Knights Academy season review 2021
At Northants Knights we give young athletes a clear pathway into American Football, establishing, growing and developing our own players.
Young players come through our Academy and feature for our Youth (U16) and Junior (U19) teams, playing full contact games but with smaller squad numbers.
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2021 was a very successful year for both of our Academy teams, and we caught up with the head coaches to get their views.
Junior season review
After going 6-0 and winning the BAFA U19 Midlands Division 2, Knights Junior Head Coach Jack O’Beirne shares his thoughts on what was a highly successful season.
“I'm extremely pleased with how our rookie season went. We were projected to finish third in the group by many people looking in from the outside.
“What they didn't know however, was just how dedicated and talented my players were. From day one in the pre season they brought in to everything that myself and the coaching staff were trying to build.
“We set the standard early and never let up. At times it was hard to keep the players motivated but we all had a common goal to work towards and in the end the hard work paid off.
“We started the season with a huge setback, losing team captain Nick Moses in the first half of our very first game. Unfortunately it meant that he was out for the entire season but we are confident that he will return next year after what we hope is a successful BUCS season with the University of Nottingham.
“We only have seven returning players as it stands, with players ageing out and moving on to University for winter so recruiting will be key for us in the off season and we welcome any new players aged 16 to 19 to join us next season with the same aim of repeating the success from 2021.”
Youth season review
The Youth team finished a respectable second place in BAFA U16 Midlands B Division with a record of 7-3-1 with the season coming down to the last couple of games.
Head Coach Matt Godfrey gave us his view on how the season went.
“I have to say I’m very happy with how this season has turned out for us. To have come second in a division where two out of the four teams have been established for a number of years is an achievement.
"Was I disappointed in not clinching the division? Of course, but the players played way beyond my expectations and gave it their all and I can’t ask any more.
"We have one player looking to go to the NFL academy next year, plus another who has been invited once he meets the age requirement. We also have had a number of players invited for GB trials. Putting that into perspective, these guys have achieved in their rookie year is amazing.
"To the players going up to the under-19s next season, I know they’ll be an asset to coach Jack. I personally want to say thank you to all of the players for their efforts. I also want to thank the Knights organisation for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make the games possible.”