Redditch Arrows

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Redditch Arrows
Established1986
Based inRedditch/Birmingham
Home stadiumKings Norton Rugby Club
Division titles9 (2004, 2000, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1990, 1989, 1987)
Current uniform
RedditchArrowsUniform.png

The Redditch Arrows were an American Football team based initially in Redditch and later in Birmingham, United Kingdom. They were formed in 1986[1] and disbanded in 2009.

History[]

The Arrows were established in early 1986. During the late 1980s, they played in three different leagues; the UKAFL, the Budweiser League and then BNGL, during which they made the playoffs twice. In 1989, after a playoff run, they reached the BNGL Premier Division Bowl Game, where they lost to the , who were in their debut season, 66-8.[2] During this time, they played their home games at the Abbey Stadium in Redditch.

After a down period, punctuated by being unable to compete in 1992 due to a player shortage, they reached the BAFL Division 3 final, where they lost to the . After again making the playoffs in 2000, they were promoted to Division One.

Finished with a creditable 3-5-0 record in 2001. Had a poor 2002 season finishing with a 0-9-1 record which resulted in them returning to Division Two in 2003, where they finished with a 4-6-0 record. Had a stunning regular season in 2004 finishing 9-0-1, but fell at the first hurdle in the playoffs in a thriller to Sussex Thunder 23-22. In the 2000s, the Arrows played their home games at Kings Norton RFC.[3]

Notable former players[]

All players listed below appeared for the Redditch Arrows during their career.[4][5][6]

  • QB Dave Stanton United Kingdom
  • RB Anthony Perkins United Kingdom
  • RB Charles Humphrey United Kingdom
  • RB Dave Mills United Kingdom
  • WR Mark Cohen United Kingdom
  • OL/DE Matt Sheldon United Kingdom
  • DB Mark Williams United Kingdom
  • OL Gary Matthews United Kingdom
  • OL David Robinson United Kingdom
  • FL Darren Biddle United Kingdom.
  • FS Karl Watkins