Nigel Pearson isn’t the only manager guiding a Leicester side up through the divisions; a football team that play with a different shaped ball are also tasting success. Leicester Falcons General Manager, Guy Kersey and Game Day Manager, Catherine Grimbly talked to Soar Magazine about their team’s success, community-focused ethos and the often doubted appeal of American Football.

Having gained full membership status to the BAFL (British American Football League) as recently as 2007, the Leicester Falcons survived a trying first year after sticking to the league stipulation that any new team is completely made up of rookie players. Their commitment paid off though, and the club sealed promotion to the first Division of British American Football this September after a narrow 33-32 win over the Colchester Gladiators.

General Manager, Guy Kersey, puts the rapid success of the team down to the club’s excellent array of coaching staff.

“Two of our coaches were professional players, so they understand what needs to be done. Some of the players have gone from being rookies to champions in a two-year period.”

Game Day Manager, Catherine Grimbly, points out that there wasn’t an influx of players prior to the success and believes this approach is more likely to build a solid foundation for the future. “Apart from one or two new players, we had the core of the team from the previous year. We don’t want to be the Manchester City or Chelsea of American Football!”

“We want to create a lasting culture of support and friendship and we have seen that develop over the past few years. We are dealing with people from different ethnic and socio-economic groups, creating close links and strong bonds. This starts on the field and expands outwards. This can lead to a better quality of life.”

Catherine believes it’s key to ensure the club is run professionally but also remains as inclusive as ever.

“Our aim is to run the club as professionally as possible while keeping it affordable. We don’t want to make it an elitist sport.”

The Falcons currently charge one of the lowest fees of any club in the country, with players paying just £12 a month. Catherine added: “It’s so multi-cultural in Leicester and we want to make sure that people from all walks of life can come and play and feel welcome in the team.”

Kersey also stresses that American Football has a responsibility to provide young men with strong, positive role models.

“We want to provide youngsters with a real alternative to gang culture and instil real discipline.”

This principle is ingrained at the club, as players are required to sign a code of conduct before being cleared to play. As well as their admirable community development aim, The Falcons also harbour long term ambitions, as Guy explained.

“Within the next five years we want to be playing in Europe.”

The Falcons squad consists of players with varying professional sporting backgrounds, including ex-Leicester Tigers star Freddie Tuilagi. Kersey believes that a diverse mix of expertise adds to a professional culture that translates from the training ground to the pitch.

Many people would say the appeal of American Football is too small for the game to ever really establish in the hearts and minds of English sports enthusiasts, but Catherine isn’t one of them.

“The following of the sport here is cultish, in that it is relatively small, but highly committed. Once the basics are understood, it’s an incredibly exciting game.”

To back this up, Guy revealed that the demand for the recent NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots outstripped the usual clamour for England football tickets.

Next year an extra game is scheduled, and there is even the possibility that the Superbowl, one of the world’s most watched sporting events, could be held in London.

“To get that in the UK would be phenomenal. We also have the advantage of being a summer sport. The only competition we face for coverage is cricket,” said Guy.

The biggest obstacle American Football faces to establish itself as a major spectator sport in Leicester is the lack of a viable local venue.

“There isn’t a community sports stadium here at the moment. Our sport needs to be viewed from a raised position to be understood properly and enjoyed. Once we get a facility, we can really build momentum,” Kersey explains.

When faced with derision from cock-sure rugby enthusiasts about the pads worn to play American Football, Kersey is quick to dispel the idea that American Football is a game for those who can’t handle the physical contest of rugby.

“It is an extreme physical challenge. Studies show the impact of an American Football tackle can be up to seven times as powerful as a rugby one.”

Kersey was responsible for founding the club and as it continues to prosper and grow, he admits it can be an extremely challenging task. As well as counterbalancing the desire for a responsible and sustainable club, with the desire to compete and succeed, he has the unenviable job of keeping a 60-man squad happy.

“Keeping players motivated and keeping egos under control is a challenge. You can’t please all the people all the time. Sometimes it feels like you can’t please anyone any of the time!”

A tough job indeed, but like Nigel Pearson, Guy is certainly managing to succeed.

For more information visit www.leicesterfalcons.co.uk

Words by Paul Dhillon