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Blue Raiders add strength
The Bedfordshire Blue Raiders took a
significant step forward with their preparations for the 2009 BAFL season with
the appointment of two Strength and Fitness player/coaches: defensive tackle
Iain Connor and defensive end Paul Settle.
Blue Raiders Head Coach Chris Wallis had identified the conditioning of his
players as an area that with the application of targeted and properly
structured work would see a tangible on-field improvement in 2009. Both Iain
and Paul work as qualified Physical Education Officers for the Prison Service
and are respected members of the Blue Raiders roster, so were the logical
choice for this important role.
Iain and Paul are also shining examples of the Blue Raiders ongoing commitment
to developing rookies. Both joined the team in 2007 as complete novices to the
sport of American football. The coaching that players get at the Blue Raiders,
coupled with Iain and Paul’s exemplary dedication and commitment has seen them
blossom as players: Paul was voted the 2007 Blue Raider Rookie of the Year and
2007 Blue Raider Defensive Player of the Year whilst Iain was awarded the 2008
Head Coach’s Blue Raider of the Year, testament to the progress the two have
made. Moving on to a player-coach role seems the sensible next step for the
pair.
Both are looking forward to the challenge. Iain said: "I’m grateful for
being given the opportunity to give something back to the team by being able to
help drive them forward this coming season as both a player as well as Strength
and Fitness Coach. To achieve the level we're aiming for is going to take that
bit extra both physically and mentally from every Blue Raider. What I will put
in place for practice will enable the rookies and veterans to make deposits
into the bank that they will be able to draw out come game days."
Paul added: "I feel this is a great opportunity to take the team forward
in terms of strength and fitness, especially working with Iain Connor and his
knowledge of strength training. With a solid strength and conditioning
programme the Blue Raiders can really push for a successful 2009 season and
make the playoffs! With the fantastic work ethic of the Raiders players it will
be a pleasure to coach them!"
Head Coach Chris Wallis said:
"Paul and Iain have a huge amount of knowledge and it would be crazy for
us not to use this expertise. Both have developed as leaders of our team over
the past two years and I know our players will benefit greatly from this."
After the success of their 'Try
American Football' sessions, the Blue Raiders will now continue to
practice until December 14th 2008.
Coach Wallis continued, "I've been
impressed by the quality of the new players we've had at the sessions so far.
But it's important that these players return in January when our Indoor Winter
Training Camp opens and we start full practice. But, I want to emphasise, the
door is still open to anybody wanting to play American Football. You can join
the Blue Raiders at any time."
For more information about joining the Blue
Raiders, or any aspect of American Football in the UK, contact Head Coach Chris
Wallis on 01353 720008, via email at
headcoach@bedfordshireblueraiders.co.uk
or via the teams web site:
www.bedfordshireblueraiders.com