NEWS | Coaches Required

17 Nov

The club are looking for coaches to work with each of our four teams ahead of the 2018 season.

The Eagles were formed in 2013 following a merger between the Milton Keynes Pathfinders and Bedfordshire Blue Raiders, initially as a Senior contact team offering football to those in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.

The Bedford Blackhawks Flag team were created in 2016, and were soon joined by the Blackhawks Youth (now U17) kitted 5v5 team.

Last month we launched our Player Development Programme, which focuses on strength and conditioning, diet and nutrition, football education and skills measurement.

We also recently announced the formation of a second U17 contact team – the Milton Keynes Redwings – who will initially play friendly matches during a development year in 2018, with a view of joining the National League in 2019.

Requirements

The ideal candidates will hold a Level 1 BAFCA Coaching Qualification in American Football and have previous coaching experience, or be willing to obtain the qualification at the earliest opportunity.

They will be available for practice sessions and games, highly organised, able to communicate effectively, have a forward-thinking approach to American Football, a positive attitude and a passion for developing talent.

Player retention, recruitment and development is a central part of our coach’s role. As such you will be expected to work alongside our existing coaches in order to facilitate the transition of Academy players into the senior program, and from flag to contact football (and vice versa) as appropriate, demonstrating and promoting the values of the Club at all levels.

Application Process

To register your interest in coaching with our club, please complete the form below. All correspondence will be treated in confidence.

NEWS | Northampton Open Session this Sunday

16 Nov

Open to those interested in playing for the Ouse Valley Eagles senior (18+), Bedford Blackhawks Youth (U17) or Milton Keynes Redwings (U17) full contact teams, as well as the Blackhawks senior flag (16+) team, the third Open Session of the month takes place this Sunday in Northampton.

The session runs from 10am to 12pm at Northampton High School, and registrations open at 9.45am.

If you have always fancied having a go why not try it out and see how you get on? No previous experience is necessary, as our team of qualified coaches will put you through your paces running a series of non-contact passing, catching, running and blocking drills designed to give you a real taste of American Football.

What to expect

If you want to know what to expect at the session, check out this highlights video from our session in Bedford two weeks ago:

What you’ll need

If you are coming along please mark yourself as attending on the Facebook event, and there are a few things you’ll need to bring with you:

– Water (recommended 2L but the more the better).
– Footwear suitable to be worn on artificial turf
– Shorts/Joggers or similar
– Top of some kind: sweatshirt, t-shirt or similar
– Gumshield (optional but recommended)

Registration

Before the session you will be asked to complete a simple registration form (registrations open at 9.45am). Please note for U18s this will need to be completed by a parent or guardian. If you would like to download a registration form and complete it ahead of the session, you can do so here.

How to get there

Register your interest

It’s not too late to register your interest in either of our remaining sessions. Just complete the form below, get in touch via Twitter or check out the events on our Facebook page.

As well as Sunday’s session we will be running an additional session on Sunday 26th November at Lealands High School in Luton, from 10am – 12pm.

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

NEWS | MK Open Session this Sunday

10 Nov

Open to those interested in playing for the Ouse Valley Eagles senior (18+), Bedford Blackhawks Youth (U17) or Milton Keynes Redwings (U17) full contact teams, as well as the Blackhawks senior flag (16+) team, the second Open Session of the month takes place this Sunday in Milton Keynes.

The session runs from midday to 2pm at Stantonbury Campus, and registrations open at 11.30am.

If you have always fancied having a go why not try it out and see how you get on? No previous experience is necessary, as our team of qualified coaches will put you through your paces running a series of non-contact passing, catching, running and blocking drills designed to give you a real taste of American Football.

What to expect

If you want to know what to expect at the session, check out this highlights video from last week’s session in Bedford:

What you’ll need

If you are coming along please mark yourself as attending on the Facebook event, and there are a few things you’ll need to bring with you:

– Water (recommended 2L but the more the better).
– Footwear suitable to be worn on artificial turf
– Shorts/Joggers or similar
– Top of some kind: sweatshirt, t-shirt or similar
– Gumshield (optional but recommended)

Registration

Before the session you will be asked to complete a simple registration form (registrations open at 11.30am). Please note for U18s this will need to be completed by a parent or guardian. If you would like to download a registration form and complete it ahead of the session, you can do so here.

How to get there

The best postcode to use for your Sat Nav is MK14 6DT – Soskin Drive, Stantonbury Milton Keynes. There is limited parking near the AstroTurf pitch itself, so please use the larger car park near the entrance if required.

Register your interest

It’s not too late to register your interest in any of our remaining sessions. Just complete the form below, get in touch via Twitter or check out the events on our Facebook page.

As well as Sunday’s session we will be running two further sessions during November:

– Sunday 19th November | Northampton High School, Northampton (10am-12pm)
– Sunday 26th November | Lealands High School, Luton (10am-12pm)

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

VIDEO | Bedford Open Session Highlights

09 Nov

Did you attend Sunday’s Open Session at the University of Bedfordshire? Check out highlights of the session here, as well the plan for the rest of November…

Open to those interested in playing for the Ouse Valley Eagles senior (18+), Bedford Blackhawks Youth (13+) and Milton Keynes Redwings (13+) full contact teams, as well as the Blackhawks senior flag (16+) team, we will be running three further Open Sessions during November:

– 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.

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

NEWS | Milton Keynes Redwings launched

08 Nov

The club are proud to announce the formation of a new U17 contact team, the Milton Keynes Redwings.

The Redwings join the Bedford Blackhawks under the Ouse Valley Eagles banner as a 5v5 contact team, and represent a major step forward in the club’s goal to expand the number of people playing the sport in our area.

Initially the team will play friendly matches during a development year in 2018, with a view of joining the National League in 2019.

Training times and locations for the New Year will be confirmed in due course, but in the meantime anyone who is interested in joining the team should attend one of our Open Sessions taking place this month – continuing on Sunday at Stantonbury Campus between midday and 2pm.

Anyone interested joining the team in a coaching capacity should contact Club Chairman Michael Dilley in the first instance via michael.dilley@oveagles.com, or get in touch via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

The new Redwings logo is a nod to the one used by the Milton Keynes Pathfinders, who merged with the Bedfordshire Blue Raiders to form the Eagles in 2013.

Speaking on the news, Academy Coordinator Mark Chilton said:

“As the only senior club in the region we have a responsibility to promote and grow the game in our area. A major part of that is providing playing opportunities for U18s interested in American Football, and provide a pathway through to our senior team should they want it.

This announcement is part of an ongoing program of starting youth/junior affiliate teams and introduce the game to young people in our region. As a resident of Milton Keynes I am particularly pleased to have helped to provide this unique opportunity for the young people of our City”.

Club Chairman Michael Dilley added:

“When the club was founded one of our priorities was to create multiple youth teams across the area.

We started that in Bedford with the Blackhawks and I’m delighted that we’re able to build on those solid foundations by establishing the Redwings in Milton Keynes.

The future is looking really bright and I’m excited to see how the team develops.”

Open Sessions

Open to those interested in playing for the Ouse Valley Eagles senior (18+), Bedford Blackhawks Youth (13+) and Milton Keynes Redwings (13+) full contact teams, as well as the Blackhawks senior flag (16+) team, we will be running three further Open Sessions during November:

– 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:

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

VIDEO | Coaches on Bedford Open Session

08 Nov

Following Sunday’s Open Session at the University of Bedfordshire, we caught up with Eagles DC Kevin Kong and Blackhawks Youth Head Coach Nick Benning to get their thoughts on the session…

Open to those interested in playing for the Ouse Valley Eagles senior (18+), Bedford Blackhawks Youth (U17) or Milton Keynes Redwings (U17) full contact teams as well as the Blackhawks senior (16+) flag team, we will be running three further Open Sessions during November:

– 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)

Register your Interest

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.

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

NEWS | First Open Session this Sunday!

02 Nov

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, the first Open Session of the month takes place this Sunday in Bedford.

The session runs from 10am to midday at the University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford Campus on Polhill Avenue, and registrations open at 9.30am.

If you have always fancied having a go why not try it out and see how you get on? No previous experience is necessary, as our team of qualified coaches will put you through your paces running a series of non-contact passing, catching, running and blocking drills designed to give you a real taste of American Football.

What you’ll need

If you are coming along please mark yourself as attending on the Facebook event, and there are a few things you’ll need to bring with you:

– Water (recommended 2L but the more the better).
– Rugby or football boots as the session will be taking place on grass
– Shorts/Joggers or similar
– Top of some kind: sweatshirt, t-shirt or similar
– Gumshield (optional but recommended)

How to get there

Register your interest

It’s not too late to register your interest in any of our sessions. Just complete the form below, get in touch via Twitter or check out the events on our Facebook page.

As well as Sunday’s session we will be running three additional sessions during November:

– 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)

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

Rookie Report | Bob Benney

01 Nov

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.

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

NEWS | 2017 Open Sessions confirmed

25 Sep

The club are very pleased to be able to confirm the details of this autumn’s Open Sessions ahead of the 2018 season.

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)

American Football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and with the success of the NFL International Series interest in the game has never been higher.

If you have always fancied having a go why not try it out and see how you get on? No previous experience is necessary, as our team of qualified coaches will put you through your paces running a series of passing, catching, running and blocking drills designed to give you a real taste of American Football.

The Eagles were formed in 2013 with the aim of becoming one of the leading lights for American Football in the UK. We are the only senior full contact team playing in the BAFA National League in Beds, Bucks and Northants, recently announced a partnership with the Bedfordshire Bulls, and with plans to grow the club further in the coming months there really has never been a better time to join!

Register your Interest

To register your interest in our Open Sessions please complete the form below, get in touch via Twitter or keep your eye out for the events on our Facebook page.

Your privacy is important to us. For more details about how we use your personal data, please read our Privacy Statement. We would like to send you additional information that is relevant to you. By ticking the boxes below you consent to receive information about:

Rookie SessionsTraining SessionsUpcoming Events

We will not pass your details to third parties. You may opt out of receiving these communications at any time by emailing gdpr@oveagles.com or using the opt-out facility on each email.

FLAG | Blackhawks Preseason Schedule confirmed

Blackhawks
27 Jan

The Blackhawk’s 2017 preseason schedule has been confirmed, and includes come and try sessions, training camps and warm-up games.

‘Come and Try’ sessions for new players will take place at Sunderland Road, Sandy this Sunday (29th January) and Sunday 12th February, either side of friendly games against Aylesbury Vale Spartans and Northampton Phantoms in Aylesbury.

Three training camps (location to be confirmed) will take place on 19th February, 12th March and 2nd April.