1. Footymad
  2. Sky Blues Mad
  3. Latest
  4. Cov Sport

Jets Go European

Last updated : 03 April 2008 By Adam Etherington

In a landmark decision, the Cassidy Jets today confirmed that they would be participating in the 2008 Eurobowl alongside Europe's elite American Football teams. It marks the end of a 7-year hiatus without British representation at the top level of the sport in Europe and reflects well on both the growing maturity of the Jets organisation and that of the British American Football League in general.

The Eurobowl is the equivalent of soccer's Champions League, with the Jets having sampled the EFAF Cup last season (which is the second tier of European competition, similar to the UEFA Cup). With the Cassidy Jets taking the runners-up spot in this year's Britbowl, their qualification for the Eurobowl was automatic. However, British teams over the last decade have consistently failed to take up their place because of the high entry fees.


Steve Coles for the Jets in European action

Cassidy Jets General Manager, Peter Evans, said: "We are thrilled to be playing in next year's Eurobowl and we have to give enormous thanks to the Cassidy Group for enabling us to take our spot in the top flight."

The Cassidy Jets are now set to face European teams that operate on a semi-professional basis and are aware of the enormous battle they face to be competitive at the elite level. Cassidy Jets Head Coach, Gerry McManus, said: "I have always believed that British teams should play at the highest level they can. We have terrific British players, capable of out-performing their European counterparts. The difference is, of course, that our opposition will import a lot of talent from the USA and we have to be able to meet and rise to that challenge."

Evans added: "It is an enormous honour to represent our city, country and the BAFL in Europe. We will work very hard to make sure we are a credit to them all." The Cassidy Jets have been handed a reasonable draw avoiding many of Europe's biggest names, they still face huge challenges with a home game against the Valencia Firebats on April 12th before a trip to face the Oslo Vikings a fortnight later.