HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED WITH THE BRISTOL BULLETS?

The Bristol Bullets are one of the best University American Football teams in the UK. As perennial contenders to the National Title (we won it only a season ago) the Bullets are one of one of the fastest growing and most sucessfull sports teams at UWE.

The best place to sign up, or even simply find out a little more about the Bullets is the UWE Fresher’s Fair at the beggining of the year. If you want to join the team but miss us there, then drop Head Coach Mat Dyke an email or even a line on 07750 005636 at any time. He will explain everything you need or want to know about how to join the Bullets Family. You can even find us on Facebook!

Did we mention we have joint socials with the Cheerleading Squad?

If you are an experienced player and are coming to play, we’d like you to get in touch before Freshers Week if possible, so we can get you up to the Returners Practice. Drop Head Coach Mat Dyke an email.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

“I have never played American Football before, does that matter?”

Most of our players have never played American Football before joining the Bullets. Our experienced and extensive coaching staff will teach you the rules and techniques of the game, and turn you into an American Football player in no time at all. All you need is the ability to listen, learn and have a will to win!

“I’m to small/big/skinny/pretty to play American Football!”

You havnt done your research! American Football is a game that can accomidate anyone, no matter their physical size or ability! Even if you only want to kick the ball its possible in American Football. If your still not sure come down and try your hand at all of the different roles the sport has to offer. What do you have to lose?

“I don’t go to UWE, can i play for the Bullets?”

You dont nessessarily have to got to UWE to play for the Bullets. The official catchment areas for the team are:

• University of the West of England (UWE)
• Hartpury College
• City of Bristol College
• Filton College
• Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester

“Do I need my own equipment?”

No! American Football equipment is expensive, roughly £300 for an average full set of equipment. The club has a supply of equipment which it loans to its players for the season at small rental charge. Some of our players have purchased their own equipment, and if you are interested in buying any items, we can negotiate you a discount price with our suppliers.

All you need to bring along, is a pair of football/rugby Boots and a coloured gumshield.

“How far can I go in the sport?”

The skies the limit, how far you go is really up to you. One thing is for sure; our coaches will give you some of the best coaching available in the UK. In the Bullets history countless players have be selected to play for the Southern All-Star team and as well as the Great Britain Bulldogs National Team. Many of these players managed to achieve this in only their first season playing American Football!

And that is only the first possible step. Bullets players have represented countries such as Great Britain, Italy, Wales, England and Ireland in Senior International Competitions including the American Football World Cup and European Championships. Bullets players have even been offered football scholarships in the USA at NCAA Colleges!

Most recently 3 Bullets were offered semi-professional summer contracts to be paid to play football in countries such as Germany, Norway and Finland. There they had the opportunity to compete in the Eurobowl, the Champions League of American Football. Impress with the Bullets and you could spend you summers with free flights, accommodation, food, car and a wage, sunning it in New Zealand or a multitude of other places around the world.

Should you reach a high standard of competition then University Sports Bursaries of up to £1000 become available. In addition to this local council sports grants can be arranged as well as personal sponsorship. Aim high!

“How can I learn more about American Football?”

If you are a complete beginner to the sport, check out the NFL UK About The Game site, which has loads of information. Other good ways to learn more about Football, is to watch the NFL Coverage on Sunday evenings on Sky Sports Extra and Monday evenings coverage on Channel 5. American Football films also give a good insight into the game. Unusually, EA Sports’ John Madden American Football Video Games are an excellent way of learning more about the sport. Ultimately there is no better way about learning the sport than strapping a helmet and shoulder pads and going out and playing it!