this year.
RB’s Derek White & DiShawn Harvey, WR Brandon Faison plus defenders Luke Boggs and Nick Barker all made their debut’s for the Saints against the Trojans and went on to star for us this year. So it’s a great opportunity for players, of any experience, to get a head start for 2016.”
The adult sessions will be followed (1430 to 1630) by further introductory sessions for the Saints new Youth (14 to 19yrs) teams.
Will Cullum, the Saints Youth Team Coordinator, explained, “We are close to having everything in place to start full practice for our under 19 teams. We had a good turnout at our first session and we want to build on that.
Getting our Youth and Junior teams off the ground is an important step for the development of our Organisation and we are working hard to make certain that happens soon.”
For further information and pre-registration, please contact the team via Burysaints.com or their Facebook page.
