Head Coach Vince Gillen and Youth player Connor Nicholson of Inverclyde Phoenix attended the Football University training camp at Stirling University last weekend. The camp provided American football training exclusively for the most elite youth and high school players. Born out of the appreciation that the most successful and skilled football players have mastered great technique, and that for many younger players this level of coaching is simply not available, the Football University (FBU) experience focussed on intense position-specific technique training taught by former and current NFL coaches who have a passion for sharing this experience with young athletes.

In attendance were former Scottish Claymores Head Coach Gene Dalqhuist; Oakland Raiders Defensive Co-ordinator Chuck Bresnahan: former Pittsburgh Offensive Line Coach Larry Zierlein and former Buffalo Bills Defensive Coordinator Ted Cottrell. Vince Gillen stated ‘There has never been a better coaching line-up available to British players and coaches than these guys. It was a privilege to be able to learn from the best.”

The exciting news for the Phoenix, is that Connor Nicholson(16) of Notre Dame High School was picked to go to the invite-only “Top Gun” camp in Virginia, USA in July this year. This is an elite camp for the very best high school players in America. To be chosen is a great honour and great opportunity. His Head Coach stated – ‘Connor thoroughly deserves this chance. He has put a lot of work and effort into his training and has genuine quality. I know he will do well and perform to his best abilities.’ ‘There will be another opportunity for players to go to FBU Top Gun camps in September as well as the possibility of playing for Team Europe in San Antonio next year against the Canadians, Mexicans and Japanese.

Connor now has to raise funds for his flight and stay in Virginia – though the cost of camp was waived as he was invited by FBU. The Phoenix will be helping to raise funds in the coming month but if any else would like to support Connor please do get in touch.

Inverclyde Phoenix American Football Club are excited to announce that double Super Bowl winner Lawrence Tynes of the New York Giants has agreed to be the Official Patron of the Club. Tynes, who was born in Greenock, stated ‘I am more than happy to lend my support to the Phoenix. It’s great to see the work they are doing in Inverclyde’s schools, introducing the sport of American Football. I wish them the very best of luck and maybe I will see some of the young players in the NFL at some time in the future’.

 Head Coach of the Phoenix, Vince Gillen said ‘This is fantastic news. To win the Super Bowl is to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Lawrence has done this twice. He is a superstar in the NFL and to have his support is just great. His young cousin is currently playing for our Youth team so he has an active interest in the team.”

 “To have Lawrence as our Club Patron is a great honour and will hopefully inspire more young people to take up the sport”

 The team is currently recruiting for the new season – at all age levels, from 12 years old up. Anyone interested should phone 07905858577 for more information or visit www.inverclydephoenix.com

 The Club is also looking for sponsor partners who would like to be associated with this fast growing sport and Inverclyde Phoenix.

THE first kitted inter-school American Football game in Inverclyde took place between Clydeview Academy Colts and the Port Glasgow Comets.

It is thought this may well be the first ever kitted game in Scotland, possibly in the UK involving two school teams.

This was the culmination of three years of hard work by Inverclyde Phoenix American Football Club and Active Schools, introducing the sport through lunch time flag football sessions and after school clubs.

With the generous help of Awards for All, 20 players were able to take part in an exciting game.

The Colts had more experience in their side and ran out to a quick 24-0 lead through scores by Grant McManus, David Lawson and Jamie Dale but the Comets, under the leadership of Jordan Harvey, and the tremendous running of Tony McLeod and Matt Hezseltine, clawed back the lead bit by bit until they were only three points behind at 39-36.

A great tackle by Sean Riley forced a turnover but hopes of staging a dramatic comeback however were dashed by a long touchdown run by Jamie Dale. Final score was Clydeview Colts 45 Port Glasgow Comets 35. The game was played in great spirit and was thoroughly enjoyed by players and coaches.

The return game will be played at Port Glasgow in the next few weeks.

Clydeview Colts -- Ruiaridh McKillop, Kyle Ellis, David Fisher, Connor Finan, Darren Pollard, Grant McManus, Jamie Dale, Scott Galbraith, David Lawson, Dale McKechnie, Alex Cleary, Lewis Connell

Port Glasgow Comets – Jordan Harvey, Connor Addison, Gary Mullan, Lewis Mills, Matt Hezseltine, Sean Riley, Mark Hagan, Tony McLeod