American football carnival visits Loughborough; children of all ages to compete in NFL-organised event
CHILDREN of all ages will descend on Burleigh College in Loughborough, England, on Sunday October 26 to take part in an AMERICAN FOOTBALL CARNIVAL organised by the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUEYoungsters aged seven to 19 will be in action on Sunday, participating in non-contact and full-contact versions of the sport.
More than 20 teams - featuring players aged seven to 17 - will take part in a flag football competition, while a further 10 clubs, with players in the 14 to 19-year-old age range, will compete in kitted American football action.
Among the clubs competing in kitted action are the LONDON O's, DON VALLEY VIPERS and the MILTON KEYNES PATHFINDERS, who have re-formed for this event.
Newcomers to the sport of American football are also welcome to attend the carnival, where they will be invited to form their own flag team for the day or be given tips and instructions on how to play the game.
Event organiser and former London Monarchs professional American footballer GERRY ANDERSON said: "The Football Carnival is a celebration of youth American football in the United Kingdom and we are looking forward to an exciting and competitive event.
"The carnival will showcase all aspects of youth football from non-contact flag football to the full kitted version of the game seen on our television screens every week. It is possible for a seven-year-old to go through the various stages of the game and progress from flag to youth kitted and on to the professional level, so this tournament could be an initial stepping stone for the NFL and NFL Europe League stars of 2020."
The action in Loughborough begins at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday and will also feature a training session for TEAM ENGLAND - the national youth team featuring the best 16 to 19-year-olds from across the country.
Team England are currently preparing to face TEAM SCOTLAND in the annual SKY SPORTS TROPHY match on December 14. They will fine-tune their preparations at the Football Carnival ahead of the meeting with the Auld Enemy.
Anderson concluded: "It should be a great day of American football action on Sunday and I would like to invite any newcomers to the sport to attend the event. They will be given a full introduction to the sport and are guaranteed to have a lot of fun along the way.
22 Oct, 03 | 11:46 am