Questions & Answers 2024

Can I play American football if I have never played the sport before?

95% of all our players joined with no experience of playing American football other than watching it on TV or playing video games. Our preseason and taster sessions are designed to take educate you on the basic skills required and build your knowledge to the point you are able to play a full season with us.

 

How do I get started?

It's easy, you can get started with the London Blitz anytime by simply attending one of the training sessions. Follow this link to our online registration system (www.webcollect.org.uk/blitz) and then follow the on-screen instructions. Once you're registered we look forward to seeing you at your first session.

 

I already attended a taster session last year. I really enjoyed it but have not returned due to other commitments. Will I be welcomed back?

Yes. It's not unusual for players to return to the club after taking time away due to exams, school, holidays, and other commitments. The club encourages and welcomes all players back to the club and will always strive to make sure you are able to juggle your ongoing commitments.

We are proud of our track record and are pleased to say that those that play for the Blitz have an unrivaled success rate of going on to further education and successful careers. 

 

When does the British American Football season start?

The league traditionally kicks off around April and ends in September. Taster sessions run through the winter months and pre-season starts in February.

Taster session spaces from October to December can be limited due to demand so please ensure you register as soon as possible.

 

Do you have trials?

The club does not run trails as we are a community sports team, meaning players can sign up with the club by attending a taster or open training session and completing the registration process. All individuals are welcome to join the club regardless of their abilities.

 

When and where do you train?

We train on Sunday morning at Finsbury Park (location near Manor House entrance to the park). Times can vary so please check www.webcollect.org/blitz for more details. 

 

Why do I need to register via webcollect, can I just turn up?

Details are needed from all participants prior to attending a training session for both medical and security reasons. Webcollect replaces any need for paper forms and physical registration documents - helping the club run a safe and enjoyable training environment.

 

What position will I play?

Some players may have an idea of what position they would like to play and others are still unsure. Our dedicated coaching staff will spend time evaluating all players over the pre-season and taster sessions and suggest the most suitable position for you to play. Positions are always subject to change but we guarantee we'll make sure you enjoy your time on the football field. 

 

Do I need to buy the helmet and pads?

No, we are able to provide equipment (Helmet & Shoulder pads) to all players should they require them. Kit is allocated to all registered players during pre-season. Should a player wish to purchase their own equipment our coaches will happily advise on what is suitable and where is the best place to buy such items. 

 

What ages do you allow?

Under 19 kitted team is aged 16 to 19 - As soon as you turn 16 you can play. 

Under 16 kitted is 13 to 16 - As soon as you turn 13 you can play. 

Flag allows up to 17 check out https://blitzflagfootball.wixsite.com/blitzafc

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Can I play in kit (helmet and pads) at the age of 12?

Kitted football in the UK is for 14 and over. If you’re under this age you must play flag football which is the non contact version of the game. This is an ideal way to develop the key skills needed to play kitted football once of the correct age. 

 

Do I need to attend a taster session, can I just turn up at preseason to play?

If you’re new to football it’s advisable that you attend taster sessions to learn the fundamentals of the sport and at the same time make sure you actually enjoy playing rather than watching. Attending a taster session is the best way to start the process of signing up for the club and more details can be found on www.webcollect.org.uk/blitz

 

I am 16 (Born after 31st August 2007) and not sure if I want to play Under 16 Kitted or Under 19 for 2024?

Choosing between being the oldest for one age group or youngest for another can be a difficult decision. Our coaches will work with you during the early stages of pre-season and help you come to a decision to find the ideal team which would support your development and football experience.

 

I am 13 and unsure if I would play flag or U16 Kitted football?

Flag football is an exciting element of football with many of the current U19 and U16 Kitted squads starting at this level and winning National Championships. You can sign up and play for both teams. Be sure to speak to a coach at your first session to find out more. 

 

Why must I sign up on Webcollect and why must I get a Parent to also sign up?

For safety reasons, we must have some important information before anyone enjoys the football experience. Anyone under 18 we also need Parental consent and emergency contact information.

 

Do I need all the kit to play?

For the taster sessions you only need a gum shield and football/rugby boots. If you wish to then sign up for the club you will be allocated a club helmet and shoulder pads.

To play kitted football you will need to buy leg pads which are required to train and play in. The club sells sets for £35 which includes belt, bottom sets, and all necessary lower leg pads.

The club also sells training tops which are required to wear over pads during practice. We suggest that players get their own as the club have a limited supply of loan practice shirts.

With your full membership fee you will receive a polo shirt which will be official team wear for all games or club events. The club will have shorts, hats and hoodies available which will be available to be worn when representing the club.

 

Is there a membership fee to train with the club?

If you no longer want to just try the sport (taster sessions) and officially join the team, then to continue playing the sport you must be registered on webcollect and signed up as a full member (via the subscription page). This figure £60 for 2024 for kitted and £40 for flag season https://blitzflagfootball.wixsite.com/blitzafc, it is non-refundable. Full details can be found on www.webcollect.org.uk/blitz

 

What are the dates, times and location of youth, junior or flag games for the season?

We will be attending a league scheduling meeting at the start of February, it traditionally takes around 4 weeks to finalise the details (confirming venues, medical cover, etc.)

Once the details have been confirmed we will email all players and parents via webcollect to announce the schedule for the upcoming schedule. 

 

How can I pay my full membership for the club?

We offer a flexible payment option that helps parents and players budget for the season, a breakdown in costs are listed below.

 

Kitted Players U16 and U19 teams

Club Fee - £60 which includes a free club gift of a polo or Tshirt*

The club fee helps cover club costs for the season, such as facilities and practice ground hire, equipment etc. This fee includes all training sessions.

League Fee – £17.50^

This fee is usually due for payment in March of each year. It is a league fee that covers your individual insurance cover which all players must pay for. Details will follow shortly.

Game Fee - £15 per game or tournament

This fee helps cover the cost of coach/minibus travel, medical cover and referees for each game. U16 will have around 4/5 tournaments a year and U19 around 6 games a year (not including any playoff or finals).

Bottom Sets - £40

This is the protective pads, belt and pants needed by players. This is required shortly after the player signs fully for the club.

Flag Players

Club Fee - £40 https://blitzflagfootball.wixsite.com/blitzafc

Game Fee - £15 per tournament

This fee helps cover the cost of coach / minibus travel. Flag teams will have around 4/5 tournaments a year (not including any playoff or finals).

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1st year university players

Club Fee - £25

The club fee helps cover club costs for the season, such as practice facilities and equipment. This fee includes all training.

 

Why is there not just a flat subscription fee?

This method of payment means that players and parents do not pay out fully for a whole season and are able to pay for only the games that they attend.

Our fee structure also means that late subscribers only pay the relevant game fees for the part of the season they play. This ensures we keep the cost as low for our players and make it as manageable as possible.

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Can I get a refund of the subscription fee?

We offer the opportunity for players to try the sport for up to 3 sessions for only a £1 fee, unfortunately, we are unable to refund club fee once it's paid as the club gathers quotes, pre-pays fees, pays for training, equipment, etc.. based on the number of players registered. The element that we would traditionally be able to refund is not included in the club fee and we have a fee structure which includes 'game fee' which is only taken if and when the player plays a game.