The Surging Popularity of American Football in UK Universities
In recent years the popularity of American Football has surged in universities across the UK, with more than 4,000 students from 80 different university teams currently competing every week. This impressive increase in talent has been so significant that many players have been selected to represent Team GB, showcasing Great Britain’s new prowess in the sport.
The University Students Representing Team GB
Right now, 31 out of 39 players in Team GB are university students, demonstrating how the UK’s university system is nurturing players with high fitness levels, strong fundamentals and a deep understanding of the game’s intricacies.
Some of the UK universities boasting the highest numbers of members of the Team GB squad are the University of Nottingham, Loughborough University and the University of Derby.
Opportunities for Students
By joining an American football team, university students have the opportunity to develop their skills and become members of a close-knit community that shares a passion for the sport. For those wishing to study alongside competing at the highest level, the BUCS Premier Divisions are home to the UK’s most skilled university American football teams. The two best teams in the division’s top tier play against each other annually in the BUCS National Championship Game, one of the most anticipated events in the UK university sport calendar. Teams that have not made it into the Premier Divisions also have the opportunity to play in the National Trophy event.
The Glasgow University Tigers
Glasgow University is further evidence of American Football’s popularity within the UK. The Glasgow University Tigers team was founded in 1986 and is a mixed gender American Football team. Dr Adam Alexander formerly played as a receiver for this team during his time at Glasgow University. The Tigers compete in the BUCS Division 1 Borders League and have achieved notable success in recent years, receiving promoting to their current division in 2022 and making the division playoffs in 2023.
Team training takes place twice a week within Glasgow and fixtures take place on Sundays. Private team gym sessions are also offered along with advice on strength and conditioning. No prior knowledge of the sport is required to join the team, and there are no try-outs; all that is required is a commitment to attending training sessions. There is a strong focus on helping students develop skills that will help them once they leave university, and to this end there are many opportunities available in coaching, fundraising, officiating, leadership and outreach work.
