Plea for American football players in Bradford (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Plea for American football players in Bradford

4:40pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in Sport By Sports Desk

It’s been 25 years since open-age American football was played in Bradford, and for United Kingdom Independent Gridiron (UKIG), it’s time that changed.

This new organisation aim to increase participation in the sport, and their spokesman Chris Wallis explained: “There are around 60 adult teams across the United Kingdom, but many towns and cities,  like Bradford, don’t have one yet.

"Yorkshire has been a hotbed of American football for decades; it’s amazing a city the size of Bradford has been without a team for so long.“

In 1986, Bradford Dolphins chalked up nine wins and just one defeat, and UKIG aims to wake a sleeping giant by maximising opportunities for the people of Bradford and West Yorkshire to get involved by recruiting as many players, coaches and referees as possible.

Experience is not essential and all ages are welcome. UKIG stress that American football can be a sport for specialists, meaning anyone, regardless of shape, size or fitness, can contribute on the pitch.

“Starting an American football team is not an easy task,” added Wallis.

"A winning team must have strong management in place, so we’re looking for anybody interested in getting involved, even if they can’t play.

"The beauty of this sport is that you don't have to be a player to experience the hype and excitement on game day."

For more information or to register your interest, contact UKIG by e-mailing information@ukig.net or you can find them on 'Gridiron in Bradford, West Yorkshire' on Facebook.