The Leicester Falcons were formed from a nucleus of local players hoping to share their enjoyment and knowledge of the sport. Local interest within Leicestershire, particularly the huge popularity of flag football, made the decision to be based within the county easy.

The region has always had a strong connection to the game, but since 1996, has struggled to capitalise on that passion despite the strong participation in flag football. The success of the region’s flag teams also helps explain why the new club will be called the Falcons. The Eagles are the best flag team around so it seemed logical that we should have some connection (with the name) as the next step up in playing.

The Leicester Falcons took flight with their first training session, held at Belgrave Rugby Club, on the 19th March. 2006 and from this moment the core of the team started to be built.

The initial goal of the Falcons was to gain entry as a Full member of the British American Football League. In order to do this, an expansion team has to undergo a rigorous adjudication process to prove that there is a need for a team in the region and they are capable of running a team both on and off the field. This process usually takes 18 months to 2 years but the Falcons tried to complete it in under a year. Sadly this proved too tight a deadline and we were unsuccessful at our first attempt.

With support from our players the Falcons decided to try again in 2007 and with an increased number of players coaches and backroom staff. The rules state that an associate team must play 2 games to prove themselves, however the Falcons decided that they needed more than 2 to prepare themselves for the step up. They arranged to play 6 games in 2007 against existing league teams and fellow associate teams and ended the season with a record of Played 6: Won 2: Lost 3: Drawn 1. This hard work was rewarded when the Falcons were awarded the status of Full Member of the BAFL in November 2007.

Moving into 2008 the Falcons played 10 games in the Central Conference of BAFL Division 2 and managed to win 3 and draw 2 games. The 2009 saw the Falcons rise to new heights. A 7:2:1 record gave them a wildcard entry into the Division 2 Britbowl playoffs. Deafeating first Manchester Titans and then Glasgow Tigers they gained a place in the final hwere they defeated Colchester Gladiators 32:31 in a close fought match.

2010 sees the Falcons in Division 1 of the newly formed BAFA Community Leagues.

The Next Generation

As part of our continued growth as a team and to help ensure the future of the Leicester Falcons, as well as to provide an entry point for teenagers who wish to enjoy the sport of American football, we are looking for the next generation of players to join the Falcons organisation.

Leicester currently has an excellent Flag Football team in the form of the Leicester Eagles. Flag Football is a non-contact form of the game that is excellent for developing the fundamentals of the kitted sport. It is good fun for both children and adults alike, and is recommended for younger children to give them an initial taser for the game.

The Falcons started a youth programme in the autumn of 2009 to fill the gap between junior Flag Football and adult contact football. Aimed at players between the ages of 16-19 the Youth team now trains each Sunday with the eventual objective being to compete in the national Youth League.

To expand interest in American Football in the Leicester area traing sessions are also held at two Leicester schools and it is hoped that more schools will eventually join in.

We are looking for volunteers to help out with this programme in order to establish it with a firm base that we can build upon. We also need help with fundraising ideas as we will need approximately £5,000 to start this programme and, although we are working with the usual government funding routes, the more we can raise the better the facilities that we can offer young players that may one day develop into the future stars on the field with the adult team.

If you know anyone who might be interested in playing or helping the Falcons Youth Team please contact Guy Kersey him by email.

July 2010