(c) BAFA

The Great Britain Lions announced a revised coaching staff for their re-entry into the European Junior Championships after an eight-year absence.

Tight ends coach Ryan Baker decided to leave the program, but at least four new faces will join the Lions coaching squad.

Newly appointed Special Teams Coordinator is former Kent Exiles Head Coach and GB Lion Scott Rowe. Coach Rowe contributed previously to the National Program with the Senior Lions.

Also joining the staff as the Quarterbacks Coach is former England and Farnham Knights quarterback Ashley Heath. Coach Heath helped the young Lions last year on an ad-hoc basis and BAFA is delighted to have approved his permanent appointment.

Two new graduate assistants join the team this season. Kirk Beacham (Defense) from Essex and Andy Studer (Offense) from Loughborough, as Assistant Head Coach Phil Wood will take over tight end responsibilities.

“This gives us a very strong coaching team going into a vital competition year and I am confident that we can build on the progress made last year,” said Head Coach Steve Rains.

“I  am sorry to lose someone of the caliber of Coach Baker. I wish him the best of luck for the future.”

The young Lions will be holding two tryout sessions for existing squad members and anyone interested in joining the squad to represent Great Britain.  A number of last year’s squad graduated due to age and all positions will be open.  To be eligible you must turn 20 before January 1, 2011.  The level of football you have played in is irrelevant, so if you are in a University or Senior team and you meet the age criteria, you are eligible.

The sessions will be held shortly in the south at Bristol and in the north at Gateshead.  Those sessions will be followed by a one day camp for the selected players which will be held in the Midlands.

The team travels to Utrecht, Holland in May for a single elimination qualifier competition. If the young Lions are successful they will then travel to Serbia later in the year for a four-team qualifying tournament with the aim of progressing towards the EJC Finals which will be held in Spain in 2011.

Lions full Coaching Staff:

Head Coach - Steve Rains
Asst Head Coach & TE - Phil Wood
Defensive Coordinator - Damian Anderson
Special Team Coordinator - Scott Rowe
Offensive Line - Mark Lockwood
Running Backs - Brian Smallworth
Wide Receivers - Mike Callan
Quarterbacks - Ashley Heath
D Line - Nigel Hoyte and Norman Navarro
Linebackers - Andy Mackintosh
D Backs - Simon Purcell

General assistants - Sam Asfahani, Greg Freeman, Andy Studer, Tom Burridge, Kirk Beacham

Physio - Alan Mowatt

Team Managers - Jenny Rains & Stuart Potts-Perkins