This past week saw the first visit of the Cardinals' new
owner since negotiations were successfully completed in January. Since that
time, ex NFL star, and current Sky Sports pundit Ian Allen has been working
tirelessly in the US to ensure recognition and secure support for his new
team in the UK for the next couple of years.
His aims were exactly the same last week, as he
visited over 50 local based, and nationally operated businesses in Ipswich.
Alongside him, Cardinal Chairman Ralph Alexander provided the 'English'
perspective, as the pair gained support from the local community for the fast
approaching 2008 season. Allen's week long visit culminated in him taking a
leading role in the team practice, and spending time, and sharing knowledge
with the Ipswich coaching staff, led by Sandy Francis.
During practice, the former New York Giant's excitement at being involved in 'grass roots' football was very apparent, and both rookies and experienced veteran players left the session with new found knowledge. At the end of practice, Allen took time to address the entire squad, and outlined some of the plans and ideas he hopes to have in place by the end of the year, which include planned visits by former and current NFL players, to assist the team with fitness and positional skills, and may include a weekend long mini camp towards the end of the year.
Allen has listened closely to the comments made by
Alexander and Francis on the general differences in US and UK football, and he
was hugely impressed with the commitment shown by the Cardinal players, as well
as the coaching staff, support team, and all the families involved. With
an understanding of how important that is, he has put in place a team loyalty
scheme which, with the support of local businesses, allows all team members to
take advantage of deals like free food on game day and weekends, buy one meal
get one free, half price gym membership, huge reductions on clothing, and a
great weekend deal with the top waterfront hotel on the new Ipswich quay. The
players all get to take advantage after a qualifying period.
MacDonalds, Old Orleans, Zing Winebar, Fitness First,
Monsoon, and the Salthouse Harbour Hotel are, amongst others, some of the major
players in 2008.
Allen commented, “I now head back to the States on Monday,
excited about what I have seen here, and with the plans I have been working on
back at home. I aim to come back here in June to see how the team is doing, how
the coaches are getting on, and who knows, I might even bring my cleats!”
Players and coaches who are interested in an opportunity
to learn from a real ex NFL player should contact Ralph Alexander on 01473 410887,
or Head Coach Sandy Francis on 07799 458357.