After an excellent pre-season training schedule with the Farnham Fast Lane Knights, the Berkshire Renegades are to take part in a controlled scrimmage to test their mettle against the Division One Oxford Saints on 29th March at the RBSSC.
With their first game of the 2009 BAFL season against newcomers Gloucester less than a month away, the Berkshire Renegades will be hoping that scrimmaging against a team in the higher division will be just what they need in order to gain the upper hand going into the match.
Kickoff is at 2pm at the RBSSC (http://www.renegadesafc.com/findus.php) and players should be kitted and ready to warm up at 12:30pm.
On Friday 13th March, three Berkshire Renegades entered a 14 hour cardio-athon to raise money for Comic Relief. Sam 'Beefy' Thornton, Ben 'Spike' Flanagan and Michael 'Purdy' Purdham helped raise over £600 for the charity and helped keep 3 exercise machines going for 14 hours at the David Lloyd Gym in the Thames Valley Park. In total all the participants clocked up 822.19 km.
On a cold and muddy December 14th afternoon the Berkshire Renegades and Farnham "Fast Lane" Knights, member teams of the North Hampshire & Berkshire American Football Organisation (NHBAFO); were pleasantly surprised with their first Rookie Day turn out!
Waiting to be registered, 80+ adult and youth prospects eager to try their hand at British American Football! Phil DeMonte, Renegades Head Coach comments on the day, "I was very pleased to see the number of people who are very interested in starting the sport. There was nobody who attended who could not make a contribution to the team. The feedback I received from those who attended was that it was well organised and very enjoyable”.
The rookies were put through their paces on a typical football warm-up routine and a number of agility drills, where they were timed and monitored over a number of sets. Veteran players from both organisations were on hand to guide the rookies in correct form and positioning; as well as providing them with useful insight in what to expect from the sport.
Following the combine style monitoring, the rookies were split into positionals with Coaches hand picking those that showed classic aptitude for certain positions.
A number of Rookies watched the recent NFL Wembley game, where the Saints discharged the Chargers in an electric second NFL International Series game. Many used this event as a major catalyst to try out the sport of American Football.
NHBAFO Rookie, Josh Reeve, a prospective Runningback kindly agreed to answer some questions.
Berkshire Renegades: “Why did you decide to try the sport of American Football and why did you choose the Renegades & NHBAFO?”
Josh: “I first wanted to try out American Football after watching the Saints vs Chargers game in London on TV. I like the team ethic that comes with the sport.”
Berkshire Renegades: “What were your thoughts while you were taking part in the NHBAFO Rookie Day?”
Josh: “During the Rookie Day there were two things on my mind; where the hell do I want to play and how do I play it? But once I got into it, I LOVED IT!”
Berkshire Renegades: “And finally Josh, what were your thoughts after the Rookie Day came to an end?”
Josh: “After the day I couldn’t wait for January 11th so I could get back to practicing and learning more about the sport. Also, I don’t think my legs have been so sore in my life. A great experience!”
Paul Gordon, Renegades Youth Head Coach agreed, “Early indications have been very positive with Coaches and Players alike working together for the benefit of all within the NHBAFO catchment area. 2009 promises to be a good season given the potential and skill many of today’s Rookie’s have shown, both senior and youth.”
The Renegades and the NHBAFO begin their 2009 campaign on Sunday 11th January, with practice taking place at the Farnham “Fast Lane” Knights’ training facility (Click here for directions) promptly from 12pm.
Practice will then alternate between Reading & Farnham each Sunday thereafter, more details can be found on each team’s website – Berkshire Renegades & Farnham “Fast Lane” Knights.
The North Hampshire & Berkshire American Football Organisation (NHBAFO) is pleased to announce its annual Rookie Day. This event is being held in association with the Berkshire Renegades and Farnham Fast Lane Knights.
The Rookie Day is an opportunity for players with little or no experience to come and get a taste of American Football - one of the fastest growing sports in the UK. An American Football team requires players of all shapes and sizes, so we are keen to meet you whatever your physique. Coaches from both teams will take you through a series of Football exercises before giving you the chance to try your hand at any of the varied positions on a Football team.
The Rookie Day is being held at the Royal County of Berkshire Sports and Social Club, just off the A4 in east Reading, on Sunday December 14th. For directions see http://www.renegadesafc.com/findus.php. Registration will be open from 12pm and the session will start promptly at 12:30pm. You should wear clothing appropriate for playing sport outdoors in winter. Please also bring football or rugby boots and a bottle of water. Email info@renegadesafc.com if you have any further questions.
The NHBAFO Rookie Day is proudly sponsored by the Oral Plus Dental Clinic,
www.oralplus.co.uk
Reading Renegades are to host the 3rd Annual Awards Evening on Friday 12th December.
Please book this date in your calendar/dairies/Facebook now!
A venue and further details will be provided shortly - so check back again soon!