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American Football

It is a game for all shapes and sizes, with 20-stone blockers featuring in the same team as speedy pass catchers.

An Overview of American Football

American Football is a team sport where the objective is to score points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone by running with it or throwing it to a teammate.

In American Football points are scored by carrying the ball over the opponent's goal line, catching a pass thrown over that goal line, kicking the ball through the opponent's goal posts or tackling an opposing ball carrier in his own end zone.

Benefits

  • Improve skills of all types, from physical technique and endurance to communication and analytical skills.
  • Development of explosive physical skills
  • Good team and social environment
  • Balance
  • Burns calories! The amount of calories you can burn depends on your weight, position and the amount of time you are in the game, but can be up to 500 calories an hour for lighter players and 900 calories an hour for heavier players.

Involvement

American football can be played at adult, university and junior levels, with the British American Football Association set to introduce a schools and colleges league. The British American Football Association lists all teams around Great Britain on their website - www.britishamericanfootball.org/find-a-club

Adaptations and Equipment

  • Helmet with a face guard
  • Neck Collar/Neck Roll
  • Jockstrap and Cup
  • Mouth Guard
  • Thigh, Hip and Knee Pads
  • Shoulder Pads
  • Gloves

Facts

  • The National Football League was formed in 1920 and was the principal league until the 1960s, when the rival American Football League became a legitimate competitor.
  • In 1966, the two leagues agreed to play a season-ending fixture to decide the best team in both competitions. This was the start of the Super Bowl. The leagues fully merged in 1970, creating the two "conference" NFL that is still in existence today.

Find American Football Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

National Governing Bodies

British American Football Association

Contact Name
General Enquires
Contact Email
human.resources@britishamericanfootball.org
Contact Telephone
07971 497792
BRITISH UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES SPORT

BRITISH UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES SPORT

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) is the national governing body for Higher Education (HE) sport in the UK, a membership organisation, and a company limited by guarantee with charitable status, and our vision is simple, to enhance the student e

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.

You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.

If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum

A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.

You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.

If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.