Sheffield Giants
The Sheffield Giants are a British American football team based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom. They play in the BAFA Premier Division North. They were formed in 2008 as the Sheffield Predators but rebranded to the Giants in 2016 in a nod to the Steel City Giants who folded in the 1980s. As of 2017, The Giants currently play their home games at Sheffield Hallam University. In 2012 they were crowned Division Two Bowl Champions after defeating the Peterborough Saxons at the Don Valley Stadium.
 | |
| Founded | 2008 (as Sheffield Predators) |
|---|---|
| League | BAFA National Leagues |
| Division | Premier Division North |
| Location | Sheffield, South Yorkshire |
| Stadium | Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park |
| Colours | Black Helmets Sky Blue Jerseys Black Pants |
| Head coach | Toby Chesters |
| League titles | 2012 |
| Division titles | 2012 |
| Playoff berths | 2012, 2013 |
History
There have been a number of teams in and around the Sheffield area since the inception of American football in Britain.[1] The Steel City Giants were formed in the 1980s but soon folded in the same era. Until 2008, The Sheffield Tomahawks junior side were the only operating club in the City before The Predators were formed and after finishing their associate period, entered the BAFANL in 2010.[2][3] The Predators first season in Britball ended with a 0-10 record and finishing bottom of the National Central 2.[4]
During this time they have achieved a degree of success, primarily running the double-wing formation,[5] beating the Peterborough Saxons 39-33 in overtime to take home the Division 2 National Championship in 2012 at the Don Valley Stadium in their home town.
In 2014, the Predators announced a partnership with Structure Sport and Fitness Ltd, a gym in Sheffield, worth over £4000 annually.[6]
In 2016, the club was rebranded as the Sheffield Giants after an online voting poll by supporters and the British American Football.[7] The name change came following the teams decision to boost the appeal of the club, citing that the name "The Predators" was a negative name for attracting players from schools and universities[8]
Logos & Uniforms
The Predators logo was a stylised lion, the team played in gold jerseys with a black trim, and black game pants. The Giants rebrand in 2017 incorporated a full kit rebrand to black helmet, sky blue jerseys and black pants. The away jersey designed by Britballerz is black with sky blue numbers.
Home field
The Giants play their home games at the Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park, which is a £6 million multi-sport development, also used for rugby and football. There are also multiple 3G pitches.[9]
Teams
As well as the adult contact team, The Giants also operate both a flag football and youth contact team.
Coaching staff
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Toby Chesters |
| Offensive Coordinator | Brad Thompson |
| Defensive Coordinator | Liam Ransome |
| Special Teams Coordinator | Adam Lilley |
| Assistant Offensive Coordinator | Matt Wade |
| Quarter Backs Coach | Brad Thompson |
| Running Backs Coach | Toby Chesters |
| Offensive Line Coach | Si Byrne |
| Wide Receivers Coach | Mike Webster |
| Defensive Line Coach | Warwick Grosvenor |
| Linebackers Coach | George Foster |
| Defensive Backs Coach | Alex Robson |
| Team Physiotherapist | Emma Wallace |
Roster
|
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
|
Offensive Line
Defensive Line
|
Linebackers
Defensive Backs
|
Team Records
Complete records for the club under all three identities. 1986 to 1989 as Steel City Giants, 2010 to 2016 as Sheffield Predators and 2016 to present day for Sheffield Giants .[10]
| Year | Division | Wins | Losses | Ties | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 UKAFL | AFC East | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0.800 |
| 1987 Budweiser League | Southern | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 1988 Budweiser League | Premier Division | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0.900 |
| 2010 BAFL | Division 2 Central | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 2011 BAFANL | Division 2 Central | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0.600 |
| 2012 BAFANL | Division 2 Central | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| 2013 BAFANL | Premier North | 8 | 3 | 0 | 0.800 |
| 2014 BAFANL | Premier North | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0.444 |
| 2015 BAFANL | Premier North | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0.300 |
| 2016 BAFANL | Premier North | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0.300 |
| 2017 BAFANL | Premier North | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0.400 |
| 2018 BAFANL | Premier North | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0.400 |
Honours
- BAFA Division Two Central - Divisional Champions - 2012 (as Sheffield Predators)
- BAFA Division Two - National Conference Champions - 2012 (as Sheffield Predators)
Notes
- Britball Now List Of Britball Teams
- Sheffield Predators Awards & Honours
- http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/sport/predators-on-the-grid-to-bridge-20-year-gap-1-459582
- https://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/sport/predators-on-the-prowl-1-3417016
- The Big Interview - Richard Batty
- Sheffield Predators agree sponsorship with gym in Sheffield
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-36358504
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/uk-england-south-yorkshire-36447373
- University Sports Park
- http://www.britballnow.co.uk/history-index/historical-league-tables-in/