With exactly one month to go until the 2018 season starts, Islington-based London Blitz American Football Club are aiming high.
The team plays home games at the Finsbury Park Athletics Stadium, and compete in the BAFA Premier Division South against other clubs from Bristol, Bury and Farnham, as well as two other London clubs.
The London Blitz have been one of the success stories in the British American Football leagues in recent years. They have regularly appearing in the playoffs and won the European Federation of American Football Cup in 2011.
But they have lost in each of the last five BritBowl appearances, including last year’s 34-28 defeat to the Tamworth Phoenix in BritBowl XXX1.
Head Coach Damian Anderson is determined to get the club back on winning ways after last season’s disappointment.
“The Championship has eluded us the last few years. Getting over that last hurdle would be big for us.”
“We’ve got a lot of young talent and new players coming through, so looking forward to seeing what they can do on the pitch as well.”
Team Captain and Linebacker Eddie Cheadle added that team expectations for 2018 are high.
“We lost the final last year – it won’t happen again this year. That is undoubtedly our aim. We’ve got the players and the structure so we’re feeling confident ahead the start of the season.”
2018 has already been somewhat of a success for the London Blitz. At last month’s London Sport Awards, U19 coach Adrian Klemens won the London Sport Volunteer of the Year Award.
Mr Klemens is now in his 20th year of coaching at the London Blitz.
Mr Klemens was recognised as one of a number of personnel within the club who assist off-the-pitch with club administration. He will be continuing his role this year as the successful London Blitz U19 team coach.
There is hope that an improved structure to these British American Football teams will bring the game closer to the NFL.
Player safety taking centre stage
Last month, the BAFA Rules Committee announced important changes to tackling rules for 2018 to protect players from serious injuries.
These included the altering of equipment, leaping to block a field goal and where a ball carrier gives himself up. These changes have been met with approval by Head Coach Mr Anderson.
“Back when I was playing you didn’t have that education, and its pleasing to see player safety taken so seriously.”
Concussion-based injuries have made headlines in the NFL in recent years, with a 2017 Boston University study finding a number of players suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The future of American Football in the UK
The NFL is clearly growing popular with UK-based fans. In 2017, all four NFL fixtures played in London were witnessed by sell out audiences in excess of 74,000 supporters. In total 23 million fans in the UK were watching NFL games last year. But Eddie Cheadle feels more can be done to encourage these fans to participate at an amateur level and help the sport grow.
“There needs to be more of a presence. Across other semi-professional leagues in Europe, you have a lot a NFL links and sponsorship deals … increased support and attendances at games would help as well.”
According to Sport England, more than 40,000 people in the UK aged 14 or over play American football. Moreover the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, who often play in London, have launched a scholarship programme for university graduates involved in American Football in their local community.
“The more people you get involved in London, the better athletes you’re going to find and hopefully local councils can increase funding as well,” said Damian Anderson. He also praised the UK university programme for American Football, which has resulted in more participation at amateur level.
These initiatives and the continuing success of the International Series point to a bright future for the sport in London. It might not be too long before American football fans in London can cheer on an NFL team of their own.
But for the London Blitz, all eyes are focused on their season opener at the Bury Saints on April 22nd.
Tune in to Sport on City News at 3:30pm for the full report…
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HeadlineAmerican Football: London Blitz ready for 2018 season
Short HeadlineAmerican Football: London Blitz ready for new season
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With exactly one month to go until the 2018 season starts, Islington-based London Blitz American Football Club are aiming high.
The team plays home games at the Finsbury Park Athletics Stadium, and compete in the BAFA Premier Division South against other clubs from Bristol, Bury and Farnham, as well as two other London clubs.
The London Blitz have been one of the success stories in the British American Football leagues in recent years. They have regularly appearing in the playoffs and won the European Federation of American Football Cup in 2011.
But they have lost in each of the last five BritBowl appearances, including last year’s 34-28 defeat to the Tamworth Phoenix in BritBowl XXX1.
Head Coach Damian Anderson is determined to get the club back on winning ways after last season’s disappointment.
“The Championship has eluded us the last few years. Getting over that last hurdle would be big for us.”
“We’ve got a lot of young talent and new players coming through, so looking forward to seeing what they can do on the pitch as well.”
Team Captain and Linebacker Eddie Cheadle added that team expectations for 2018 are high.
“We lost the final last year – it won’t happen again this year. That is undoubtedly our aim. We’ve got the players and the structure so we’re feeling confident ahead the start of the season.”
2018 has already been somewhat of a success for the London Blitz. At last month’s London Sport Awards, U19 coach Adrian Klemens won the London Sport Volunteer of the Year Award.
Mr Klemens is now in his 20th year of coaching at the London Blitz.
Mr Klemens was recognised as one of a number of personnel within the club who assist off-the-pitch with club administration. He will be continuing his role this year as the successful London Blitz U19 team coach.
There is hope that an improved structure to these British American Football teams will bring the game closer to the NFL.
Player safety taking centre stage
Last month, the BAFA Rules Committee announced important changes to tackling rules for 2018 to protect players from serious injuries.
These included the altering of equipment, leaping to block a field goal and where a ball carrier gives himself up. These changes have been met with approval by Head Coach Mr Anderson.
“Back when I was playing you didn’t have that education, and its pleasing to see player safety taken so seriously.”
Concussion-based injuries have made headlines in the NFL in recent years, with a 2017 Boston University study finding a number of players suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The future of American Football in the UK
The NFL is clearly growing popular with UK-based fans. In 2017, all four NFL fixtures played in London were witnessed by sell out audiences in excess of 74,000 supporters. In total 23 million fans in the UK were watching NFL games last year. But Eddie Cheadle feels more can be done to encourage these fans to participate at an amateur level and help the sport grow.
“There needs to be more of a presence. Across other semi-professional leagues in Europe, you have a lot a NFL links and sponsorship deals … increased support and attendances at games would help as well.”
According to Sport England, more than 40,000 people in the UK aged 14 or over play American football. Moreover the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, who often play in London, have launched a scholarship programme for university graduates involved in American Football in their local community.
“The more people you get involved in London, the better athletes you’re going to find and hopefully local councils can increase funding as well,” said Damian Anderson. He also praised the UK university programme for American Football, which has resulted in more participation at amateur level.
These initiatives and the continuing success of the International Series point to a bright future for the sport in London. It might not be too long before American football fans in London can cheer on an NFL team of their own.
But for the London Blitz, all eyes are focused on their season opener at the Bury Saints on April 22nd.
Tune in to Sport on City News at 3:30pm for the full report…
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