Has Super Bowl Fever Grabbed You? These Tyneside American Football Teams Are Recruiting This Weekend In Newcastle!
Written by James Barker on 2nd February 2023
American Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, and indeed across the world, with The National Football League (NFL) hosting its centrepiece, Super Bowl LVII (57) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday February 12, as the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kettles will undoubtedly be working overtime for all those brave souls tucking themselves in for an 11.30pm GMT kick-off time, sales of American Football rules guidebooks will be skyrocketing, and groups of friends will be gathering together in living rooms and bars, with some likely tuning in not for the game, but only for Rihanna’s half-time show. No matter the reason for watching, it’s sure to be a spectacle.
Vikings Quarterback scans the field. Credit: Northumberland Vikings
Giants player in action. Credit: North East Academy of Football Giants
Hoping to harness the excitement ahead of the big game are three Tyneside based teams, who are hosting a recruitment day in Newcastle this Sunday (February 5).
North East Academy of American Football Giants have various youth and junior teams for those aged 13-19, the Northumberland Vikings are a men’s team for those aged 19+, and the Northumberland Shieldmaidens are a women’s team for ages starting from 16+.
Northumberland Shieldmaidens recruitment post: Credit, Northumberland Shieldmaidens
Team Manager and Head Coach of the Shieldmaidens Christos Maragkoudakis had this to say on his team and the recruitment day: “Here at the Shieldmaidens we’re all about sisterhood.
Giants and Vikings Team Manager Lee Davison said: “While on that field (and off the field) we are like sisters, we fight and bleed for each other. People can get involved in a number of ways: we are on the lookout for players, coaching staff, sideline staff etc.
“If people are interested they can message any of our social media pages (available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter – just search Northumberland Shieldmaidens), or email us at: northumberlandshieldmaidens@gmail.com”
The recruitment day is being held at Druid Park, Woolsington, NE13 8DF.
The North East Academy Giants (13-19) session runs from 9am-11am, the Northumberland Shieldmaidens (Women’s 16+) session runs from 9.30am-11.30am, and the Northumberland Vikings session (Adult 19+) session runs from 10am-12pm.
Each team has their own Facebook pages and groups that you can join for further information.
