For the first time in Britball history, Britain is sending a youth American football team to compete in an 11-a-side competition. The GB Lions juniors, already less experienced than their Austrian rivals, have a mountain to overcome as the sport is restricted to 5-a-side at Under 16s club level in this country.
The national team comprises players from teams all over Britain. Rushmoor Knights, one of the most successful junior teams in the country, were represented a record nine times:
Damon Kirby, interim head coach of the GB Lions Under 17s, is under no illusions about the size of the task his team faces, telling BAFA, “I expect nothing less than the toughest game these players have ever faced.
“I am confident that the bumpy journey that we have endured thus far has equipped us well for anything that we might encounter in Vienna,” Kirby added, alluding to the effort made by his team in preparation for the game.
The creation of a national Under 17s team is part of a national programme by BAFA to develop the sport in Britain. Their 10-year vision is to “professionalise British American football and inspire people to play the game.”
As the Under 17s team prepares for the biggest game of their lives, Park Life Sport spoke with Nigel Dias, former star safety of Manchester Spartans and GB Lions and winner of multiple European Championships, to ask him how it feels to get a call-up to play for your country.
“Unbelievable! It is absolutely unbelievable. The feeling is one of sheer elation and pride.”
– Nigel Dias
Nigel also offered some words of advice for the Under 17s in preparation for the Austria game, stressing the importance of doing all the little things right.
The outcome of the Under 17s GB Lions vs Austria game might be a foregone conclusion, but if the youngsters can follow Nigel’s advice, they could create a foundation for the team to build upon in the future.
