The Coventry Jets have been boosted by the news that BAFA, the British American Football Association, have backed their application to play in the 2011 EFAF Cup. "It's great to be back amongst the European elite" stated Head Coach and General Manager Gerry McManus "We missed out last season as we had to tighten our belts and regroup to a certain extent. We returned to the Butts Park Arena last season and heading back into Europe is a signal that we're going to keep pushing forward."
BAFA are only permitted to send two teams into the competition and with the National Champion London Blitz securing first option on entering the EFAF Cup the sport's governing body were left with a choice of Britbowl runners-up, the Jets, or the Bristol Aztecs who finished second in the standing after an impressive regular season.
A statement from BAFA read "After discussion and consideration the BAFA Board of Directors have decided to continue with the two teams who make it to the Premier Bowl having first refusal for EFAF entry, with semi finalists having the next option should either of the finalists chose not to enter." This decision paved the way for Coventry to put themselves back on the European map. In 2008 the Jets reached the giddy heights of ninth place after a campaign that saw them reach the quarter-finals of the Eurobowl, losing out to eventual champions the Tirol Raiders. With BAFA's permission secured, the Jets went about securing the funds necessary to join the Cup's group stages.
Old Orleans, one of Coventry corporate sponsors from the 2010 season, stepped in to help launch the Jets 2011 campaign. "I'm delighted to continue Old Orleans relationship with the Coventry Jets" stated Andy Heyward, Manager of the Coventry branch, continuing "It's fantastic to be involved with one of the UK's foremost American Football Clubs, especially at this exciting time with the Jets bringing European competition to Coventry next season." The restaurant, on Coventry's Skydome complex, boasts a unique dining experience, offering an authentic taste of the USA's deep south. The fantastic culinary heritage of Louisiana and the south is reflected in the food and drink menus and the décor is inspired by classic Crescent City, New Orleans, style. The menu features classic Louisiana and Cajun recipes such as Jambalaya and Gumbo as well as more well known southern dishes.
With funding in place the Jets will look to bounce back from a disappointing 2009 which saw them drop out of the top 20 after heavy loses to the Zurich Renegades and Prague Panthers. Coventry will learn their opponents and schedule at a meeting in Mallorca on the 6th of November. Potential foes include reigning Dutch Champions, the Amsterdam Crusaders, Italy's Parma Panthers or even a rematch with the Renegades. It's not too late to become a part of the Jets' 2011 EFAF Cup campaign, Pinley RFC will host Coventry's rookie events on Sundays at 10:30am throughout November and December. For more details on the Coventry Jets and to find out more about how you can get involved, please visit their website www.covjets.com. You can also follow the Jets on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CoventryJets.