This Is Guernsey

By Aaron Scoones

(Picture by Sarah George, 0607001)

THE Guernsey Gladiators look set to do battle again. Plans are in place to resurrect the island’s American football team that disbanded more than 10 years ago.

The man behind the scheme is Steve Rains, 54 (pictured), arguably one of the best-qualified people in the UK to undertake such a task.

As former head coach of Farnham Fast Lane Knights, he has won the national title. In a coaching career spanning more than 20 years, he has twice been named coach of the year and was voted as one of the top three British coaches of all time.

Rains has also coached the England national and youth teams. He recently moved to the island to be the HR director for Guernsey Post.

On Sunday at 2.30pm at Saumarez Park, Rains is organising a tryout session and anybody over 18 years old is welcome to go along.

‘We’re going to give it a go to see whether there’s sufficient interest,’ he said.

‘People don’t have to have any experience or equipment.’

If there is enough interest, Rains will get the ball rolling.

With his extensive contacts, he has already spoken to the French national league and the British league, which said that it would take an application if Guernsey play two friendly matches between now and December.

If that is achieved, the Gladiators will join next year’s national Division Two.

The league takes place from April to the end of September.

Rains points out that as the league runs over the summer, it does not clash with the rugby season and he would like to see some rugby players get involved.

But he stresses that the sport is for all kinds of different people.

‘It really is a sport for all shapes and sizes,’ he said.

‘Some of the best players I’ve had were smaller blokes.’

In their time, the Guernsey Gladiators were a highly successful outfit.

In 1990 they were BNGL Premier Division South East Conference champions.

Rains would like to hear from any ex-players who would like to play again or help out on the coaching side.

‘It will be a good sport to bring back to the island and it’s gaining in interest in the UK,’ said Rains.

For more information, call Rains on 265514 or email him on steverains@expio.co.uk

Article posted on 17th July, 2008 - 2.30pm