Anyone up for a few downs? - The Redditch Standard

Anyone up for a few downs?

Redditch Editorial 23rd Jan, 2015 Updated: 18th Oct, 2016   0

AMERICAN football looks set to touchdown in the county once more thanks to a group of hard-working players and coaches.

Members involved with the University of Worcester team, The Royals, are looking to re-introduce the game to a wider audience throughout Worcestershire for the first time in almost five years.

Since the Redditch Arrows and the Hereford Chargers ceased to exist, the university-based team has been the only representative of the popular US sport in the area and NFL lovers have had to travel outside the county to get their football fix.

But Colin Branagh is hoping to put a Community American Football Programme in place with the end goal of creating a team fit for the British American Football Association National League.




The 59-year-old, who has been involved in the game for 32 years, told the Standard he is also hoping to introduce it to schools, youths and women.

“The reason we are looking at Worcestershire and not just Worcester is we want to encourage people countywide to take up the sport.” he said.


“It brings what is a real niche game to the county, rather than everyone having to travel further afield it will be here in Worcestershire and gives everyone another option.

“There was a report out last week that said the Olympic legacy was supposed to increase sport, but there has actually been a decrease and I think people are getting fed up with the traditional stuff and I feel this could open new doors.”

A Facebook page has also been created and attracted more than 200 likes within the first ten days of operation. An ongoing poll is on the site to choose the team name while information about taster sessions are also posted on it.

Mr Branagh, head of the steering committee, has had previous success with similar schemes in Leicestershire, Manchester and Gloucestershire and believes it can be replicated in Worcestershire.

“I have been in the game a long time.” he added. “We are confident it will be a success because it has been well received as far as our short-term goals are concerned.

“Those goals are trying to start up the youth and women’s teams and that is why we are setting up the taster sessions to give them all those bits and pieces.”

Visit the Worcestershire American Football Programme Facebook page or email [email protected] for more information.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Redditch Standard newspaper.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Redditch Standard.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.