Origins of the Nottingham Caesars American Football Club
The current Nottingham Caesars Senior team started life as a Youth Squad nearly 30 years ago when Coach Boseley added to the county’s American Football contingent. The City’s Senior team at the time were the ‘Dirty Rats’ themselves, the now extinct Nottingham Hoods.
As the original Caesars Youth team aged and the Nottingham Hoods ceased playing, the decision was made to progress the Caesars into Nottingham‘s Senior outfit. At this time there was therefore no Youth team under the Caesars banner anymore. Subsequently the newly formed Caesars Senior team grew and grew and became a renowned member of the British American Football Association (BAFA) which they continue to be today.
The re-birth of the ‘Youth’ team
This remained the case until 6 years ago when former Caesars Youth player Matt Walker got back in touch with Coach Boseley offering his services from a coaching perspective. Subsequent discussions between the two resulted in an experimental expansion of the Caesars Club in the form of a rebirth of the Youth team.
The latest incarnation of this Youth team was formed in 2006 when a group of intrepid 15 – 17 year old Nottingham lads took to the field in the now extinct BYAFA (British Youth American Football Association). The team began its new life playing Flag Football, with the first tournament being held in Crawley, Sussex, (see team photo) in March 2006. This continued to be the format for the team’s competitive play for the next 3 years and they travelled the length and breadth of the country to compete. At the end of their third season the team secured a playoff spot and finished an impressive 4th in the country.
Two members of that original team continue to play the sport today, both at the Quarterback position. Adam Grant (No. 68 in the photo) is currently the starting QB for the Nottingham Trent University Renegades, whilst Dan Johnson (No. 65) is also the starter at the same position for our very own Nottingham Caesars Senior team.
Transition to Kitted Football
In 2009 the decision was made to step up to 16-19 years of age kitted football and rejoin the ranks of full 11 a-side, American Football. As an associate member of the league in the team’s first season in kit, the ‘Lil C’ (as we are affectionately known) turned some heads with our direct, committed style of play. This trend grew over the following years and last season we narrowly missed out on a playoff spot.
What to expect from 2012
2012 brings great promise as the team retake the field under the new title of ’Junior’ rather than ‘Youth’ (as the National Leagues have altered the name of the 16-19 year age range) with a core of returning players and a crop of fresh talent eager to showcase their abilities at one of the league’s best arenas in which to play football; Harvey Hadden Stadium. Once again this year we will compete in the Central Conference and play the Birmingham Bulls, Coventry Jets, Leicester Falcons and Tamworth Phoenix home and away in a gruelling 8 game schedule. (8 games may sound like a short season but when you’ve experience the sport you’ll realise just how tough one game is, let alone 8 of them!!!)
This years coaching staff has increased in size, as we welcome a new Defensive Coordinator. Former DC Gavin Young continues his work with the team but this year will specialise in Offensive and Defensive line coaching.
Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Matt Walker returns for an 7th season at the helm and is full of optimism for the year ahead; ‘We aim to provide a positive, competitive and fun experience for both new and returning players where the priority is about enjoying the game of football whilst learning the valuable life lessons that such a team orientated sport offers. We look forward to the challenge that the Central Conference will bring again this year and feel confident that we can contest for a playoff spot at the end of the regular season.’
How can I get involved???
If you’ve liked what you’ve read and are inspired to try a new activity and be part of the ultimate in team sports it’s never too late to join us. Contact Head Coach Matt Walker on 07876616580 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further details.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Gridiron for the fast paced, thrilling and character building sport that we all at the Caesars hold so close to our hearts.
BRING ON THE 2012 SEASON!!!
CEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
