Category: Youth Football

NEWS | AGM Rescheduled

20 Dec
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football ,

The Club AGM, postponed from earlier this month due to the snow, has been rescheduled for Sunday 7th January at the University of Bedfordshire, starting at 3pm.

Who can attend?

All club members, coaches, committee, friends, family and supporters are welcome to attend the AGM. This includes all teams under the Ouse Valley Football banner: Ouse Valley Eagles Senior, Bedford Blackhawks Flag, Bedford Blackhawks Youth, Milton Keynes Redwings Youth.

Agenda

We’ll try and keep things short, and focus on giving you a chance to ask questions rather than listen to us talk at you. We’ll cover elections to the committee for the year ahead (see below) as well as a brief financial update, a review of 2017 and then look ahead to the upcoming year.

Voting

All registered players, coaches, committee members and staff over the age of 18 will be eligible to vote. While we’d love to see former and prospective club members, players, coaches etc. on the day, only those registered for the 2017 season will be eligible to vote.

What if I cant go – can I still vote?

If you can’t make the meeting, you can ask someone to be your proxy. This means that you can ask someone to vote on your behalf, but you have to let us know in advance.

Constitutional amendments

We are currently reviewing our constitution to make sure it’s in good shape. There will be some minor amendments required to support the positions detailed below, and we’ll discuss those on the day.

Items for discussion

If you would like to request an item be raised or discussed at the AGM please let us know before 12pm on Sunday 31st December 2017.

Positions up for election

All committee positions will be up for election at the meeting, except for the role of Club Chairman which has a two-year term and was elected last year:

– Treasurer (two-year role)
– Academy Coordinator (two-year role)
– Flag Football Coordinator (two-year role)
– Communications Manager (one-year role)
– Child Welfare Officer (one-year role)
– 3 x Ordinary Members (one-year role)

How to apply

As per the Club Constitution, all persons intending to stand must give notification of their intent prior to the AGM by completing the form below. All nominations also have to be proposed by two team members – one of whom must be an existing Committee member.

All roles involve a significant amount of commitment. Prospective Committee members will need to to attend regular meetings via Google Hangouts, attend team events, own the delivery of specific pieces of work and have the time available carry out any tasks required.

There are a number of alternative ways to help the team without being on the Committee. We will be posting details of some particular vacancies we have shortly, so if you’d like to get involved in other ways, please watch this space!

Applications are now closed.

NEWS | AGM Postponed

10 Dec
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football ,

Due to the snow and potentially hazardous driving conditions today’s AGM has been postponed. It will be rearranged for early January, but in the meantime please find the relevant information as it stands below:

Who can attend?

All club members, coaches, committee, friends, family and supporters are welcome to attend the AGM. This includes all teams under the Ouse Valley Football banner: Ouse Valley Eagles Senior, Bedford Blackhawks Flag, Bedford Blackhawks Youth, Milton Keynes Redwings Youth.

Agenda

We’ll try and keep things short, and focus on giving you a chance to ask questions rather than listen to us talk at you. We’ll cover elections to the committee for the year ahead (see below) as well as a brief financial update, a review of 2017 and then look ahead to the upcoming year.

Voting

All registered players, coaches, committee members and staff over the age of 18 will be eligible to vote. While we’d love to see former and prospective club members, players, coaches etc. on the day, only those registered for the 2017 season will be eligible to vote.

What if I cant go – can I still vote?

If you can’t make the meeting, you can ask someone to be your proxy. This means that you can ask someone to vote on your behalf, but you have to let us know in advance.

Constitutional amendments

We are currently reviewing our constitution to make sure it’s in good shape. There will be some minor amendments required to support the positions detailed below, and we’ll discuss those on the day.

Items for discussion

If you would like to request an item be raised or discussed at the AGM please let us know before 12pm on Sunday 31st December 2017.

Positions up for election

All committee positions will be up for election at the meeting, except for the role of Club Chairman which has a two-year term and was elected last year:

– Treasurer (two-year role)
– Academy Coordinator (two-year role)
– Flag Football Coordinator (two-year role)
– Communications Manager (one-year role)
– Child Welfare Officer (one-year role)
– 3 x Ordinary Members (one-year role)

How to apply

As per the Club Constitution, all persons intending to stand must give notification of their intent prior to the AGM by completing the form below. All nominations also have to be proposed by two team members – one of whom must be an existing Committee member.

All roles involve a significant amount of commitment. Prospective Committee members will need to to attend regular meetings via Google Hangouts, attend team events, own the delivery of specific pieces of work and have the time available carry out any tasks required.

There are a number of alternative ways to help the team without being on the Committee. We will be posting details of some particular vacancies we have shortly, so if you’d like to get involved in other ways, please watch this space!

Applications are now closed.

NEWS | Luton Open Session this Sunday

23 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football , , , , ,

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 fourth and final Open Session of the month takes place this Sunday in Luton.

The session runs from 10am to 12pm at Lealands 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 earlier this month:

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 Sunday’s session. Just complete the form below, get in touch via Twitter or check out the event 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 | Coaches Required

17 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football , , ,

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

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 | Notice of 2017 AGM

15 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football , , ,

The 2017 Annual General Meeting will take place at 11am on Sunday 10th December at the University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford Campus.

Who can attend?

All club members, coaches, committee, friends, family and supporters are welcome to attend the AGM. This includes all teams under the Ouse Valley Football banner: Ouse Valley Eagles Senior, Bedford Blackhawks Flag, Bedford Blackhawks Youth, Milton Keynes Redwings Youth.

Agenda

We’ll try and keep things short, and focus on giving you a chance to ask questions rather than listen to us talk at you. We’ll cover elections to the committee for the year ahead (see below) as well as a brief financial update, a review of 2017 and then look ahead to the upcoming year.

Voting

All registered players, coaches, committee members and staff over the age of 18 will be eligible to vote. While we’d love to see former and prospective club members, players, coaches etc. on the day, only those registered for the 2017 season will be eligible to vote.

What if I cant go – can I still vote?

If you can’t make the meeting, you can ask someone to be your proxy. This means that you can ask someone to vote on your behalf, but you have to let us know in advance.

Constitutional amendments

We are currently reviewing our constitution to make sure it’s in good shape. There will be some minor amendments required to support the positions detailed below, and we’ll discuss those on the day.

Items for discussion

If you would like to request an item be raised or discussed at the AGM please let us know at least seven days in advance, i.e. by 11am on Sunday 3rd December.

Positions up for election

All committee positions will be up for election at the meeting, except for the role of Club Chairman which has a two-year term and was elected last year:

– Treasurer (two-year role)
– Academy Coordinator (two-year role)
– Flag Football Coordinator (two-year role)
– Communications Manager (one-year role)
– Child Welfare Officer (one-year role)
– 3 x Ordinary Members (one-year role)

How to apply

As per the Club Constitution, all persons intending to stand must give notification of their intent prior to the AGM by completing the form below. All nominations also have to be proposed by two team members – one of whom must be an existing Committee member.

All roles involve a significant amount of commitment. Prospective Committee members will need to to attend regular meetings via Google Hangouts, attend team events, own the delivery of specific pieces of work and have the time available carry out any tasks required.

There are a number of alternative ways to help the team without being on the Committee. We will be posting details of some particular vacancies we have shortly, so if you’d like to get involved in other ways, please watch this space!

Applications are now closed.

NEWS | MK Open Session this Sunday

10 Nov
Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Flag Football, Senior Football, Youth Football , , , ,

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

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
Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Youth Football , , ,

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
Michael Dilley All News, Come and Try, Senior Football, Youth Football , , , ,

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.