University American Football head coach selected for Great Britain squad
The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) American Football team head coach has fulfilled a lifelong ambition after being selected to play for Great Britain.
Sam Bloomfield, who plays for the Manchester Titans alongside coaching the UCLan Rams, has joined the British American Football GB Lions squad after being invited for trials earlier this year.
The quarter-back has begun training with the national team, which is already in preparation to qualify for the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Championships that will take place in Australia in 2023.
"“There is nothing I’ve ever wanted more than to play for my country. When I got the call up to the GB squad it was truly a euphoric moment. "
— UCLan Rams head coach Sam Bloomfield, who has been selected to play for the British American Football Great British Lions.
Sam said: “There is nothing I’ve ever wanted more than to play for my country. When I got the call up to the GB squad it was truly a euphoric moment. I am extremely proud of my achievement.”
For the 31-year-old, the selection was almost 20 years in the making after he discovered a love for the sport in 2002 when he and a friend saw a game in Bristol and were hooked.
Sam, who studied nutrition and exercise science at UCLan from 2010 – 2013, set up the UCLan Rams team whilst he was a student before taking over as head coach once he finished his degree.
The experienced player has been head coach of the Rams since 2013, excluding a two-year break, and took the fledging team from division two to division one in the BUCS student league.
"The GB roster has around four ex-Rams players, which reflects the quality and commitment of the team."
— UCLan Rams head coach Sam Bloomfield, who has been selected to play for the British American Football Great British Lions.
“We’ve had a number of successes over the years and even went a full season undefeated” Sam said. “The GB roster has around four ex-Rams players, which reflects the quality and commitment of the team.”
Penwortham resident Sam also plays quarter-back for the Manchester Titans, which is ranked third in the British American Football Premiership, and juggles training for his club and country alongside his coaching commitments and working as a specialist well-being instructor for Wigan Council.
He said: “To play at this level takes a lot of hard work and I still need to prove that I’m the best quarter-back in the squad to make sure I make the starting line-up.”
The New England Patriots fan added: “The hard work is worth it though, for me American Football is the ultimate team sport. No other sport requires so much sacrifice from the players. It’s essentially human chess.”
