Fresh from winning Britball’s Double Coverage Programme of the Year Award, Manchester Titans American Football Club have been galvanised for 2017.
The Titans picked up the coveted title at the Britbowl Awards for the 2016 season after emerging in the last five years as one of the clubs to watch on the British American Football scene.
They beat out contenders such as the London Warriors and Kent Exiles with the most likes on social media from Britball’s huge following.
The Titans also had nominations for: Catch of the Year – Ste Kimmins (Adult Contact), Run of the Year – Lawrence Sarpond (Adult Contact) & Sian Perry (Women Contact), Boom of the Year – Fern Elliot (Women Contact) & Greg Morgan (U17 Contact).
The Titans boast a diverse program and are now competing in every competition that the British American Football Association (BAFA) runs, establishing teams at U19, U17x2, Women, Adult and Flag.
Since their establishment back in 2003 they have gone from strength to strength. What started out as small group of dedicated Mancunian players is now a thriving hub of talent and passion for the sport.
“It was very humbling to be nominated, to receive something like this that is nominated by our peers in the British American Football community means a lot to all of us,” said club chairman Jonathan Homer.
“To win it, through our social media, was even better. It has given everyone at the club a big lift and the energy to kick on again.
“Our key thing is the breadth of our club, there are maybe only one or two teams that have the quantity of teams that we do, have the diversity of competition and offering and have our size.
“Perhaps this is what made us stand out.
“Clubs like East Kilbride Pirates (who came second), London Warriors and Kent Exiles (other nominees) are exactly the clubs we looked to emulate.
“So to be considered alongside shows how far we have come and vindicates the decisions we have taken. It’s a nice pat on the back for everyone in Manchester.”
Britball were just as delighted at the Titans’ success, a spokesperson adding: “The Titans have emerged as one of the most progressive programmes in Britball over recent years, as displayed not only by the great offering of American Football opportunities they’re able to share, but also the huge amount of support their nomination for the award attracted.
“It’s a very promising sign both for the Titans and the British game as a whole, that the Titans programme are finding ways to match their successes on the field with the growth of a vocal and supportive community of fans – something that is integral to the sustainability of the sport in the UK!
“Congrats Titans, very much deserved!”
