The Coventry Jets began the second phase of their youth development programme as they announced plans to compete in the British American Football League’s 2010 youth competition. Jets’ Academy Manager Dave Cowen revealed that Adam Biggs has been appointed Head Coach of a youth team (16-19 year olds) that will feature several graduates from the 2009 juniors (14-16 year olds). Biggs will be looking for new players as he invites all comers to attend the Jets’ first ever open day on December the 13th.
Cowen thanked the Heart of England Community Foundation for their support when making the announcement, “it’s thanks in large part to the Heart of England that we’ve got to this point. We’re 10 months into this project and we’re on track for achieving our goals. The junior team will once again compete for the National Title and we fully expect to fulfil an eight game schedule with the youth team as well”. The Jets will likely face several local clubs including the Birmingham Bulls, Tamworth Phoenix and Redditch Arrows in the BAFL Youth Central Conference. “We’ve got a squad full of talented youngsters and are very hopeful that we’ll compete well in our debut season” stated an optimistic Cowen.
In Biggs Cowen has hired a Head Coach that has a fine playing pedigree. Starting his football career at the age of 16 with the Lancashire Wolverine Colts Biggs helped his team to two National Championship finals before stepping up to the senior team. The accomplished cornerback also received a call to represent the GB Lions at both youth and senior level. In 2005 Biggs was part of the GB team that won the European Group B finals in France before taking a step down to play for an up and coming Coventry Jets.
Still only 20 when he began his Jets career, Biggs became a permanent starter at corner helping his side to five straight playoff appearances with three bowl wins including a National Title in 2008. Quite apart from his domestic achievements Biggs also started in all three Eurobowl games including the victories over the Valencia Firebats and Oslo Vikings before the quarter-final loss to eventual victors the Tirol Raiders.
Besides being an accomplished player Biggs has seven years coaching under his belt including stints with the Bolton Braves, Lancashire Wolverines Colts and England Youth. Now living and working in Coalville the Coventry University graduate has joined former Jets star James Hossack on the coaching staff of perennial university football powerhouse the Loughborough Aces.
Biggs’ first job in his new role will be to oversee the Jets’ inaugural open day. The ambitious event is designed to bring new players to the club and is open to anyone that would like to try out to become a Jet. Hosted at the state of the art Alan Higgs Centre, home of Coventry City FC’s academy, Biggs and his coaching staff will put the rookies through their paces as they test agility, speed and strength over the course of a two hour introduction to American Football. Registration will begin at 11:45 with participants being asked to bring a water bottle, a drink and appropriate apparel for an outdoor training session. The open day will be conducted on one of the 3G football pitches and will cost £2 per person.