Nighthawks ready to swoop for glory in 2009

Feb 18 2009 by James Maloney, Birkenhead News

JUST four seasons ago, the Merseyside Nighthawks American Football organisation finished their season having lost all their games and ranked last in the UK.

But a strong recruiting campaign saw the team add plenty of youth to their squad and the following season, they faired a little better winning two games.

Improvements on the field were far greater than this suggested, with many close losses. The turnaround was almost completed in the 2007 season, when the Nighthawks posted a seven wins, two losses and a single tie record, narrowly missing out on the play-offs and being the only team to beat the mighty Dundee Hurricanes.

Nighthawks’ turnaround was finally complete in 2008, when they were able to win eight of their 10 games on their way to capturing the title in the British American Football League (BAFL) Division Two North.

They also qualified- for the playoff rounds, fairing well against some great opposition, as well as gaining promotion to BAFL Division One.

Nighthawks are now preparing for their 2009 assault on Division One and have started off with a bang, attracting new coaches to the club, including Brian Coulson, who played in the ’80s for the Manchester ‘All-stars’, and Carl Rugen, who has experience with the Great Britain.

Both are excited to be part of the Merseyside Nighthawks set-up and the team are working harder than ever as they face their greatest challenge to date.

Although the team calls Birkenhead home and weekly Sunday training takes place at Birkenhead Park Rugby Club, they also hold two mid-week fitness and conditioning sessions in Knowsley.

Merseyside Nighthawks are always on the lookout for new players and volunteers. For further information visit www.merseysidenighthawks.co.uk or e-mail: merseysidenighthawks@hotmail.co.uk