Leeds’ oldest football team have been promoted and will be playing in Britain’s top division next year – American football that is.
The Yorkshire Rams, who will also celebrate their 25th anniversary next season, will be plying their trade on the gridirons of the British American Football Association National League (BAFANL) come May after going up from Division One and they are not there to simply make up the numbers.
Linebacker Adam Cowely said: “We’re confident that we can win at least half of our games, we don’t think we’re going to be anybody’s whipping boys.
“We can definitely be competitive, but whether we’re ready to be challenging for the national title just yet remains to be seen.”
The Rams play their home games at the Leeds Corinthians Rugby Club and will make up one of the six franchises in the BAFANL’s Northern Conference, with the top teams going on to face their Southern Conference counterparts in a play-off format.
Cowely believes that American football is on the rise.
he recalled: “I have always liked the sport and then I got an opportunity to play it instead of rugby when I got to university – we get a few guys who convert from rugby, it’s a common path.
“There has been a bit of a jump in participation since the NFL games have started coming to Wembley.
“It’s the only sport where there’s a position for everyone for every size, shape and build.”
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