Steve Rains coaches at Sunday’s try-out session. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0608475)
THERE was a fantastic turnout for the American football try-out session.
Organised by former England and Farnham Fast Lane Knights coach Steve Rains, who has recently moved to the island, the session was arranged to gauge the amount of interest in resurrecting the Guernsey Gladiators.
The island’s American football team disbanded more than 10 years ago. And with 74 people turning up at Saumarez Park for Sunday’s session, Rains will get things in motion.
‘Absolutely delighted,’ he said, who has started teams from scratch before. ‘Thirty to 35 was the minimum we needed, so we well exceeded that. You go into these things not knowing what to expect, but I was really very pleased.
‘I think people had a good time, which is important as that’s what it’s about.’
Rains was helped out on Sunday by a couple of former Guernsey Gladiators players.
Some basic routines were organised finishing off with 11 on 11, two-handed scrimmaging.
Rains has already contacted the British American football league who said they would take an application from the Guernsey Gladiators to join National Division Two.
From what he saw on Sunday, Rains would have no qualms about entering the team into that division next year.
‘We’ve got time to work with them, but we’ve got the basis of some really talented players and a couple of them could do really well in the sport,’ said Rains.
The next stage for Rains and the team is to find a regular training facility and acquire some sponsorship.
They are meeting again at 2.30pm on Sunday 3 August at Saumarez Park.
Anybody is welcome to come along who did not make the first training session.
For more information, call Rains on 265514 or email him on steverains@expio.co.uk.
Article posted on 22nd July, 2008 - 2.29pm
Loading ...
One Article Comment
If Guersney has a team, it means Jersey should have one aswell. Because lets face it, the Guernsey - Jersey rivalry is one of legend between the two islands. By both islands getting a team, it would show how big the sport is over here across the pond. More teams in smaller areas would increase the want for american football, which would help everyone.