A WORCESTERSHIRE-BASED American football team will touchdown in the British American Football Association (BAFA) this season after their application was given the thumbs-up.
The Worcestershire Black Knights revealed on Monday they would take part in this year’s BAFA National League Division Two South West Conference.
The Black Knights will take to the gridiron for ten league games from April to the end of August against teams from Bristol, Swindon, Dorset, Torbay and Newquay.
Founded in January 2015, the Black Knights are the brainchild of three coaches from Worcester Royals, the University of Worcester’s existing American football team.
With more than 50 years of experience in the British game across all levels between them, they have been pushing to return professional US football to the county after an eight-year absence following the winding up of the Redditch Arrows in 2009.
Head coach Rich Smith said: “We’ve come a long way in two years. We’ve solidified a management and coaching team and have an impressive roster of players.
“Every one of our associate players has earned this opportunity to play league football and I’m excited to see what kind of impact we can have in our first season.
“We’re always looking to fill our family with more coaches and players, so if you have time on your hands or a love for football come on down.”
Chairman Si Watten said: “It’s a very proud time for the club. There are only a handful of people still with us who attended our very first session back in early 2015.
“The club has grown bigger and quicker than we anticipated and that’s a credit to the community and players we have.
“Not only has there been a lot of work from myself and the rest of the committee, but the coaching team as well.
“We now have just over two months to prepare for our first season in the national league and I know everyone is raring to go.
“We’d like to make a special thank you to Kings Norton RFC for giving us a home venue and supporting our efforts, and also to our current sponsors Mode Sports Bar and Grill, McDonalds and WJ Sports Therapy and Fitness.
“One thing I must stress is that this is a very expensive sport and is self-financed by the players. We’re looking for commercial sponsors and, if any businesses are interested, I urge them to get in contact with the club.”
The BAFA hopes to capitalise on the rapid rise of American football in the UK. Four regular season NFL games are being played at Wembley and Twickenham this year.
The Black Knights train at The Moors playing field in Worcester each Sunday from 10am to midday and are currently looking to recruit players and volunteers ahead of the new campaign.
Call the club on 07852 783814 or visit www.worcestershireblackknights.co.uk to find out more about player recruitment.