Sheffield Sabres

American Football is a team sport in which there are a variety of positions for people of many shapes and sizes. Having said this, it is a physically demanding sport featuring a high level of contact. Due to the nature of University courses the club loses a number of graduating Seniors every year which leaves gaps on the roster that must be filled by new (rookie) players. The vast majority of new players who come to the club have no experience of playing American Football and hence spend the majority of their first year with the club learning their position and the intricacies of the game, this then gives them a platform from which to fight for a starting position in their second year. Having said this, all back-up players are just as valuable to the club as the starters and play a full role in practice and will be given as much game time as possible over the course of the season.

The Sabres currently train 3 times a week pre-season (27th Sept – 2nd Nov) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. This switches to the following during the season (Nov 2nd – March):
Tuesday Evening – Training
Thursday Evening – Training
Saturday Morning – Classroom game-planning session
Sunday – Game

Players are also responsible for their own strength and fitness work. This is not mandatory but as a guide, many of the current starters on the team are those that work hard in the gym to get stronger and fitter. The club has a qualified Strength and Conditioning Coach and a sponsorship deal with Maximuscle to help players achieve this and the club will provide you with all the advice and assisstance you need to become a better athlete.

In return for their commitment, players receive coaching from one of the best coaching staffs in the UK. The club has 8 qualified coaches with a vast amount of experience at all levels of the game and are led by former US College player, Head Coach Simon Dwyer. The coaches are committed to the club and helping new and existing players reach the best of their abilities.

Ultimately, the biggest reward for your hard work will be the feeling of being part of winning team who work hard for each other to achieve a common goal.

Is there anything I can be doing over the summer to prepare?

Yes! If you are serious about joining the team it would be a good idea to keep yourself fit over the summer, if you have the time then trips to the gym are also recommended. If you would like some advice on this then send me an e-mail and I can put you in touch with our Strength + Conditioning Coach who will help you with a basic workout plan.

If you fancy getting a taste of the sport before you join us, you can join one of the many senior contact of flag (non-contact) teams around the country, a list of these and how to contact them can be found here: http://www.getintoamericanfootball.com/ ... &Itemid=26