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American Football

American Football - Cardiff University Cobras v Bath David Pruett says gridiron is alive and well and enjoyed by many in South East Wales.

What is American Football?

American Football is a fast fun game played by people of all ages and abilities. Thanks to TV, the common misconception is that American Football is a slow-moving sport played only by giants; in fact the opposite is true. American football is an explosive game - anyone of any size, shape, speed or weight can find a place in this most adaptable of sports.

Where can I play?

American football is not a sport confined to those across the pond. The spirit of the game is alive and well in the UK, and no where more than here in South Wales.

There are currently 4 teams in the South East Wales area catering for anyone aged 12 and up. A non-contact version of the game is played with the local youth teams, the South Wales Rebellion and Newport Force.

Flag football is similar to touch rugby in that 'tackling' is done by taking a flag from the belt around an opponent's waist. As a simplified, high-speed version of the kitted game, Flag is a great way to learn the fundamentals of the game, as well as to develop footwork, hand-eye co-ordination and general fitness.

For HE students and people aged 18 and over, the Cardiff University Cobras and the South Wales Warriors are the adult teams in the area. Both of these teams play the full contact version of the sport that you commonly see on TV.

All four teams play in national and European leagues, with the opportunity for travelling around the world, playing for their teams and representing their country in international competition.

How much does it cost?

American Football is not as expensive as you would think. The adult teams do not expect you to provide your own kit. To join the Warriors costs no more than £150 for the season which includes annual insurance through the nation governing body, the British American Football Association.

For the youth teams the costs are even less. All of the equipment and qualified coaching is provided free of charge - all you have to pay for is your membership to the British Youth American Football Association. Currently, one year's registration is £20. Different teams have different weekly subs, so be sure to check with your local team to see what else is involved.

How do I get involved?

If you're interested in learning more about how you can get involved with any one of the versions of American football in South Wales, please contact BAFA's Regional Development Officer Tim Macy on 07834 279912 or by emailing swwarriors@hotmail.com

All of the teams are looking for new players, as well as coaches, administrators, statisticians and anyone else who's willing to lend a helping hand!

For more details, see www.southwaleswarriors.co.uk

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites



Comment on this story

Liam, Caerphilly
I am a massive Carolina Panthers fan and would love to play for real but I'm not sure whether there are any teams around my area and my age group (15).
Mon Feb 9 14:55:27 2009

Richard, Swansea
Good to hear there is American Football being played again in Swansea! I played betwen 1986 to 1990 for the Swansea Dragons. Great times. Good news for Swansea Uni!
Mon Nov 24 14:04:28 2008

Dale Gardiner, Aberdare
I would love to get the chance to play this game - I've played rugby all my life. Would love to have the chance to join a team - I am 23 years old.
Wed Nov 12 14:37:40 2008

Mike, Swansea
Swansea University now has a team, if you would like to know more I am the head coach and can give you some information, non-students may have a chance to play, depending on how many we have apply.
Fri Jul 4 17:40:07 2008

Sabbir Ahmed, Swansea
Where is this American Football team anyone know? I live in Swansea and can anyone give me the name of the place of this club is? Thank you
Mon Mar 10 10:37:03 2008

Scott Silver from Lincoln
Have you ever thought about joining the 3rd team on the field? Since being in a motorbike accident I'm unable to play full contact football, so since October I've taken up refereeing. I love football, so I'm glad I can contribute to the sport in some capacity. If you fancy giving it a go, contact BAFRA (British American Football Referees' Association).
Wed Feb 20 10:23:39 2008

Patriotsdude, Peterborough
I've followed the game for years. I would love to play but at 48 I'm too old so I enjoy watching.
Thu Nov 15 10:34:11 2007

Aaron Farrell, Swansea
I love american football but round where i live in swansea ther are no teams at all. I cant stress how much I would love to play it! please if anyone knows of any teams in or close to swansea please post a comment.
Mon Nov 12 10:04:52 2007

Andrew Attenborough, Ebbw Vale
I played American football for South Wales Warriors. It was a great time in my life until injury and my daughter made me quit. The guys on the team are a good laugh and a great bunch of lads to be with. I will never forget the time I was a part of the team.
Mon Oct 15 12:51:16 2007

Tom Lissack
I love American football. It's one sport that can be played by so many, each with their own favorite posistions. I play Wide Reciver and I'm so quick no Corner Back will be able to stay on me!!!!
Thu Jun 14 14:52:35 2007

Craig, Abertillery
I would love to play this but the travelling is the problem.
Wed Jun 6 10:21:37 2007

Martin Crimmins, Neath
I am a big American football fan - I even play the sport. In the summer I would get a team up and we would just play up the Gnoll Park, no equipment or anything. But I highly recommend this sport to anyone who is up for a challenge and who likes contact sports.
Tue May 8 10:58:39 2007

Luke, Neath
I really like American football. Me and my friend play it at school all the time. I would like to join a team! My favourite positon is Wide Reciver or Running Back.
Mon Mar 5 12:24:33 2007

Jonathan Antoine, London.
American football is simply the best sport in world. It is the only sport that is awsome to both play and watch. Just imagine if the World Cup was played in the form of American football... it would be truly entertaining.
Mon Feb 26 10:13:35 2007

William, Pontypool
I think American football is great. I watch it all the time on television, and my friends and I are planning on making a new American football team called Pontypool Pythons.
Mon Feb 12 15:53:10 2007

Leon, Carmarthen
I love american football - I am going to to join a team. I play as runny back - I am really fast.
Mon Jan 15 10:01:48 2007

Curtis
I did not know we had American football teams in Wales. I hope they form a team in Swansea soon, I'd love to play.
Sun Jan 14 16:43:52 2007

Kyle
OMG. I didn't think American Football was in Wales. I'm so happy I'm gonna join.
Mon Nov 27 13:37:29 2006

Bleddyn King
American football is tough and probably a fear 2 the weak but who cares if u get hit - hit back HARDER! I play fullback and I'm every line backers worst nightmare!
Fri May 12 11:26:14 2006

Daniel, Newport
I think American football is great, I think a lot more people should play it as well.
Fri Apr 7 14:27:54 2006

mathew
amercan football is better then usual fottball and i play it my favourite postion is quater back and i am solid
Mon Feb 20 19:50:56 2006

Roland, New Hampshire, USA
American football is an awesome game that takes both intellectual strategy and physical strength, speed, and durability. It is an extreme adrenalin rush and can be enjoyed by anyone who tries, but the weak mind and body need not apply. You must be or want to be physically and mentally tough. That's why it is a great game for kids to learn. Teaching discipline, sportsmanship, and toughness all while having fun doing it. Also where else can you smash some heads in and not get in trouble for it. Everyone should suit up and give it a try - you will understand what I'm talking about.
Wed Nov 23 04:33:20 2005



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