The Coventry Cassidy Jets recently announced plans to develop both Junior and Youth kitted teams to compete in the British American Football League. Veteran Senior player and two time National Championship winner Dave Cowen has taken on the role as the Jets' Youth Development Manager.
Cowen's first job was to recruit a Head Coach and he wasted no time in appointing former Michigan Wolverines tight end Lou Barnes. Barnes has acted as an offensive assistant for the senior team over the past 2 years and recently accepted the role of Special Teams Co-ordinator.
The ambitious project will be aided by a grassroots Heart of England grant for £4,910 as well as the current infrastructure at the Jets. The club have attempted to start a Youth programme on two previous occasions within their 5 year history but have already progressed far further this time around gaining entry in the League and competing for the National Title at Junior level.
With the season soon to get underway the Jets now know that they'll play in the Northern Division of the English Conference. Only the division winners will qualify for Septembers Finals Day at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster. In order to fulfil their ambition the Jets will have to overcome established teams from Standish, Chorley & Sheffield before a semi-final showdown with the best that Scotland has to offer.
Training is already underway at the War Memorial Park on Saturday afternoons (13:00-15:00) and Wednesday evenings at Pinley RFC (18:00-19:30). The Jets are still recruiting and sessions are open to anyone aged between 14-18 that's interested in playing kitted football. For further information please see the club website www.cassidyjets.com.