Category: Flag Football

Ouse Valley Launch Player Development Programme

05 Oct
Jon Chilton All News, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football

The Ouse Valley Eagles are delighted to announce the launch of our Player Development Programme.

Aligned with the club’s focus on performance, the coaches at Ouse Valley Football have built a programme designed to provide all players at the club a pathway to becoming the best players they can be.

The programme will focus on four key areas; strength & conditioning, diet & nutrition, football education and skills measurement. Players will be provided with training programmes as well as nutritional advice to help them achieve their goals. It will also focus on assessing each player’s skills, providing them with specific feedback as well as access to a video library so they can learn more about the game to help them make the right decisions on the field.

Ouse Valley Coach Jon Chilton explained:

“We’ve partnered with some great companies to help build the best programme possible. Fab Gargiulo, who is a qualified S&C coach with an MSc in Sports Science, will be administering the S&C programme whilst Ben Coomber from Body Type Nutrition will be speaking at the launch event, providing players with nutritional guidance on how to prepare and eat like an athlete.”

The programme will kick off with a launch event on Wednesday 18th of October at Bedfordshire University. All Ouse Valley Football members are able to join as well as players interested in joining the club for the 2018 season.

To find out more and register your interest you can visit the programme information page at ovfootball.com/pdp.

NEWS | 2017 Award winners revealed

30 Sep
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football , , ,

The Ouse Valley Eagles and Bedford Blackhawks 2017 Player of the Year Awards took place last night at Revolution Milton Keynes.

For the Bedford Blackhawks Youth team Fin Jones was named MVP, Oliver Chester Lewis the Coaches Player of the Year and Sam Butterwick the Players Player.

Harrison Reed and Connor Perrett won the Offensive and Defensive MVP awards respectively, Alex Gedny picked up the award for Offensive Rookie of the Year and Rom Dougla was named Defensive Rookie of the year.

Oliver Crampton won the Most Improved Player award, and the first recipient of the Dhesi Award – presented to the player who best promoted the spirit of the sport and named in memory of former MK Pathfinders, Peterborough Saxons and Northampton Nemesis player Jay Dhesi – went to Harrison Smith.

For the Blackhawks Flag team Matthew Couldridge was named MVP, Jake Cooper Offensive MVP, Jed Parisi the Defensive MVP and Zech Smith picked up an award for Exceptional Contribution.

Kase Chibwe and Stu Holland were the big winners for the Eagles. Chibwe was named Team MVP and Players Player of the Year, and Holland won the Offensive and Special Teams MVP awards as well as Lineman of the Year.

Mike Turner is the Defensive MVP, Ryan Bowtell the Most Improved Player and Stuart Cooper won the inaugural Coaches Award.

2017 Winners

Bedford Blackhawks Youth

MVP – Fin Jones
Coaches Player – Oliver Chester Lewis
Players Player – Sam Butterwick
Offensive MVP – Harrison Reed
Defensive MVP – Connor Perrett
Offensive Rookie of the Year – Alex Gedny
Defensive Rookie of the Year – Rom Dougla
Most Improved Player – Oliver Crampton
Dhesi Award – Harrison Smith

Bedford Blackhawks Flag

MVP – Matthew Couldridge
Offensive MVP – Jake Cooper
Defensive MVP – Jed Parisi
Exceptional Contribution – Zech Smith

Ouse Valley Eagles Senior

MVP – Kase Chibwe
Players Player – Kase Chibwe
Coaches Award – Stuart Cooper
Offensive MVP – Stuart Holland
Defensive MVP – Mike Turner
Special Teams MVP – Stuart Holland
Lineman of the Year – Stuart Holland
Rookie of the Year – Bobby Benney
Most Improved Player – Ryan Bowtell

The Eagles and Blackhawks are running a series of Open Sessions throughout November in Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton and Northampton, aimed at anyone interested in playing for the club during the 2018 season. Click here for more information.

NEWS | 2017 Awards Night

29 Sep
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football , , ,

The Ouse Valley Eagles 2017 Player of the Year Awards take place tonight at Revolution Milton Keynes.

It is the first time the awards have covered all three teams associated with the club: the Eagles (senior), Blackhawks (Flag) and Blackhawks (Youth). We’ll announce the results with a detailed report here over the weekend, but in the meantime here’s a reminder of the previous winners:

2016 Winners

Players Player of the Year – Ross Hubbard and Danny Cousins
Most Valuable Player – Ross Hubbard
Defensive MVP – Gareth Pullen
Offensive MVP – Ross Hubbard
Lineman of the Year – John Rudgard
Rookie of the Year – Nathan Spencer
Most Improved Player – Rhian Shirley

2015 Winners

Players Player of the Year – Justin LaRoda
Most Valuable Player – Justin LaRoda
Defensive MVP – Gareth Pullen
Offensive MVP – Justin LaRoda
Lineman of the Year – John Rudgard
Rookie of the Year – Danny Cousins
Most Improved Player – Martin Day

2014 Winners

Players Player of the Year – Gareth Pullen and Darren Gregory.
Most Valuable Player – Chris Parr
Defensive MVP – Darren Gregory
Offensive MVP – Dale Hawes
Lineman of the Year – Andy Larwill
Rookie of the Year – John Rudgard
Most Improved Player – Vasco Dias

NEWS | 2017 Open Sessions confirmed

25 Sep
Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

NEWS | Eagles announce partnership with Bedfordshire Bulls

18 Sep
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football , , , , ,

The club are delighted to announce a partnership with the Bedfordshire Bulls.

With a number of campuses across the area and more than 24,000 enrolled students, the University of Bedfordshire is a modern, innovative university with a heritage of top quality education.

The Ouse Valley Eagles were formed in 2013 with the aim of becoming one of the leading lights for American Football in the UK. Members of our club come from a wide range of backgrounds and over a large geographical area to be part of one of our three teams:

– Ouse Valley Eagles (Adult Kitted, age 18+)
– Bedford Blackhawks (Adult Flag, age 16+)
– Bedford Blackhawks (Youth Contact, age 13-16)

As part of the agreement our teams will enjoy use of the University’s grass and artificial pitches at the Bedford campus as well as classroom facilities, and Eagles coaches will work with the Bulls as they embark on their first BUCS Division 2 Midlands Conference campaign.

Eagles Chairman Michael Dilley said:

“We are incredibly excited to be teaming up with the Bulls and hope it is the start of a long-term partnership between the programmes.

“With campuses in Luton, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury as well as Bedford, working with the Bulls offers us a fantastic opportunity to help grow the sport in our area, and hopefully inspire future generations of players and coaches”

Beds SU Vice President of Sport, Kieran Nixon added:

“I will be trying a sport for the first time, like so many of the University of Bedfordshire students. It’s a proud moment to be facilitating the opportunity to try something new, as that’s what its all about.

“I hope that this model of partnership between student groups, local organisations and passionate individuals can be replicated to other areas of the sporting landscape within the Bedfordshire Bulls, as we look to develop our sporting programme in an organic and sustainable way.

“The future of sport looks extremely positive, both in the local area and particularly here at Beds.”

Open Sessions for players interested in joining the Eagles for the 2018 season will be taking place during November. Further details will be announced shortly, but to register your interest in the meantime please get in touch via Facebook.com/ovfootball or Twitter.com/ovfootball.

Taster Sessions for University of Bedfordshire students interested in joining the Bulls will be taking place over Freshers Week at the end of September. Further details can be found via BedsSU.co.uk/sport or Twitter.com/BedsBullsAmFoot.

FLAG | Stratford named Blackhawks Head Coach

14 Apr
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football , ,

The Club are delighted to announce that Jonny Stratford has been named the new Head Coach of the Bedford Blackhawks adult flag team.

Stratford claimed the vacant spot having previously been held temporarily by Coach Ian Papworth, and says he can’t wait to get to work:

“It’s a great privilege to be named as the new Head Coach of such a great bunch of players. The potential which I have seen throughout the squad we have can I believe lead to great things for the club.

“I featured last year as a player and I’m delighted to make the move into building a coaching team to take us to new heights. The team chemistry is amazing and I can’t wait to get started on what I believe is going to be a great season for the Blackhawks!”

Jonny began his affiliation with the Blackhawks last year playing the entire debut season in the crucial linebacker role. Despite playing such a fundamental role within the Blackhawks defensive set up, Jonny also managed to put up three touchdowns in his debut season.

Speaking on the appointment, Flag Football Coordinator Jake Cooper said:

“Jonny possesses incredible amounts of natural raw talent which we are extremely looking forward to seeing implemented on the team. Despite being relatively new to the sport it was clear to see that Jonny has great ability to read the game and implement strategical changes to suit.

“We would like to thank him on the magnificent season he put up for the Blackhawks last season.”

The 2017 season gets underway for the Blackhawks this weekend when they travel to the West Essex Showboats, where they will also play Aylesbury Vale Spartans and Ware Wolves.

FLAG | Blackhawks looking for a Head Coach

13 Mar
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football , ,

The Bedford Blackhawks Senior Flag Team, who currently play home games in Sandy, are looking to appoint a new Head Coach to lead the team and take them forward.

The Blackhawks were formed ahead of the 2016 season and are aimed at players aged 16 and over. In the 2017 season they will play in the SEC North Division alongside Aylesbury Vale Spartans, Ware Wolves and West Essex Showboats.

Flag football is a non-contact version of American Football where tackles are made by pulling a flag off an opposing player. The game retains the same principles as the contact form, but in a 5v5 non-contact arena with a maximum of 12 players per squad, and is a tremendous way to increase passing and catching fundamentals.

It is the fastest growing format of the game in Great Britain, encompassing schools, colleges, universities and community football.

The Role

As Head Coach of the Blackhawks Flag Team, you will be responsible for the development and implementation of training sessions specifically suited to Flag Football.

You will maintain and develop a team playbook as well as a player depth chart, and be responsible for the in-game play calling and substitutions.

Player retention, recruitment and development is central to the role. As such you will be expected to work alongside our Senior and Youth Team coaches in order to facilitate the transition of youth players into the adult program, and from contact to flag football (and vice versa) as appropriate, demonstrating and promoting the values of the Club at all levels.

The Head Coach will collaborate with the Club Committee on all matters impacting on-field activities related to Flag Football.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will hold a Level 1 BAFCA Coaching Qualification in American Football and have previous coaching experience.

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

Application Process

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to interview for the role by the current Committee. To apply for this voluntary position or enquire further, complete the form below before 5pm on Friday 31st March 2017.

All correspondence will be treated in confidence.

[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]

FLAG | Blackhawks Preseason Schedule confirmed

Blackhawks
27 Jan
Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Flag Football , ,

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.

Blackhawks 2017 Flag Schedule Released

11 Jan
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football , , , , , , , , , ,

The Blackhawks 2017 flag schedule has been confirmed, and sees them kicking off against Aylesbury Vale Spartans, West Essex Showboats and Ware Wolves on Saturday 15th April in a round of matches hosted by the Showboats.

They are followed up a set of matches hosted by the Blackhawks on Saturday 6th and a trip to the London Rebels on Sunday 21st May.

Three games at the Wolves on Saturday 24th June come next, before the regular season is rounded off with games against Hackney Cougars, Chichester Sharks and Victoria Park Panthers on Sunday 16th July.

The Blackhawks are training this Sunday between 12pm and 3pm in Sandy on Sunderland Road. If you are interested in attending please get in touch either via Facebook, Twitter or the Contact Us page.

Blackhawks to play in SEC North in 2017

30 Dec
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football , ,

The 2017 season will see the Blackhawks take place in the SEC North along side Aylesbury Vale Spartans, Ware Wolves and West Essex Showboats, all of whom competing for a spot in the 2018 Premier Division.

During the 2016 season the ‘Hawks won once (38-33 in Ware on 25th June) and lost once (27-8 in Bedford on 16th July) against the Wolves, and lost each twice against the Spartans and the Showboats.

The schedule for the 2017 season is expected to be confirmed shortly.