Ahead of this Sunday’s first Open Session in Bedford we caught up with 2017 Rookie of the Year Bob Benney…
Position
Wide Receiver
Height/Weight
5ft 8ins, 156lbs
Hometown
Bedford
Age
19
Favourite NFL team/player:
Seattle Seahawks, Ray Lewis (past), Kam Chancellor
How did you get involved with American football, and the Eagles in particular?
I got involved with American Football by having a few lessons of it in school at the same time the Super Bowl 47 was on but didn’t have a clue what was going on.
A year later I learned more about it and watched Super Bowl 48, saw the Seahawks kill it and I’ve loved the sport since. I started looking about for a team with my mate and came across the newly formed Ouse Valley Eagles, started coming down to a few sessions for the youth team, and when I turned 18 I joined the Eagles and haven’t looked back since.
Did anything particularly take you by surprise during your rookie season?
The thing that surprised me most is how well the team makes people feel at home. You instantly feel part of the team and this means everyone is helping everyone else get better whether it be players, coaches or the committee.
What is your favourite thing about playing for the Eagles?
Getting to play the sport and getting out there to play alongside these guys. We’re always trying to push each other and get better.
Also, being involved with the Eagles, just everything they represent and the passion and dedication from everyone. Everyone’s got a winning mentality and that’s something I’m about.
How did it feel being named Rookie of the Year?
It was a great achievement, coming from the youth team and moving onto the senior team and winning the award was crazy.
We (me and Ryan Bowtell) always talked about moving into the senior team and playing, and for us both to win awards that night was insane!
Just want to thank them for the award and all the coaches from youth to senior who I wouldn’t have got the award without.
If you had one piece of advice for anyone considering playing for the first time, what would it be?
Just come and give it a try to see if it’s for you! No matter how much experience, how much knowledge or how big or small, we will help you and we will definitely find a place for you in the team!
Picture courtesy of Tallboy Images.
2017 Open Sessions
Open to those interested in playing for the Ouse Valley Eagles senior (18+) or Bedford Blackhawks Youth (13+) full contact teams as well as the Blackhawks senior flag (16+) team, we will be running four sessions during November:
– Sunday 5th November | University of Bedfordshire, Bedford (10am-12pm)
– Sunday 12th November | Stantonbury Campus, Milton Keynes (12pm-2pm)
– Sunday 19th November | Northampton High School, Northampton (10am-12pm)
– Sunday 26th November | Lealands High School, Luton (10am-12pm)
To register your interest please complete the form below, get in touch via Twitter or keep your eye out for the events on our Facebook page.
