The Club

The Leicester Falcons were formed in 2006, initially as a Senior Team, 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.

Once the Senior Team was established and successful a Junior Team was added in 2009. At the same time the club also started a Schools Programme to encourage the game in the under 16s.

The latest addition to the club has been the formation in 2011 of the DMU Falcons, a team from De Montfort University Leicester who play in the British Universities American Football League.

The Senior Team

2006 - 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. 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.

2007 - With support from our players, the Falcons decided to try again in 2007 with an increased number of players, coaches and backroom staff. The Falcons played 6 games 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.

2008 - The Falcons played 10 games in the Central Conference of BAFL Division 2 and managed to win 3 and draw 2 games.

2009 The Falcons rose 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 - The Falcons were now in Division 1 South West of the newly formed BAFA Community Leagues. The team started poorly and lost four of their first six games, drew one and only managed one win. Mid season, the team was strengthened with the arrival of former NFL quarter-back Bradlee Van Pelt. Not only did he bring his quarter back skills but helped focus the team's training and playing skills. As a result, the Falcons won their last four games a secured the last remaining wildcard entry into the play-offs. Travelling to Scotland to play East Kilbride Pirates the team excelled themselves and held the Pirates well, eventually losing 32 : 30 in controversial circumstances.

2011 - Now in BAFA Community Leagues Division 1 Central the Senior team brought in new coaching talent and swelled its roster with a good blend of talented rookies and experienced players. Finishing the season 9:0:1 the Falcons defeated Doncaster Mustangs 57 : 30 in the quarter finla play-offs and London Olympians 31 : 23 in the semi-finals. Once again East Kilbride Pirates proved their downfall, losing 62 : 23 in the 2011 final.

The Academy

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, a Youth (under 19) team started recruiting in the autumn of 2009. After vigorous recruitment and training, they successfully joined the Central Division of the BAFACL Junior Kitted League. They were later joined by an under 16 Jounior team to create the Falcons Academy. The Academy programme has been run by Head Coach Karl Burgess and a team of helpers all established members of the Falcons organisation. Their focus is not a 'win at all costs' mentality but to develop good football players with the correct habits & fundamentals. The aim is not even to act as a feeder to the seniors, although that is a benefit, but for these young people to enjoy the sport and have a long term career in it.

The Schools Programme

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. These shool clubs act as a recruitment for the Junior team.

One school in particular, Beaumont Leys School, has proved very enthusiastic. This school club for under 16s had a tremendous turnout with in excess of 30 young people participating each week. The after-school co-ordinator Shaun Issit felt that he wanted the programme to focus on the kitted game, not flag football.

Thanks to the help of BAFA and their new 'Kick Start' programme, this has become achievable through the loan of equipment and will allow the team to compete later this summer. The programme, under the guidance of Coach Stuart Franklin, will expand to an additional weekend session in order to allow opportunities for young people outside the school to join in.

DMU Falcons

The DMU Falcons is a team from De Montfort University Leicester. DMU was formerly part of a combined Leicester / DMU Longhorns team competing in the British Universities American Football League. Changes to this league meant they could no longer be a combined team and, while the Leicester University Longhorns continued, it left the DMU students without a team.

With the support of the Students’ Union and a number of determined student athletes led by Chairman, Jordan Jones, the DMU Falcons were started. The team will have its own committee but will be advised by the Falcons management team on budgets, funding and game day management while the Falcons will support them with coaches, facilities and expertise. The DMU Falcons have been entered into the 2011/12 season and the Varsity match against the Longhorns is sure to be a fans’ favourite. Their home games will be played at the Falcons’ home ground at Babington Community College.

May 2011