2019 saw the flame of the Tamworth Phoenix continue to burn brightly, with the program making strides both on and off of the field that will lead into 2020.
Taking a look back at 2019 and ahead to 2020, we chatted with Tamworth Phoenix President James Hossack.
The senior team and under-17 team each reached the peak of British American football, making it to Britbowl national finals in postseason play: A third successive appearance for the seniors and an appearance in the Championship Finals tournament for the under-17s.
@HayleyTakesPics captured the under-17 team as they celebrated an undefeated regular season, while Photo Phoenix snapped the senior team offense in the Britbowl.
Continuing to grow the Phoenix PHutures American football program for youngsters in the local area, the Phoenix launched a non-contact ‘flag football’ team for boys and girls aged 8-12 alongside an under-19 team redebuting in League competition.
The under-19 team took to the Pack Meadow field in 2019, while boys and girls aged 8-13 enjoyed flag football taster sessions at the Rawlett School.
“We’re all immensely proud of all the players, coaches and volunteers who gave up their time to contribute to our success and achievement this season,” said Tamworth Phoenix President James Hossack. “Next year, we hope to go a step further as we continue develop all levels of the club. It has been fantastic to see the transition of players through the different age groups and 2019 saw our first player to play at all three age groups when he represented the adults in the Britbowl. We hope to establish this ‘pipeline’ for a long time to come to aid the longevity and prosperity of the club."
Photo Phoenix captured Billy Elliott in action for the Tamworth Phoenix under-19 team, who went on to represent the senior team in the Britbowl.
Success on the field was reflected in no less than nine senior team players representing Great Britain in European Championships qualifying games, while 11 from the under-17 and under-19 teams have been selected for the Junior Great Britain squad for 2020.
Elliot Walters, Ovie Jacob Omueda, Fisayo Olukoya, Nelson Charles-Nwufoh, Daniel Hampton, Ben Burslem, Ben Davies, Deji Alli, Ashley Miller, and Stephen Gregory from the Tamworth Phoenix senior team all represented Great Britain in 2019.
“We’re incredibly proud of the number of players selected for the Great Britain senior and under-19 teams. This goes to show that the Phoenix are not only concerned with participation in the sport, but also a genuine player development pathway with quality coaching at all levels from when first joining the programme - all the way through to age group and senior international representation,” said Hossack.
Winning a fourth Premier North Division title in four years, the senior team finished with a 9-1 regular season record in 2019 and was victorious in a national semi-final at the Pack Meadow in Coleshill - where the team will continue to play in 2020 alongside the Phoenix PHutures under-19 team.
Photo Phoenix captured the Pack Meadow crowd in fine voice during the Tamworth Phoenix seniors team's 2019 national semi-final.
But not resting on their laurels after the conclusion of the 2019 season, the Phoenix have been hosting offseason practice sessions and Phoenix PHutures taster sessions for under-19, under-17 and flag teams in preparation for 2020. MSC Performance Birmingham has also hosted groups from the senior team and Phoenix PHutures for team strength and conditioning sessions.
And with games being set to be played from April through to August in 2020, another exciting season looks to be in store. Nix Nation membership will be returning in 2020, which was been a hit with fans through a season ticket for home games and entry into the Nix Community Raffle in which fans were able to win prizes totaling £1000 over the course of the season.
To continue building the Nix Nation initiative and help the program pursue its goals of competing at the very top level of American football and strengthening its offering of American football for the local area, the Phoenix are welcoming sponsors to join the ‘PHamily’.
And with 2020 fixture lists soon to be announced, recruitment for all Tamworth Phoenix teams is currently open heading into preseason training after the New Year.
All are welcomed to keep up date and get involved with all things Phoenix here at www.tamworthphoenix.co.uk and via social media:
Junior/under-19: Facebook
Flag/AGES 8-12: Facebook
Photo Phoenix snapped the senior team after their national semi-final victory at the Pack Meadow in 2019, who are welcoming recruits for the 2020 season.
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