(c) BAFA

With preparation for the upcoming season well under way, one of the University of Birmingham Lions
coaches got dream opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business this week.

Offensive Coordinator Paul Cooper has been visiting with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks - attending practices as the Seahawks prepare for their upcoming season. The highlight thus far was being introduced by head coach Pete Carroll to players and coaches at a team meeting on Wednesday evening.

"It was a real honor to address the team last night and to be representing the Lions and Birmingham University here at the Seahawks," said an excited Coach Cooper. "I'm very grateful to Coach Carroll and
his staff for giving me access to camp, letting me sit in on meetings, and ask questions to try and improve myself as a coach and the Lions as a program."

The Lions and Pete Carroll have shared a bond since USC head coach conducted a 30 minute video chat prior to the Lions 2009 Championship <http://www.usctrojans.com/blog/2009/04/inspiring-across-the-pond.html> win over the Newcastle Raiders. Since then Carroll, now the head coach at the Seahawks, has kept up to date with the Lions progress via Twitter and Facebook with supportive messages before
<http://twitter.com/PeteCarroll/status/13247925754> and after the Lions second straight championship win, 27-16 over the Loughborough Aces.

"The tempo and intensity of practice is the highest I ever experienced and the it's inspiring to see the coaches working hard to improve each and every player on the roster - these are the big things I want to
bring back to our upcoming season, as well as the Xs and Os and new drills I've seen here" said Coach Cooper, clearly looking forward to two more practices before heading home.