American Football Sapphire Series kicks off this weekend

On Saturday 27 February, the season kicks off with the Association’s Sapphire Series, which is taking place in three locations across the country, including Leeds.

For this first time, the series will include a national championship alongside its regular north and south 5v5 divisions, where women’s 7v7 football will be played in the UK for the first time within the competition.

On Saturday, teams from all over the UK will be travelling to Leeds to compete in the first round: these will include the Hertfordshire Tornadoes, Derby Braves, Manchester Titans and Birmingham Lions - who are the reigning champions of the Sapphire Series.

Leeds Carnegie Club Captain, Robyn Steward, said: “With a long wait for the contact season, we are ready for the new challenges of the National Conference and to be able to hold the 1st ever 7v7 Tournament at Headingley Campus is an honour! After our first season as CAFW, to have recruited enough players to put us in a position where we are able to compete in national league against some of the best teams in the country, as Captain, I couldn’t ask for more.

“The team is looking strong: we are reaching new levels at training and we're looking forward to be wearing the new Leeds Beckett University jerseys on Saturday. With our rookies turning into footballers, I am excited to see what each player brings to the table, alongside a strong coaching staff including returning coaches Coach Whybrow and Coach Scholes; and with the addition of a new Head Coach, Paul Wake, and Defensive Coach Smith. We are looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

After placing fifth during their rookie season in the 2015 Sapphire Series, the Carnegie women are keen to stamp their mark on the 2016 National Championship. On Saturday, Leeds will play both Manchester and Derby and, after suffering a loss to Derby in the 2015 Sapphire Series final, it's time to take get on the field and play for the first wins of the contact season.

When asked about his thoughts on the team’s entry to the Sapphire Series for the National Championship, Coach Paul Wake said: “The women's team have been working hard and we, as coaches, are looking forward to the challenge of the full contact Sapphire Series. There are some excellent teams in the inaugural national division that have been around a while and we are the new kids on the block. But we are looking to show we are not here to be passengers. Our team have shown good potential and we have worked with them. Now it's down to them to realise that potential.”

Leeds Carnegie American Football has seen many changes since last season with a transfer from Teesside bringing another talented member of the Great Britain squad to the team, along with a wealth of rookie talent and a new head coach.

Gaby Knops (pictured top) is a rookie running back for the CAF squad. She added: “Joining the Carnegie women's squad has been an amazing experience. I've learnt so much from Coaches Wake, Whybrow and our offensive co-ordinator Coach Scholes since joining the football family here in Leeds. Together with having one of Great Britain’s running backs on the squad to train alongside, this has been invaluable for developing my skills and knowledge of the game. We've been training hard since finishing the Opal Series and now I'm ready for the contact season and cannot wait to get on the field and show off everything I've learnt.”

Newly appointed Offensive Captain and returning Centre, Kayleigh Whybrow, commented: “We’ve got a jam-packed football weekend ahead. I’m super excited to get back on the pitch with our Carnegie family on Saturday hosting the first round of the Sapphire Series (National Championship). We have an awesome line up against familiar faces Derby Braves and Manchester Titans. I’m looking forward to seeing our hard work at training be put to good use and what challenges the games will bring - and how we can use that to further improve. Then on Sunday we will be supporting our men's team as they head to the first round of the playoffs. Bring on the weekend!”

Rookie offensive line, Rachel Roberts, said: “Having played rugby in Liverpool for seven years, last year I decided to give American football a bash. In the short time I've been playing for Leeds Carnegie, I've not only learnt a cracking new sport, but I've learnt a lot about myself and made some amazing friends that I know I can count on come Sapphire. I can't wait to put all our hard work and training to use and make 2016 our year!”

Spectators are welcome to come and cheer the teams on. It is free to watch and there will be a bake sale taking place at the Pavilion to raise funds for the team.