Romans Conquer Falcons - Falcons 0 : Romans 37

The Leicester Falcons hosted the Chester Romans on bank holiday weekend at what was seen by the Falcons management as a bounce back game after a heavy defeat by the Manchester Titans the week before. However this day turned out to be another football lesson learned.

Having no fewer than 10 players unavailable on the day due to illness, injury or other commitments including the Falcons Head Coach, Saul Freer, Defensive Co-ordinating Assistant, Lee McMahon, took the reigns as acting head coach for the afternoon.

Starting the game on defence, Defensive Back Nick Byrne, came up with the first big play of the game by intercepting a Romans pass, only for the ball to be stripped from his grasp and retained by the Romans Offence. This was to be the only real big play for the Falcons during the whole game as the Romans went on to open the scoring and, coming off a 2nd placed finish in 2012, looked to continue their winning ways into 2013.

Falcons 0-7 Romans.

The Falcons started for the second week running with Ryan MacDonald at Quarter Back. He turned a errant snap on the first play into some good yards up the middle of the pack, but the drive was stopped after the Romans sent several blitz packages that confused the Falcons Offensive-line and forced Leicester to punt after just 3 plays. The Romans offence then came out passing and, although they found it difficult to make the big play due to the outstanding coverage by the returning Defensive M.V.P, Sam Taylor, they were able to punish the Falcons Defence with their Quarter Back option game with short passes to Wide Receiver and mismatches on the Falcons Linebacking core. This quickly led to the Romans extending their lead.

Falcons 0-13 Romans.

The Falcons Offence once again took the field looking to get their ground game back up and running by installing a heavy package which included 3 running backs in the form of last weeks Team M.V.P Nyadbadza, opening game hero Bedford and veteran Lawrence Grugeon 2. With Alex McCormick and Rookie Ashton Clarke-Jackman returning from injury and stepping in at the Wide Receiver positions the Green Machine had high hopes this time around. After several short runs for gain the Falcons went to the air for the first time with similar results as previous weeks - an Interception! (The first of 5 on the day).

The Green Machine Defence then came out fighting, dishing out some of the same service as our own Offence was receiving and, with the home debuts of Defensive Lineman, Gareth Barry, and the constant warrior that is Carl Leonard, the Romans were stopped after going for it on 4th down rather than taking the Field Goal. The Falcons Offence had a chance to get back into the game.

The Falcons 3rd drive of the game saw Quarter Back MacDonald replaced by the returning and out of re-tirment Quarter Back, Rob Wylie, but with the same results - an Interception. On only his second pass of the game Wylie was forced out of the pocket and as he hauled the ball downfield an athletic Romans secondary was able to come down with the ball and return it deep into the Leicester half of the field.

With the Falcons continuously giving the Romans the ball in their own half, Chester made the Falcons pay at every opportunity by putting points on the board. The Romans continued to dominate the Falcons injury hit Offence and Defensive lines for the rest of the half, and when Leonard went down with a suspected broken finger Offensive Lineman, Captain and Offensive M.V.P on the day, Richard Swain, was the first to step up and help out the defence.

The half ended with another Romans score and gave the Leicester coaching staff a lot to think about at the interval.

Falcons 0-21 Romans.

With the Falcons receiving the ball in the second half this gave them a chance to get back into the game and for a while the Offensive seemed to click going back to basics the Falcons ran the ball down the Romans throats. With the 1-2 punch of Nyadbadza and Lawrence Grugeon 2, yards and first downs were made. The highlight being a 4 yard run by Lawrence Grugeon 2 crossing the line for a first down whilst dragging three would be Roman tacklers with him. Unfortunately this is where the offensive stalled and on 2nd down on the Romans 10 yard line, Lawrence Grugeon 2 bounced off a brick wall and, although he tried to convert the play, was forced out of bounds for a loss. This lead to the decision to pass on 3rd and long. Wylie stepped back and tried to force the pass under pressure only to see it tipped into the hands of a Romans Defensive Back and returned once again deep into Falcons territory.

The Falcons Defensive seeing their Offence start to click also decided to take matters into their own hands and with the ever working engine's of Line Backs, Sturgess, Jagger and Gibbs forced the Romans to Punt on their first offensive drive of the half. The ball however was downed at the 1 yard line giving the Green Machine no room to work and with a strong Blitz and some mis-understanding Running Back Nyadbadza was tackled deep in the endzone giving the Romans another 2 points and with it the ball back as per the rules of the game.

Falcons 0-23 Romans.

As the 3rd quarter neared its end the Romans went back to their short option passing game and, with bodies dropping and legs becoming weary, the Falcons Defensive called on Quarter Back, Ryan MacDonald, who stepped back into his former position of Linebacker and made some big stops to help out the Defence. Defensive Tackles Edson and Mabbott fought tirelessly all game and showed passion and heart as did all who wore the green this day. But with a few missed tackles and the opponent's M.V.P, Quarter Back Brad Chilvers, using his feet as well as his arm, the Romans eventually marched all the way to the 1yard line and duly punched it home to extend their lead further.

Falcons 0-30 Romans.

The 4th Quarter started with Alex McCormick returning under centre and last week's rookie debutants Running Backs Steve O'Hare and Vladamir Maximov looking to impress. O'Hare took his time and found an open lane as he had done the week before and made some great yards, proving he has the caliber to step up his work load as the season moves on. However on Maximov's second touch of the day the ball bounced of his chest and was recovered by the Romans at midfield.

The Falcons Defensive returned to the field and put out an outstanding 3 and out behind the strong secondary of the Taylor Brothers, Sced and Grant, forcing the Romans to punt back to the Green machine and giving Alex McCormick another chance to stop a second consecutive shut out. However the Romans had other plans and blitzed heavy. A,fter O'Hare and Bedford were both stopped for losses McCormick took to the air and again it was a Roman that came down with the ball this time returning it to the house for what would be the final score of the day.

With the 2 min warning sounded the Falcons offence were once again forced to punt and the Romans knelt on their final two plays of the game sending them joint top of the conference (2-0) and dropping the Falcons to their second loss in this early part of the season (1-2).

Final Score Falcons 0-37 Romans.

To summarise, with no passing game and the shut down of the Leicester Smash Mouth Football play, the Falcons failed to register a point for the second game running. Now, with a two week break before taking on the Staffordshire Surge in Stoke, the Falcons coaches will be looking for some intense practices and a re-think into what can be done to turn things around before it's too late.

The Falcons plus points of the day were welcoming back Rookie Wide Receiver, Ashton Clarke-Jackman, from a leg injury which had kept him from making his debut this season and the Debut of Rookie Defensive Lineman, Gareth Berry. Both showed they will be a big help in the remaining seven games as the Falcons must now go 'undefeated' if they are to have any chance of making the Playoffs.

End Result: Falcons 0 - 37 Chester Romans

Titans Crush Falcons - Falcons 0 : Titans 60

On a Cold and Wet Sunday afternoon the Falcons traveled North to Division leaders, Manchester Titans, and on this occasion were taught a Football lesson the hard way.

Suffering the bad news only 24hours before the game that no1. Quarter Back, Alex McCormick, will miss the next few weeks of the season with an appendix problem, his back up, Ryan MacDonald, would make his debut under centre under the toughest of circumstances.

The Titans made their dominance pay from start to finish in this game controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The Falcons strong core of Running Backs had some early success on the ground with Eman Nyadbadza picking up some hard yards at the start, but with a non-exsistant passing game the Titans were able to throw caution to the wind and blitz all day stopping the ground game of the Green Machine in its tracks.

With the Falcons struggling on Offence, the Defence was on the field for over three quarters of this game and it showed with tired legs and a pick up of injuries to defensive Captain Line backer, Ian Sturgess, and Defensive Linemen, Tom McCormick, and Saul Freer.

The Titans made use of good field position on a number of turnovers the Falcons offence made turning all 7 (5 Interceptions and 2 Fumbles) into points on the board.

With the game out of reach late in the 3rd Quarter the Falcons Coaches decided to debut some Rookie players for their first action of the season. Rookie Quarter Back and Junior team graduate Ryan Cummings came in to the fray alongside Running Backs Steve O'Hare and Russian Vlad Maximov, all 3 showed promise with O'Hare making the most of his opportunity with a pair of solid runs for some good yardage.

The two standout players of the day were on Defence as Linebackers Tommy Gibbs and Chris Jagger covered every blade of grass and put in outstanding performances from start to finish, but in the end the Titans were just too strong on the day.

The Falcons will now look to re-group and prepare for another game in quick succession as they return to the Nest to host the Chester Romans next Sunday at Fortress Babington and get back to winning ways.

Crewe Derailed

The Leicester Falcons opened their 2013 Season on a Sunny Sunday with a hard fought victory over a spirited and much improved Crewe Railroaders team.

Q1. The Railroaders won the coin toss and elected to start with the ball and with it shocked the Falcons by taking an early lead, but with the conversion kick missed the score stayed at 0-6. The Falcons countered this by hitting back straight away with a score of their own. On a day of debuts for the men in green former Junior player Chris Sansom caught the Kick-off and returned it to the half way line. New Quarterback Alex McCormick debuting under Centre then came on to lead his Offence straight down field, but it was another two debutant's that connected for the Falcons opening score of the season in the guise of Lawrence Grugeon II AKA 'LG2' connecting with rookie Wide Receiver, Bill Hefford, for an easy 27yard Touch Down pass. With an errant snap on the extra point conversion the score stood level at 6-6.

Head Coach and Defence Coordinator, Saul Freer, made several adjustments to his Defence and they paid off straight away by holding the Railroaders to 3 and out on their next drive forcing them to Punt. The Falcons offence this time showed the Railroaders what the term 'Smash Mouth Football' was all about as Running Backs Eman Nyadbadza, Alan Bedford and Stuart Rawlings were unstoppable in running with the ball on this drive which ended up with a 6 yard Touch Down Run for Rawlings. With Nick Byrne hitting the extra point the Falcons had their first lead of the game 13-6.

Q2. Another 3 and out by the Falcons Defence led by the example of their Captain, Linebacker and long time Falcons servant Ian Sturgess led to another Railroaders Punt. This time however the Railroader's Defence created the first turnover of the game after hitting McCormick as he was about to release the ball causing a fumble which was recovered by a Crewe defender in front of their own sideline. Several plays later feeding the ball to their very own talented Running Back the Railroaders soon found the endzone again and after adding the extra point kick the scores were level again at 13-13.

Again the Falcons Offence hit back straight away. Sticking to their game plan, running the ball down field and, after a mazy 29yard break away run by Rawlings, Nyadbadza took the ball around the edge for a 15yard score; the first of his career. Byrne hit the extra point and the Falcons had the lead again 20-13.

Yet another strong showing from the Falcons Defence led to the Railroaders punting again but with time running out and a Rawlings Touch Down run called back for a penalty the Falcons offence ended the half with a 23yard Field Goal attempt with Byrne just dragged wide leaving the half time score at 20-13.

Q3. The Falcons opened up the second half with a 3 and out after the kick-off left them deep in their own territory but a shanked Punt by another former Junior debutant, Ryan Cummings, gave the Railroaders the ball just outside of the Falcons Redzone. In one play they broke free to score and again with a good extra point kick the scores were tied at 20-20 for the third time in the day.

Re-grouping the Falcons Offence once again paved the way on the ground this time behind the surprising play off 2nd year Fullback, Alan Bedford, who broke away on the ground on several occasions for long gains which ended up with the man himself taking it home for the score from 2yards out and a well deserved career-first score for the club. A Byrne KIck made the score 27-20. Defences then took centre stage in the game as both sides stepped up their efforts forcing the other to 3 and outs and punts ending the 3rd Quater.

Q4. The 4th Quarter again was all about the defence as weary legs started to tire and neither team could find a way past the other. In this period McCormick threw his first Interception of the year which nearly resulted in the Railroaders taking it back for the score were it not for a last ditch tackle by Rawlings to stop his progress into the endzone. On the back of this, with the Railroaders looking to force their way in, they made the error of floating the ball in the air only to see it Intercepted by the ball hawking, Carl Sced, who caught it on the 1yard line and returned it 8yards to give the Falcons Offence some wiggle room. Unfortunately after a bad exchange which saw the ball fumbled and recovered back on the Falcons 1yard line by Falcons Debutant Wide Receiver, Peter Cleaver. The Punt was short and gave the Railroaders an short path to the endzone. The Falcons Defence did their best to hold firm but on 4th and 1 Crewe were able to make the first down and then on their next play crash in for the score to make it 27-26.

However the decision was made by the Railroaders Head Coach to go for 2pt conversion and the win rather than the tie. A bold move had it paid off but on the occasion the Falcons Defence held firm when it counted and the Crewe sideline sank as the pass dropped to the ground leaving the score 27-26 with just 1minute 30 seconds of the game left to play.

All the Falcons had to do was keep the ball which would hand them the victory they had fought hard for. After Crewe surprisingly did not attempt an onside kick, Bedford put the game to 'bed' by breaking away on the very first play for a 48yard score on what would be a career day of 120 yards and 2 Touch Downs. Alec Grant kicked the extra point to give the Falcons a flattering 34-26 score line and with 30 seconds on the clock remaining the game was ended with 4 failed attempts by the Railroaders offence.

Final Score: Leicester Falcons 34:26 Crewe Railroaders

Pictures of the game

State of the Franchise:

With two weeks to go before the Falcons kit up again to kick-off their 2013 season vs Crewe Railroaders we take a closer look at who has been charged with the task of making their offence tick on the field.

The Quarterback’s:

The Quarter Back position on the Falcons roster will look very different going into 2013. With the departure of Franklin and Thompson the new coaching staff had a hard time finding suitable re-placements. In the end the training camp competition came down to 3 names, Alex McCormick, Ryan McDonald and Junior team graduate Ryan Cummings.

Alex McCormick (right) has been looking hot favorite to start under center come game day, a stand out Wide Receiver for the Falcons over the last 2 years he has decided to make the positional switch and take on the task of leading the Falcons offence in 2013. Alex reads the game well, shows poise when under pressure and has the arm to stretch the field when needed. Alex better known as ‘Kenny’ by his teammates stated: “Practice has been intense, our offence is looking strong both in the air and on the ground, with a large number of experienced players across all positions and the good pick ups of some talented rookies gives us great depth and durability. I'm excited to the start the 2013 season!”. Alex however will have to show he can handle the pressure with the two Ryan’s hoping to step in if needed.

Ryan McDonald (left) is a Former Flag Quarter Back who, after a season at the linebacker position, has decided to return to his roots and concentrate on his position of choice. McDonald is the duel threat of the bunch. Having outstanding strength and speed he is an equal threat on the ground as well as in the air.

Ryan Cummings (No 16 right) is the second of his name, graduating from the Junior ranks he’ll look to follow in his father’s footsteps by representing Leicester, and with his father, Darren Cummings deciding to give one more season a shot at his Wide Receiver position will we see a father and son touch down combo at some point in the year?

With McCormick, McDonald and Cummings at the Quarter Back position we have 3 players eager to prove they belong and can lead the Green Machine to glory.

State of the Franchise:

With the Season just 4 weeks away we take a look ahead at the ‘State of the Franchise’, position by position and what the future could hold for the players that dedicate them selves to the Green Machine. We start with the Offensive back field.

Running Backs:
The Running back position in 2013 is one filled with depth of experience and raw rookie talent. Boasting 3 Full Backs and 5 Tail Backs the competition for game time will be tough, but on a team that likes to pound the ball down the oppositions throats everybody will get there chance.

The Full Backs consist of 3 hard hitting individuals who all bring with them an attitude that will shape the running lanes for their trailing Tail Backs. Tom McCormick AKA Macca (upper left), is a cross over from the Defensive End position and, with his quick foot work, will not only be a danger as a blocker but will also see his fair share of the ball. Macca will be challenged for playing time at the position by 3rd year veteran, Mitz Mistry (upper right), and 2nd year returner Alan Bedford both of these players bring with them a desire to step in and step up and will not look out of place in the line-up come game day.

The Tail Backs are an intriguing combination of veteran experience and raw rookie talent and with the loss of Star Running Back and 1000 yard rusher Timi Dada a hand full of players will look to fill the void. The Falcons Management moved quick to add to this core in late November 2012 by adding 12 year veteran and 2008 Brit Bowl Championship winning Running Back, Lawrence Grugeon II AKA Maverick (left), from cross city rivals the Coventry Jets. Having had a previous stint in green back in 2009 as the back up to the departed Dada he rushed for over 300 yards and 4 Touch Downs in just 4 games that year. Grugeon II has also been tasked with the continued development of the Running Back core as the Running Back positional coach.

Two Tail Backs who will be looking to step out of the shadows in 2013 are returning 3rd year veterans Eman Nyabadza (below left) and Stuart Rawlings (below right). Nyabadza brings with him a ‘me against the world’ attitude and looks to punish all defenders that stand in his way. Using his combination of strength, speed and skill Nyabadza is just as comfortable running either up the middle or around the edges and embraces first contact. Rawlings is the quickness of the group, small in stature but fleet of foot, his one step cutting ability makes him a nightmare for all defenders and once he sees daylight only the most athletic of the opposition has a chance of catching him, and with a pair of hands you may see him line up from time to time in the slot.

The Running Back core will be bolstered in 2013 by the addition of two rookies to the position and the game in sporting cross overs Steve O’Hare and Vladimir Maximov. O’Hare has decided to try his hand at American Football in his mid 30’s a late comer to the game crossing over from the more traditional Rugby Union but a welcome addition nevertheless. O’Hare has already showed in training that he is quick to pick up the basics and looks to continue his learning by proving himself against the veterans as he battles for game time in 2013. Maximov is the most intriguing of the group, a Russian by birth and a former Ice-Hockey player by trade he has decided to hang up his skates and try on some cleats as he looks to try his hand at American football. Showing good speed and awareness Maximov might be the difference on ‘Any Given Sunday’.

Falcons Swoop for Championship Transfer’s

The Leicester Falcons can finally announce that they have completed the transfers of two former National and BritBowl Championship Players from local rivals the Coventry Jets.

Running Back Lawrence Grugeon II and Wide Receiver Peter Cleaver have over 25 years football experience between them. They have both played at the top level in the UK as well as stints abroad. Both players have also accepted the roles of positional coaches and look to nurture the existing and new talent in their respective areas of expertise.

Lawrence Grugeon II (above) who will be back for his second stint in Green was on hand to comment; “I have been a part of successful teams all my career and it was a real wrench to walk away from a team that is so close to my heart (Coventry Jets). However, being in the twilight of my playing career, I felt that not only did I need a new challenge but the chance to settle unfinished business from the last time I wore the green in 2009. Also being offered the chance to step in as a player coach was too good an opportunity to turn down. I look forward to the challenge ahead”.

Peter Cleaver (below) brings with him an equally impressive C.V and can boast spells with the Great Britain Spartans League of Europe as well as the French Axe Arenaball team. The Warwickshire native and management consultant has kept himself in peak physical condition and will be looking to help the Falcons compete for the National title. Peter replies “After a few weeks at the Falcons I see a great team spirit and that is key in any winning team”.

The Falcons are extremely excited by these two signings which offset the departures of RB Timi Dada and QB Brad Thompson (Phoenix).

Head Coach, Saul Freer, commented; “We are extremely lucky to be able to attract such players as Lawrence and Peter. Having played with both of them at the Coventry Jets in 2005/06 I know they will bring a lot to the team in character, skill and experience. They are winners and that’s what we intend to be once again. This not only proves our intent on restoring the reputation of the Falcons off the field but on it as well”

Falcons Juniors Step Up:

It is with great pride that the Leicester Falcons can announce that, with the withdrawal of the Junior’s in 2013, there comes some good news as 4 players decide to continue their growth in the game by stepping up to the Senior Team.

Quarter Back Ryan Cummings (right), Wide Receiver Nathan Brawn and Defensive Back Chris Sansom trained for the first time this week with the Senior Squad and didn’t look out of place. They will join Lineman Perry Summers in becoming the 2nd generation of Junior players to step out of the Academy and prove that having an Academy system in place benefits the club as a whole.

Academy Director Karl Burgess who has worked with the 5 players stepping up for the last 3 years said: “It gives me great pride to see these young men make the move to senior ball, and proves with hard work, dedication and commitment what an individual can really achieve., I believe they will go on to not only make a contribution this season but help the Falcons for season’s to come.”

Leicester Falcons Go Viral

The Leicester Falcons today release their version of the 'Harlem Shake' which is a new dance craze that has gone viral worldwide in attempts to attract new blood to the organisation and show the fun side of our ever growing American Football Family. Watch it on YouTube

See it in the press

Another New Hatchling in the Falcons Nest

The Leicester Falcons are pleased to announce another new addition to the ever growing Falcons family. Tayvon Jeremiah Burgess was born Monday 11th February at 3.10pm, weighing 8lb 9oz. Mother and baby are doing fine.

Proud father and Academy Director, Karl Burgess, was on hand to comment: "The past 24hrs have been an emotional roller coaster, but I have not been this happy since the birth of my first son Terrell and love my Wife so much for gifting me these special moments in life"

Leaving a Legacy: Guy and Kate Kersey

2012 was a tough year for the Falcons. Having made it to the Premier Division of British American Football the Leicester Falcons broke down on and off the field with the sudden mid-season departure of Founder Member and Club Chairman, Guy Kersey, who could not turn down the opportunity to transfer his life with his new wife and Club Secretary Catherine (Kate) Kersey to the Bright Lights of Las Vegas, U.S.A. (Picture Kate & Guy at their wedding in May 2012)

New Club Media Manager Lawrence Grugeon was able to catch up with Guy on a recent visit back home in the UK and ask him what he feels he has left behind and his hopes for the club in the future;

Guy: "Back in 2005, after the winning Division 2 with the Coventry Jets, I was approached by a number of players from both Nottingham and Coventry to start a new team. So, with the help of a few others, I started the process of setting up a new team and the obvious location was between the two cities in a city that already had a proud Britball heritage. This city was Leicester. A city that used to be national champions. So I made the decision to sacrifice the last years of playing to build something new and leave a permanent mark on a sport I was passionate about and had played since the age of 13.

From the humble beginnings on a Sunday afternoon at Belgrave Park with 13 players, to build a club into one of the best in the country was a very proud time for me. The highlights in 2008 were certainly taking 17 player's to Shropshire in the mud and competing but never forgetting how they cheap shotted us the whole game. However this game has a way of going full circle, so in 2009 when we went back to Shropshire for the last game of the season for a winner take all match and the final playoff spot up for grabs it was very poetic and satisfying as with 30 seconds left Quarter Back Arturo Sanchez scores the most amazing Touch Down on a naked bootleg to give the Falcons their first ever post-season berth. Topping that year off with winning the Division 2 title was incredible, such a great team spirit. A time that will never be forgotten, and to win in what was arguably one of the best finals ever made it even sweeter. (Picture Kate & Guy hold up the Division 2 Trophy at Britbowl 2009)

My ambitions were high and, when I got the opportunity to bring in a former NFL Quarter Back, I wanted to raise the level of not just the Falcons but the entire league. And we did, but with everything there is always pettiness and jealousy and people who want to try and stop you to protect their own little empires. The level of hatred to Brad Van Pelt disgusted me. But we had a great year and to have rules changed in order to stop you is a kind of compliment.

I am also incredibly proud to have found a permanent facility and having built a football academy with 4 levels of football, and although the facilities aren't there yet knowing that the development of the site has american football and the Falcons involved is a huge achievement in changing the mindset of the local authority. Karl Burgess in particular has been a total asset to the Falcons.

I have now left to pursue a career in the States and will miss my Football Family immensely. I am so proud of my time with the Falcons, and with the people now in charge I know the future is bright, the future is Green".

The Falcons Would like to wish Guy and Kate all the best in their new chapter of life and thank them both for the Legacy they have left behind and the one we hope to continue to build into 2013 and beyond.

"One Team, One Dream = We are Falcons, We are Team"

Falcons Baby Boom

The Falcons are once again proud to announce the arrival of another New Born into our ever growing family. Former Falcons American Free Safety and Stand out player Nick Surface became a father for the first time on the 7th of January to a baby girl 'Hope Elizabeth'. Both Mother and baby are doing well.

This is just the start of what is becoming a Falcons Baby Boom as both Academy Coach, Karl Burgess, and Senior Coach, Johnny Hopewell, are expecting their partners to give birth to their second child within the next 4 weeks. Watch this space for more baby announcements.

Picture below courtesy of Falcons Quarter Back Rob Wylie of his little girl, Sienna Lucia Wylie, who was born last year. Belated congratulations to the Wylie Family.

New Club Sponsor

The Leicester Falcons are proud to announce there New Headline Sponsor for the 2013 British American Football Association National Leagues Season, Rileys Sports Bar. Rileys is situated on the corner of Deacon Street & Grange Lane, Leicester LE2 7EE. The Falcons will now use Rileys as our official club house for Team events, a meeting point before away day games and a place to hold team functions and general get togethers. Team Manager and Academy Director Karl Burgess who put a lot of time and effort into brokering this great deal commented: "It's an exciting partnership for both parties which I hope will stretch past the 2013 season, and it all starts next month with the annual Falcons Super Bowl party."

Watch this space for the Falcons 2013 Super Bowl Party details which will be held at Rileys on Sunday February 3rd.

Leicester Long-Horns attract New Blood for Head Coaching Role

The Leicester Falcons are Proud to announce that Senior Team Full Back and Club Treasurer, Tom McCormick, has accepted the role of Head Coach of the Leicester University Long-Horns American Football Team. This follows the departure of former Head Coach Lee McMahon who has now committed the the Falcons Senior Team Coaching Staff.

Tom will take the step up into the Head Coaches role and with it hopes to build an attractive and successful football programme into 2013 and beyond. Tom Commented, "I have been part of the Longhorns for the past four seasons as a player and a coach and it is an honour to be asked to take over as the Head Coach of the Team.I look forward to leading the team and helping the program develop both on and off the field."

The Falcons family wish Tom and the Long-Horns all the best for the rest of there 2012/13 season and hope to bear the fruits of some very talented young players when its time for them to make there next steps towards Senior Football with the Falcons.

New Coaching Line-up for 2013

The Leicester Falcons are happy to announce their Senior coaching line-up for the 2013 British American Football season. After a unanimous vote by the Falcons Board the Falcons would like to welcome back Saul Freer to the position of Head Coach. He will also undertake the role of Defensive Co-ordinator and has acted fast in assembling
and surrounding himself with a coaching team to the envy of any National Conference Club.

Saul will be assisted on Defence by former Falcons player and Leicester Longhorns Head Coach Lee McMahon who brings a wealth of experience and will also be tasked with leading the Special Teams Unit. Falcons Academy Director Karl Burgess will assist in developing a young and talented defensive backfield.

Johnny Hopewell has been promoted from O-Line Coach to Offensive Co-ordinator, and will bring his 'Smash Mouth Football' style of play back to the Falcons which did them so well back in their Championship Season of 2009. Johnny will be assisted on Offence by his brother and former 2009 championship winning Head Coach Lester Hopewell. Lester will step into the O-Line coach's role vacated by Johnny. Johnny has also been very happy to have recruited former player Lawrence Grugeon from local rivals Coventry Jets to be his assistant Offensive Co-ordinator and undertake the development of the Falcons Running Back core.

Saul commented "The new committee has been striving to rebuild the team and are proud to announce that the Green Machine is back and looking forward to the 2013 season."

The Falcons are always actively seeking Coaches, Players and anybody who just wants to get involved in Falcons Football., Please feel free to get in contact and show your interest in becoming the latest recruit in the Leicester Falcons ever increasing Falcons Football Family, "One Team, One Dream - We are Falcons, We are Team"

see also BAFANL News

Congratulations Alan and Shannon Bedford

The Leicester Falcons would like to Congratulate Alan and Shannon Bedford on their new addition to the Falcons Family, Alan commented: "I'm glad to let people know my son Alfie Jack Lorenzo Bedford was born this afternoon 18/12/12 at 16:22 weighing 8lbs 1.5oz. Both Alfie and my beautiful wife Shannon are well. She was amazing; after 23 hours of contractions her waters had to be broken at 15:30, 30 minutes later she started pushing and after 22 minutes he was born. This is the greatest I have ever felt! — at Leicester Royal Infirmary Maternity Unit."

Jay Dhesi - RIP

It is with the greatest of sadness that late last night we at the Falcons found out that the Peterborough Saxons have lost one of there Football Brothers Jay Dhesi in a tragic accident.

Will White, Head Coach of the Saxons, commented: "Myself and some other saxons met up to have a drink in Jay's honour and support his Vikings. It was very emotional but an awesome way to pay respect to a great young man!!

It was my pleasure to be his head coach and one the many friends he had; he made an instant impact at the Saxons, with drive & determination to be the best!!

R.I.P Jay Dhesi you are in football heaven looking down on us!! You have achieved Greatness my Saxon Brother, you will be sorely missed but never forgotten!!

We Love You!!! Peterborough Saxons v2.0 1 Heart 1 Team!!!

The Leicester Falcons Family would like to send our condolences to all at the Saxons and to Jay's Family at this sad time.

BBC News Story

Nothamptonshire Telegraph Report

Karl Burgess to head Falcons Academy

The Falcons are pleased to announce that, with immediate effect, Karl Burgess is to head the Falcons Acadamy junior and youth teams. This change has been made as the youth Head Coach, Brad Thompson, has been unable to give as much time to the programme as he would like. He will concentrate on his work at Quarter Back with the senior team, and has of course offered to help as and when he can.

Karl is keen to develope the Acadamy programme which is seen as the future of football.

It is also great to see former Senior Head Coach, Saul Freer, back on a the field coaching the future talent.