London Warriors

London Warriors
Founded 2007 (as the London Cobras)
League BAFA National Leagues
Division Premier Division South
Location Thornton Heath, London
Stadium Frant Road, Streatham-Croydon RFC
Colours White Helmets
White and Black Jerseys
Black Pants
Head coach Tony Allen
League titles 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
Division titles 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
Playoff berths 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

The London Warriors are a British American Football club based in Thornton Heath, London and currently play in the BAFA Premier Division South for the 2018 season. They were formed in 2007 as the London Cobras[1] and were senior outfit for the London Warriors youth team. They are five-time BritBowl champions, with their most recent victory coming against the Tamworth Phoenix in Britbowl XXXII. They play their home games at Streatham-Croydon RFC.

History

The London Warriors were formed in 2007 as a senior team of the successful London Warriors youth team, who had won the British Youth American Football Association the previous two years running.[2][3] After being accepted by the British American Football League as Affiliate Members, they arranged to play the two friendly matches required under BAFL regulations.[4] In October 2007, the Warriors played home and away games against two teams from the British Universities American Football League—the first game was played at home to the Royal Holloway Vikings and ended in a 54–0 victory. One week later, they travelled to play the Loughborough Aces and won again, this time 42–7.[5]

After completing their obligations, the BAFL formally accepted the Warriors (the Cobras) application to join the league in December 2007, allowing them to compete as full members for the 2008 season.[6] They were placed into the newly renamed London and South East Conference in Division Two, where they made a huge impact, going on to complete an undefeated season, culminating in victory over the Tamworth Phoenix at Britbowl XXII.

In August 2012, the London Warriors Youth Kitted Team won the National Championship.

In 2015 Head Coach of the London Warriors Tony Allen invested his time to start a women's team. The London Warrior Women compete in both flag and tackle football. In 2015, they won the national flag football championship and in 2016 claimed the title of Southern Conference Champions.

Notable players

From 2008 to 2011 former Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Marvin Allen played for The Warriors. In 2011 he was joined by TV presenter Vernon Kay who played as a cornerback until 2014. Defensive end, Efe Obada, was discovered at The Warriors, and after playing only four games during the 2014 season he moved to the NFL and was briefly signed by the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, and most recently Carolina Panthers.

Home field

The Warriors play their home games at Streatham-Croydon RFC in the heart of South London.

Senior team season records

Season Division Wins Losses Ties PF PA Final Position Playoff Record Notes
2008 BAFL Division Two South East 10 0 0 382 9 1st/6 Beat Cornish Sharks 42–3 in quarter-final.
Beat Cambridgeshire Cats 32–0 in semi-final.
Beat Tamworth Phoenix 30–6 in final.		 Conference champions.
Division Two champions.
Promoted to Division One.
2009 BAFL Division One South East 8 0 1 286 45 1st/10 Beat Doncaster Mustangs 66–0 in quarter-final.
Beat Cambridgeshire Cats 22–6 in semi-final.
Beat East Kilbride Pirates 8–0 in final.		 Conference champions.
Division One champions.
2010 BAFA Premier South 5 5 0 161 129 4th/6
2011 BAFA Premier South 7 1 1 165 31 2nd/10 Lost in Final to London Blitz Runners-up
2012 BAFA Premier South 8 0 0 232 26 1st/5 Lost in Final to London Blitz Runners-up
2013 BAFA Premier South 10 0 0 510 59 1st/6 Beat London Blitz 26-23 to become National Champions 2013 National Champions
2014 BAFA Premier South 8 0 0 454 19 1st/9 Beat London Blitz 10-8 to become National Champions 2014 National Champions
2015 BAFA Premier South 7 1 0 328 29 1st/5 Beat London Blitz 20-19 to become National Champions 2015 National Champions
2016 BAFA Premier South 10 0 0 503 29 1st/6 Beat London Blitz 34-15 to become National Champions 2016 National Champions
2017 BAFA Premier South 8 2 0 398 135 2nd/6
2018 BAFA Premier South 10 0 0 421 33 1st/6 Beat Tamworth Phoenix 48-34 to become National Champions 2018 National Champions

References

  1. ↑ "We Are The Warriors". London Warriors AFC. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  2. ↑ "BAFL 2006 League Standings". Britball Now. 2006-12-20. Archived from the original (XLS) on August 7, 2011. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  3. ↑ "BAFL 2007 League Standings". Britball Now. 2007-11-17. Archived from the original (XLS) on August 7, 2011. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  4. ↑ "BAFL League Regulations" (PDF). British American Football League. 2007-04-01. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 10, 2015. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  5. ↑ "London Cobras: 2007 Affiliate Season Results". London Warriors AFC. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
  6. ↑ "London Cobras – successful associate membership completed". 2007-12-19. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
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