New Morecambe Bay American football team moves step closer

The Morecambe Bay Storm held their first meeting at the Vale of Lune Rugby Club on Wednesday, January 20.

With 27 gridiron enthusiasts in attendance coach Don ‘Scud’ Fairhurst set out his vision for the new club and future development of the sport in the district.

The result of the meeting was that the Storm, aiming to become the first team in the area for non-university students for 25 years, are hoping to make their league debut in April 2017.

With that in mind the club are holding a ‘Rookie Day’ on Sunday, February 28, from 2pm on the artificial pitch at Salt Ayre Sports Centre with anyone who would like to tryout invited to come along.

Coach Fairhurst, who has been involved with the game locally for nearly 30 years, said: “We had a great turnout for the meeting and all were unanimous in making this a club something that the community will embrace and be proud of.

“American football in the UK is the fastest growing sport and there are competitive leagues for adults and juniors, contact and non-contact, mixed gender and women only.

“The game cuts across all demographics and we intend to create an academy to incorporate its many forms.”

The club are already on the lookout for sponsors to help with start-up costs.

Coach Fairhurst said: “We’ve got a lot of work to do to make this vision reality.

“Not least is in financing the purchase costs for the protective equipment necessary to play contact football.”

Anyone wanting more information can email [email protected] or visit www.morecambebaystorm.com.