Playing American Football

MrMoon · 13 Jan 2006 at 15:09

Hi All,
Anyone here play american football in the UK im looking at trying to get into it my local team is guildford PA Knights (www.paknights.co.uk), anyone play for the PAKnights im kinda nervous as they look kinda pro and im a beginner

oddjob62 · 13 Jan 2006 at 17:50

Nothing as "pro" in this country. I've played at most levels over here, and in any team you get great players, and rookie players. Just go and tell them you are interested. I'm sure they will be happy for you to join the team. Obviously don't expect to be a starter your first game, but with Amfoot having so many positions and unlimited substitutions, It's quite common to get the whole squad on the field at some point during the game.

Stringy · 13 Jan 2006 at 18:15

I played Corner for my Uni (Warwick) and it was a great laugh, you can't appreciate how good the sport is until you play it yourself. It's easy to criticise the NFL for being boring, but when you play it amateur over here theres no pauses for turnovers or touchdowns, its all quick quick get the offence/defence on the field and get on with play.
Would love to do it again.

oddjob62 said:
Obviously don't expect to be a starter your first game, but with Amfoot having so many positions and unlimited substitutions, It's quite common to get the whole squad on the field at some point during the game.

You're bound to get special teams, and probably O or D for some of the last quarter if the result is clear cut.

oddjob62 · 13 Jan 2006 at 23:11

Stringy said:
Would love to do it again.

There's always Blitz or the Os

IceBus · 13 Jan 2006 at 23:59

I'm really hoping whatever Uni I decide to go to has an American football team. Although I've no idea what position I'd rather play (despite watching it for five years, I still can't get my head around all the positions!).

I'd love to try LB or WR though

oddjob62 · 14 Jan 2006 at 01:57

Where are you planning on going?

Check here -> http://www.bcafl.org/

IceBus · 14 Jan 2006 at 10:57

Manchester, Nottingham or London (SOAS or Goldsmiths).

Nottingham seem to have a team, can't see anything for Manchester

oddjob62 · 14 Jan 2006 at 12:34

IceBus said:
Manchester, Nottingham or London (SOAS or Goldsmiths).

Nottingham seem to have a team, can't see anything for Manchester

Yeah Nottingham Outlaws... my old team

There isn't one at Manchester, but as this is a minor sport, teams have catchment areas, and you can play for your nearby teams.

Eg: at Nottingham we were combined with Nottingham Trent. Makes it even more fun because you have 2 unions to choose from in which to get drunk

IceBus · 14 Jan 2006 at 16:54

Cool man

I might pick your brain about Nottingham at some point if you don't mind. Waiting to hear back from them atm.

oddjob62 · 14 Jan 2006 at 18:19

IceBus said:
Cool man I might pick your brain about Nottingham at some point if you don't mind. Waiting to hear back from them atm.

NP. Email and MSN is in trust if you need to contact me

SaBBz · 14 Jan 2006 at 21:04

I'm also thinking about joining and I'm in my 2nd year at Nottingham, currently play basketball for the uni 3rd team here too

#Chri5# · 15 Jan 2006 at 09:20

When I played at Loughborough University, attitude was important (in terms of getting to play to come game day).

As Stringy says, most teams will give rookies a good run out if the match is pretty much in the bag. However, if you want to make yourself top of that pile (IMHO) it's important to turn up for all the training sessions. Skip midweek training because you want to go out on the lash or CBA as it's cold isn't going to cut much slack with the coaches come Sunday. Saturday morning training used to be a good hangover cure.

Work hard in training, spend time reading and learning your playbook(s).

My rookie year I was a CB but my pie eating quota meant I was little slow

Got promoted to DT and was a starter for my 2nd year until I broke my wrist MTBing.

Post season we'd go up to Leeds Uni for their 7-a-side passball tournament. That was good fun, especially as we won it once and tied for the title the second time.

Stringy · 15 Jan 2006 at 12:20

#Chri5# said:
When I played at Loughborough University, attitude was important (in terms of getting to play to come game day).

As Stringy says, most teams will give rookies a good run out if the match is pretty much in the bag. However, if you want to make yourself top of that pile (IMHO) it's important to turn up for all the training sessions. Skip midweek training because you want to go out on the lash or CBA as it's cold isn't going to cut much slack with the coaches come Sunday. Saturday morning training used to be a good hangover cure.

Work hard in training, spend time reading and learning your playbook(s).

My rookie year I was a CB but my pie eating quota meant I was little slow Got promoted to DT and was a starter for my 2nd year until I broke my wrist MTBing.

Post season we'd go up to Leeds Uni for their 7-a-side passball tournament. That was good fun, especially as we won it once and tied for the title the second time.

I second the motion about training, not turning up without a decent excuse (a genuine one) or telling the coaches beforehand will result in them not starting you come game day. Also, the best way to get fully accepted into the fold is to go to all the socials that they may or may not organise.

oddjob62 · 15 Jan 2006 at 12:50

Stringy said:
I second the motion about training, not turning up without a decent excuse (a genuine one) or telling the coaches beforehand will result in them not starting you come game day.

I didn't have to worry about that being one of the star players

hehe jk, i was at every practice anyway as i usually had to help out with coaching.

MrMoon · 15 Jan 2006 at 13:47

been looking at sussex thunder they are holding a rookie day on the 12th of feb, looks like it might be fun, only problem being is I can only do every other training session as they are on sundays and I work every other weekend but im sure they will be cool, also got a mate who wants to try it so hey lets give it a go