A GUERNSEY American footballer is off to the Great Britain trials, having never played a match in his life.
Matt Jackson, 19 (pictured), got involved in the sport when former England coach Steve Rains moved to the island last year and went about establishing a gridiron team.
Rains was so impressed with Jackson, who is a wide receiver, that he put him forward for the British team tryout at Loughborough University on Saturday 24 January.
‘I’m really excited about it,’ said Jackson. ‘It’s a good opportunity to go over and play more sport.
‘The [lack of] experience is a bit of a worry.
‘I’ve never played a proper game. We’ve had scrimmages in training, but it’s nothing like a match.’
A wide receiver’s job is to catch passes from the quarterback and try and score touchdowns.
During the morning of his trial, Jackson will be timed over a 40-yard dash plus undergo shuttle runs and agility tests.
If he is successful he will be invited to attend the afternoon session that will see more practical, game scenarios.
Despite never experiencing the rough and tumble of a competitive match, Rains had no qualms about putting Jackson forward to mix with the best in the UK.
‘He’s just got natural talent as a receiver,’ said Rains.
‘We’ve coached him on technique, but he’s got a good eye for the ball. He’s completely dedicated to improving himself.
‘We’ve been running him through the time and agility tests [he will do at the trial] and he’s been improving every week.’
And Rains should know talent when he sees it having not only coached the national side, he has led Farnham Knights to the national title, twice been named coach of the year and been voted one of the top three British coaches of all time.
He has also been inducted into the Minor League Hall of Fame in Mesquite, Nevada, and is currently coaching the Great Britain youth team.
Jackson is delighted to be able to be coached by someone of Rains’ calibre.
‘He’s one of the top three coaches in the UK and I’ve learnt a lot from him,’ said Jackson.
‘I wouldn’t be going to the trials if it wasn’t for him.’
Jackson, who said that he does not play any other sport except going to the gym, used to play American football in the park with his friends.
He eagerly signed up to the new Guernsey team when it began training sessions last summer.
‘When the team came over, it was a great opportunity to play the sport,’ he said.
The team, which has yet to decide on its name, has been granted associate membership to the British American Football League.
To gain membership into the leagues for 2010, the side must play one full competitive match at home and one away this year.
Rains said that he has spoken to the Cornwall Sharks and they could be interested in a game.
‘I’m really looking forward to our first game and the team is as well,’ said Jackson.
But Jackson pointed out that they need to recruit more players.
‘There’s enough to make a team, but we need some more,’ he said.
The team also requires much-needed financial support.
The players have had to pay for their own kit, which has come to nearly £300.
‘We’re looking for a sponsor because the guys have made a big financial commitment,’ said Rains.
‘It’d be nice to help them out.’
n If anyone is interested in sponsoring the team or playing, Steve Rains can be contacted on 07781 128879 or on steverains@expio.co.uk.Loughborough tryouts: Rains sees lots of potential in newcomer
Article posted on 14th January, 2009 - 2.29pm
Most Commented: