The Only Way (forward) is Essex - the Sabres reborn

The East Essex Sabres are a newly reformed team from Southend in Essex. I say reformed because they used to be called the Southend Sabres formed in 1984 by Lee Joseph and were part of BAFA until 2004 when they were sadly disbanded due to dwindling numbers and players not being able to commit etc. Now, with the NFL becoming such a major entity in this country it was time to re-ignite the excitement once again in the Southend and Essex area.

On the 30th August 2015 a recruitment day took place purely to see how many lads were interested in reviving the old Sabres as a venture going forward, this experiment turned out to be a major success and so the Southend Sabres were reborn as the East Essex Sabres.

 

Training took place firstly at the Sabres original home ground Southend Rugby Club, Warners Park, but after two weeks the Club moved to Chase High School Rugby fields, opposite Southend University Hospital, where training now takes place every Sunday morning 11.00 till 14.00.

As soon as our training schedule settled down the Sabres immediately applied to join BAFA.

After 14 weeks of vigorous training the Sabres played their very first affiliated game on the 28th November, against the Maidstone Pumas. BAFA’s Martin Cockrill was in attendance to ensure things ran according to the rules and in front of 130+ fans, the team showed how far they had come in such a short space of time.

 

Sadly the East Essex Sabres were unable to join the League for 2016. BAFA stated that it was too soon and whilst a lot of the criteria had been met, we (the Sabres) were not established enough and need more games under our belts. So in summing up, head coach Lee Joseph (pictured) and his assistant coaches, defensive coordinator and player/coach Kirk Beacham, defensive line coach Duncan Leslie and offensive coordinator Kevin Kerwan along with everybody involved in this amazing team are determined to become one of the most competitive teams in the country there for intensive training will continue and plenty of affiliated games will be arranged in which the East Essex Sabres will be looking towards improving their performances and you can rest assured that the East Essex Sabres will be in a BAFA league in 2017.

Double dose of good news coming out of the Oxford Saints camp this week

SAINTS ANNOUNCE MOVE TO TILSLEY PARK

As the Oxford Saints continue to grow, newly-elected Chairman Andrew Peart announces that the team will be playing home games at Tilsley Park in 2016.

The well-situated venue in Abingdon is just a short journey from the club’s current home at Abingdon Rugby Club and will provide an excellent opportunity to host American Football games in the upcoming season.

With a huge amount of renovations, Tilsley Park will become a great home for our players and fans and allows us to keep building a stronger club for Oxfordshire.

Guests will be able to take advantage of an easy-to-access location, plenty of free parking, covered seating and a bar/kitchen area available on match days.

With a brand new 4G pitch being installed and excellently equipped changing rooms, players for the Saints and our visiting opponents will be in store for a memorable season in our debut year at Tilsley Park.

Adding to the experience further, the availability of a PA box and speaker system will allow us to provide in-game commentary and music, with many more ideas in the pipeline.

Speaking on this breaking development, Chairman Andrew Peart added:

“2016 is an enormously exciting year for the Saints, both on and off the field. We have a talented roster that improves every year, a dedicated and knowledgeable coaching staff, a dynamic committee & a rapidly expanding and passionate fan base.

Our challenge is to build on our potential as an organisation and this announcement is a key milestone in the continuing growth of American Football in Oxford.”

As popularity for American Football in the UK continues to rise with no sign of slowing down, the Saints have enjoyed a period of increased player numbers, media interest and a growing fan base.

Under new management, the Oxford Saints committee are overseeing a vast modernisation of the club and a new venue was at the top of the list. Abingdon Rugby Club is expected to remain as the training venue for the Saints and has been a great home over the last few years.

Andrew Peart continues:

“Our move to Tilsley Park represents exactly the kind of progress we’re looking to make.

We want our supporters to have the best game-day experience possible, our players to have the best playing facilities possible and the wider Oxfordshire community to have the best opportunity to become part of the Saints family.

We firmly believe that our new facility will provide all of these things & I’d encourage as many people as possible to come & experience the excitement of a Saints games at Tilsley.”

With work on the new pitch expected to be completed on schedule, the venue will be ready just in time for the start of the Oxford Saints season.

Expect an announcement over the next two weeks with all our 2016 game dates.

 

The good news continued this week…

Saints quarterback Ben Denton, 26, began chemotherapy treatment at a specialist unit at the Churchill Hospital in Headington in September after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

The Saints had lost Denton from his regular role in the weeks leading up to their crunch Division II South West Conference play-offs last August in which they fell to a 50-13 defeat to Sussex Thunder at Brighton Rugby Ground.

However, despite only having undergone treatment four months ago, Denton is set to return to the Saints’ roster this season, according to club chairman, Andrew Peart.

Ben was having an outstanding career in his first season at QB, leading the club to a 6-2 regular season record, with two spectacular shoot-outs against the high powered Bristol Apache.

Ben is also greatly admired for his own charity work, having run several marathons for children with cancer over the past few years.

Andrew Peart said “Ben Denton has registered with us this year and was undergoing light training with the squad in recent weeks. He was diagnosed with a really serious condition so it’s absolutely fantastic that he’s able to potentially start the season with the squad. He’s been so brave that we’re thrilled to see him up and about. He should be in the team, he’s a massive part of what the Saints are all about.”

Now in remission, it will be down to Ben to decide how much he wants to do in his first season back with the Saints. He is keen to get back and support quarterback David McCormack, who took charge of the offense in Ben's absence.

With preseason training in full swing and over 80 registered players, including a boost from some returning veterans missing in 2015, Ben will be re-joining a powerful squad.

Andrew Peart added: "The championship is absolutely our aim this season. We want to be matching our ability at the end of the season. We know it’s a realistic aim.”

The squad’s star running back #7 James Walter has also made a big impression in the off-season after securing a spot in the GB Lions team.

The Saints fended off interest from other clubs in Walter over the close season after he recorded 14 touchdowns and 1100 rushing yards in eight games last season, as he took the Saints into the play-offs.

The Saints would like to thank all the messages of support to Ben, his team and his family. Special mention to the Peterborough Saxons who put tremendous effort into raising money for Bloodwise, the leukaemia research charity.

The Saints will be donating half of all ticket sales to our Super Bowl Party this weekend to Bloodwise, and it will be our nominated charity for 2016 with more fundraising efforts being planned.

To find out more about Ben and Bloodwise, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/displaySomeoneSpecialPage.action?pageUrl=DentonStrong

Saints start putting the pieces together for 2016 campaign

After a well earned autumn break after their undefeated Rose Bowl championship season, the Bury Saints are back on the practice field in preparation for 2016. With their title came promotion to the BAFA National League 1 Southern Conference, and a host of newer, tougher opposition, but with an ultimate prize of a place in the Premier Division. Their opposition will include old rivals the Hertfordshire Cheetahs, as well as coming up against the Sussex Thunder, their opposition in that epic semi-final in September.

 

New RB Cory Jenkins (no 7)

Changes have been afoot for the team however with a full time venue move confirmed to Thetford Rugby Club. On the field the field the autumn rookie days have proved to be another great success with a number of promising new players joining the fold for 2016.

 

 

The Saints Offense

Some experienced players have left with Defensive Captains Adam Griffin and Jesse Carlos both having retired, but the future of the defense looks bright with a number of younger players having established themselves in 2015, and now looking to take another step forward. This promise was evident during the Movember Bowl game against Rotterdam in November when the Saints won 31-0.

 

RB Chris May (no 29)

Team manager and Defensive Coordinator Neil Van Holland said; "The improvement from year 1 to year 2 was excellent. Better than we could ever have imagined. As with all teams we have to roll with the changes. Losing experienced players to retirement is something every team deals with, but we are confident of a good season. We have a deep squad and should see further improvements from our younger players in 2016"

 

QB Fred Boyle (red shirt)

On the offensive side of the ball former GB Quarterback Fred Boyle returns to lead the unit. They too however have lost important players with experienced Left Tackle Ken Kelly retiring. Also expected to be missing for the majority of the season is Rose Bowl MVP Running Back Jake Swisher who is recovering after shoulder surgery. The Green and Gold are buoyed however by having an extremely strong stable of Running Backs, strengthened further by the addition of Cory Jenkins who ran for 94 yards and 2 TDs on his debut against Rotterdam.

 

Retired Linebacker Jesse Carlos coaching

Van Holland stated, "Jake and Ken were important pieces in the offence last year, but we have recruited some promising new lineman, and the backfield is deep. SFC 1 looks super competitive and is going to be a big step up. We need everyone to chip in and share the workload to be successful"

The set up of youth teams has been another huge step forward for the organisation this off season with upwards of 20 local young athletes regularly making it to the initial sessions held

 

 

RB Derek White (white shirt)

Senior offensive lineman Will Cullum has been integral in getting the youth team up and running. He said "We couldn't be any happier with the enthusiasm and potential we have seen so far. We are now looking to take the next step and apply for a Sport England grant to purchase equipment. This is an important step in ensuring the next generation of Saints players"

Practice for the Adult team continues every Sunday 1030-1400 at Thetford Rugby Club with the regular season less than 3 months away now in mid-April.

Youth sessions start immediately after from 1430 until 1630hrs.

2015 was a memorable year for the Saints but hopes are afoot that the team can make a consecutive push for Postseason football in 2016.

nyone wishing to get involved with the organisation be it playing, coaching or volunteering can contact the team via the website www.burysaints.com or via the teams Facebook page "Bury Saints American Football Team".

Cheetahs turn 30



The clubs 30^th Anniversary logo will appear on club branding for 2016. 

 

The Hertfordshire Cheetahs are celebrating their 30^th Anniversary season in 2016 and are one of the United Kingdom’s longest running clubs.

 

The Chiltern Cheetahs were formed in the summer of 1986 by a group of friends based in Amersham, Buckinghamshire and on the 30 November 1986 they played their first ever game; a 0 - 9 defeat to the St Albans Kestrels in front of 1800 spectators.

 

Throughout the next 30 years the team moved location and changed name, but never lost their Cheetah identity.  Now the Hertfordshire Cheetahs, the team play their home games at St. Albans Rugby Club and boast squads for everyone from the age of 8 and up.

 

Honorary life president and former Atlanta Falcons kicker Mick Luckhurst said: “How time flies! It does not seem very long ago that I was asked to be the President of the St Albans Kestrel's team. Now, 30 years later football in Hertfordshire is still thriving thanks to the Cheetah's dedicated staff, coaches and players, well done, I am proud and excited for y’all!”

 

“Back in the 80’s they said “this American Football won’t last”, well I am proud to tell anyone that will listen, look at my Hertfordshire Cheetahs go! Congratulations on the teams 30^th Anniversary. I am a proud supporter and have been for 30 years. Go Cheetahs!”

 

In 2016 the club will be hosting a number of celebratory events including a homecoming game inviting former players and merchandise featuring the 30^th Anniversary logo will be available via the club shop.  The current squad members will also wear a ‘30’ on the backs of their helmets.

 

For more information on how you can play, volunteer, coach or sponsor the #CheetahPride please contact us. 

 

 

Bury Saints bring 2015 to a close

The Bury Saints ended their incredible 2015 season with a 31-0 victory over the Rotterdam 010 Trojans in the second annual Movember Bowl and an Awards Evening to recognize and their best players.

 

With both teams missing established players the Saints jumped out to a 6-0 lead when QB Fred Boyle found RB Dishawn Harvey with a 17 yard pass at the end of the 1st Quarter.

An interception by DB Ryan Barry set up Bury’s second TD as RB Cory Jenkings exploded for 56yds to score on his first ever carry for the Green and Gold. The extra points attempt failed but the Saints had a 12-0.

Rotterdam responded by moving the ball 78yds to the Saints 1yd line in just seven plays. But consecutive tackles by DT Spencer Renfro forced the Trojans back to the 5yd line. An incomplete pass was followed by a crucial tackle on the 4th Down by DB Michael Galindo to keep Rotterdam out of the end zone.

On the next play QB Boyle went deep to RB Harvey again for a team record 81yd score. Once again the extra point attempt failed to keep the score at 18-0. The half ended with DB Donterio McIntosh intercepting another Trojans pass and returning it to the away sides 2yd line as time expired.

The Saints extended their lead on the third play of the second half as two runs by RB Jake Swisher were followed by a 69yd scoring hook up between QB Boyle and WR Joe Hill. Chris Smith kicked the extra point to give Bury a 25-0 lead.

Both sides put together some long drives but failed to score until RB Jenkins broke for his second TD of the game to from 38yds out midway through the 4th Quarter. The extra point was missed but the Saints defence was able to hold off the Trojans to secure the 31-0 win.

QB Fred Boyle led the team with 219 passing yards and three TD passes. RB Harvey went for 98yds and two TD’s from his 3 receptions. RB Cory Jenkins, playing in his first ever game with the Saints, broke for 94yds and two TD’s from his three carries. LB’s Zach Hill and Rob Patterson made six tackles each while DB Ryan Barry made three tackles, broke up two passes and made a crucial interception.

Saints Head Coach, Chris Wallis, said “Both Teams were missing players today and we know how tough it is to travel that kind of distance and play a game on the same day. But all players got plenty of playing time and we were able to get our new players into action for the first time.It was nice to finish the season with a win and stay unbeaten in 2015 but it was just as nice to meet up with our brothers from Rotterdam. They are a fantastic organisation and a great bunch of lads.”

Next up for the Saints was an Awards evening and the opportunity to celebrate their fantastic year.

Veteran ‘Shover’ Will Cullum opened the evening by winning the Lineman of the Year Award. He was followed by Safety Troy Cockerill who scooped the Special Teams and Defensive Rookie of the Year trophies.

All-purpose star, Kevin Greer, won Rookie of the Year and QB Fred Boyle was voted as the best player on Offence. The Most Improved Player of the Year, selected by the Coaches, went to RB Chris May.

Wallis explained, “It’s always difficult to pick out individuals when you’ve had a year like we’ve had. So many people have contributed to this season. But it was great to see these guys chosen by their team mates.It amazes me that Chris May hadn’t played football until he joined the Saints last season. He worked so hard during the off season and became a crucial part of our running attack.”

The final awards went to team captain, LB Jesse Carlos, who was voted Defensive Player of the Year and selected by the Coaches as their Most Valuable Player for the season. Carlos, who will be returning home with his family in January, was one of the original Saints when the team first started.

Wallis Continued, “To be honest, it was pretty sad. Jesse has been with us right from the very first practices before we even had helmets and pads. He is a true leader and fantastic player. He will be greatly missed. But he will always be a big part of this team and we wish him and his wonderful family all the very best in their next adventure.”

The Saints are taking a well-earned rest until the beginning of January when preparations for the 2016 season will begin at full speed.

Anybody looking for further information should contact the team via their Facebook page or web site at www.burysaints.com

What's its like, and how easy is it to recruit new players in the Youth game?

Article by Nia Wright

At this time of year UK teams are recruiting players for their next season, the success of recruitment is essential for the success of the team.

Recruiting for Youth and Junior teams has its own challenges when it comes to reaching and retaining new players, given the relative obscurity of the sport as well as the costs and risks of playing a contact sport under the age of 18.

 

Lee Griffiths, Head Coach of the Birmingham Bulls Youth team has an excellent coaching philosophy of inclusion and uses highly innovative methods of recruitment alongside the conventional means.

http://www.birminghambulls.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Birmingham-Bulls-2014-L1.png

Will Sargeant has completed his first full season as the Head Coach of the Chester Romans Academy in 2015 and has more than doubled the size of the Youth team through the use of leaflets, social media and co-operation with local school PE departments.

http://dblcoverage.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Chester-Romans-L.png

 

These HCs answered some questions regarding their recruitment strategies:

1) Where do you recruit players from?

LG:  The club is active on FB and Twitter, plus we have our own website, so push recruitment through these channels.  We have a Senior and Youth team, and the recruitment days are for both age groups. 

Last year we had a number of Youth and Senior players in full kit at a Game store in the city centre, to coincide with the launch of the new Madden 2015 game.  People could challenge the players for a game and anyone who won went in a draw to win a free copy of the game.  Both Game and the Bulls were very active on social media to publicise this and there was a lot of people coming in during our 2 days there, and Game gave flyers to anyone who purchased a copy of the game.  In between games players also handed out flyers to the general public.

These rookie days are our main source of pro-actively recruiting players, but as we are active all year round we do get enquiries at other times, and are always on the lookout for new players.

WS: We recruit through Facebook and word of mouth, we are increasing our use of Twitter and after the academy starting a successful Schools program last year our intention is to continue to work with and recruit through schools and local Council Sports co-ordinators.

 

2) What promotional material do you use?

LG: We also get a load of promotional flyers printed which detail the dates and location of the rookie days – we normally have 4 dates, 2 weeks apart.  We encourage players and coaches to distribute to various places.  As I coach the youth team I also send a batch to a number of schools in the area local to the club.

WS: Promotional material that worked for us last year was posters and fliers sent to local schools and colleges, Facebook events, YouTube videos.

 

3) What sort of things do you do on rookie days?

 

LG: On a rookie day we normally have around 8 “stations”, each station runs a particular drill relating to a particular position, and is manned by at least 2 people, be they players or coaches, who can demonstrate and coach the rookies in each particular skill.  So drills would include things like catching, throwing, blocking, tackling, agility, coverage and kicking.  We try and run different drills for each session, so if anyone attends more than 1 (and it’s not unusual for rookies to come to multiple recruitment sessions), they aren’t doing exactly the same thing each time.  I have attended every session for the past 2 years and we always have the youth players in their own group so they aren’t going against adults, even when the drills are non-contact and unkitted we need to be careful.  We end each session with a game of “passball”, this is non-contact, 3 receivers versus 3 defenders, just for a bit of fun, and to whet their appetite and add a competitive element to the day.

WS: We make our rookie days fun and give new lads a chance to try out at different positions but also put an emphasis on working hard, discipline and team work so they know it will be a great worthwhile challenge.

 

4) How do you keep the less naturally talented/able players keen so they don't leave?

LG: Once pre-season training starts in January I don’t treat anyone any different to be honest, my philosophy is one of inclusion, so everyone gets equal reps, and if there are less able kids then they will get additional help and coaching in between their reps.  I’m full of encouragement, as are my fellow coaches and the experienced players, for me it’s important to have a good atmosphere and to integrate the new players as early as possible so they feel they are part of the team, we’ll do some icebreaking drills too where we pair up a rookie and a “veteran” player and they have to find out things about each other than share their findings with the group.  I think if the player feels part of the team they are less likely to want to leave, regardless of their skills or abilities.  Plus I use the existing players as examples of how much progress can be made in a short space of time. 

WS: We keep less able players keen by setting goals, working on improvement at training and keeping them informed of how they are doing.

 

5) How do you keep players keen at the end of one season going into another?

LG: We have a Facebook group which is the main way I communicate with the players away from training.  This is active all year, so I can post videos, links to NFL stories, highlights, that kind of thing, as can everyone else in the group.  Fortunately the NFL season coincides with our off season so we can have plenty of American Football related banter in the meantime.  A number of players also come along and help out at the 4 recruitment days.  By the time the off season arrives they have been together for at least 9 months, and we have a great team spirit in the camp so they can’t wait for the next season to start.  Its not how do I keep them keen, it’s more like how do I stop them pestering me to start training again!!

WS: As this is only our second year as an Academy it will be our first off season but we have already set ourselves the challenge of entering a Junior team next season so everyone is working hard towards this but we are setting challenges to second year players to help out at rookie days and set examples to new players and also for everyone to use the time to improve and get stronger and fitter.

 

Social Media and word of mouth seem to be key to youth team recruitment, keeping players invested in the team and making sure that all players feel included and have room to grow and improve, maintaining this philosophy will also encourage younger players to graduate to the senior team once they have reached 18.

 

If you are a coach or part of youth team and have a successful recruitment technique not mentioned here, please let me know by emailing me on nia.wright@hotmail.com

No rest for the Saints

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.