Time to touchdown

The Emirates American Football League (EAFL) is kicking off for a second season and organisers are appealing to the Abu Dhabi community to get involved.

The youth American football league consists of three divisions – Varsity for players aged between 15 and 17, Junior Varsity for players aged between 12 and 14 and Pee Wee for players aged between nine and 11. There is an adult’s league for players over the age of 18.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with interest following our hugely successful inaugural year, and have even formed an additional team – the Abu Dhabi Scorpions,” said Karyn Macdonald, league coordinator and business development manager.

“The EAFL is a community based sports programme. We are always looking for more volunteer coaches to help and we would encourage anyone with knowledge of the game to get involved.

“We would like to recruit some new coaches as well as players; new players are always welcome and they don’t need to have any previous experience of the game. All necessary equipment is available to rent or buy from the league,” said Macdonald.

Youth training takes place at Al Jazira Football Club every Monday and Wednesday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

The first games of the season in Abu Dhabi take place at Zayed Sports City on Friday 8th November from 1pm with free admission for all, a DJ, and food and beverages are also available.

And in addition to the youth games on Friday, the defending Desert Bowl Champions, the Abu Dhabi Wildcats, will take on their rivals the Dubai Stallions, with the game set to start at 6pm.

“The team have put in a great effort at training and we are really looking forward to the challenge of facing the Dubai Stallions,” said coach Charles Gillespie. “Please come down and support the players and enjoy a slice of American athletic culture. If you haven’t watched American football before, now is your chance!”

For information visit www.eafl.ae