Who are we?
We are the Great Britain Lions Under 17's American Football Team.
We are wanting to play in our first ever international fixture at the under 17 age level against the Austrian National Team in Vienna on Sunday 27th November 2022.
Community impact
In the UK contact American Football is played from the age of 13 years old. But as it currently stands, the earliest opportunity to play in an international game for Great Britain would be at the Under 19 age group. For players who are 13/14/15 and even 16 years old, this might appear to be a goal that is out of reach.
However across Europe, many other nations have a national team at the age group of Under 17, catering to younger players who want to push and develop themselves to be the best players they can be.
In late 2021 it was decided to create the U17's team to improve the involvement of some of the most exciting young athletes within the sport of American Football in Great Britain. To have them engaged within the National Programme earlier in their playing careers. To aid their development to be the next generation of players, leaders and young persons under the tutelage of some of the UK's best coaches.
In March 2022 the Great Britain Lions Under 17's American Football programme held it's first ever team practice with the aim of competing in it's first ever international game at this age group.
To date this programme has been self funded by players, parents, coaches and volunteers.
In November 2022 the Great Britain Lions U17's plan to play the Austrian U17's National Team.
Having the Great Britain Lions U17 compete in it's first ever game will legitimise this age group within the UK national programme structure, and will open the door to be able to compete in future tournaments across Europe for players in this age catchment.
In doing so, this will give an incentive for players to stay within the game for longer and also look to bring more new players at the grassroots club level knowing that they could perhaps one day represent their country.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We are crowd funding to help with the cost to all involved to travel to Vienna to face the Austrian National Team.
The programme at this age group is funded entirely by players, parents, coaches and volunteers.
How we’ll spend the money raised
The money raised will firstly be used to either reduce the cost per person or fund entirely the trip to Austria to allow the team to compete in the first ever international game for the Great Britain Lions at the Under 17 age group.
Currently the trip is having to be entirely funded by the players, parents, coaches and volunteers who are travelling to Austria.
Any funds raised above the cost of this trip will be used to help fund the programme going into 2023 for practice venue rental and costs for future games.
All photos courtesy of Paul White.
How you can play your part
There are some simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Please please please. share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
Thanking you all for your support
Great Britain Lions Under 17 American Football Players, Coaches and Volunteers